DOWN SYNDROME CONNECTION OF THE BAY AREA

In 2024, DSCBA provided the following services, support, and events:(i) Together Happy Respected Independent Valued Empowered (THRIVE):THRIVE is a unique program for individuals with Down syndrome. THRIVE is conducted by age group with a focus on developing strong core strength, gross and fine motor, executive functioning, and social and friendship-building skills. These sessions embody a unique combination of strengthening cognitive skills and social/behavioral interactions, all while fostering lifelong friendships and having fun.(ii) Music Therapy:Music therapy takes the joy and power of music and combines it with the goals of a traditional therapy session. Music therapy interventions such as singing, instrument playing, music improvisation, songwriting, music and movement, and musical games are used to address speech, physical, academic, cognitive, and behavioral goals. It can also strengthen family connections, as caretakers are encouraged to participate. Music therapy sessions are available for members from infancy to adulthood.(iii) New and Ongoing Family Support:Support services for families from the prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis stage through childhood, school years, and adulthood. DSCBA offers Early Connections groups, where our families and their young children can bring their questions, connect, socialize, and learn. New families can be connected with a mentor family for additional connection and support. As DSCBA members grow older, DSCBA continues to support them with their needs in group settings and one-on-one support as needed. (iv) Connection Groups:DSCBAs Connection Groups offer opportunities for families to meet with those who have similar interests and are seeking peer support. Connection Groups available were Early Connections (0-3 years old), Parents with School Aged Children, Spanish Speaking, Parents/Caregivers of Adults with Symptoms of Dementia, Grandparents Group, Dual Diagnosis (Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder), Moms Chat and Dads Night. The majority, but not all, of DSCBAs support groups were conducted virtually in 2024.(v) Webinars and Workshops:Throughout the year, DSCBA provided webinars and workshops to members on a variety of topics for all age groups. Webinars included topics such as education, mental health, caregiver self-care, and safety.(vi) Communication Readiness Program (CRP):A six-week intensive summer program for children ages 47 with complex communication needs stemming from Down syndrome or dual diagnoses such as Down syndrome and autism. CRP incorporates reading, writing, art, music, obstacle courses, speech, and socialization with communication and school-readiness skills at the programs core. Students are introduced to alternative ways to communicate so they can successfully participate in school, and parents and educational teams are provided with instruction, training, and ongoing support to facilitate successful communication. (vii) iCan Shine Bike Camp:During the summer, DSCBA hosts its weeklong iCan Bike Camp. Riders learn to balance, pedal, steer and take off on their own, by attending 5 days for 75 minutes each day. It is an adapted approach to each individual rider based on the accommodations they may need to benefit the most from the program. The success rate of riders independently riding a bicycle (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of DSCBAs iCan Bike program is approximately 80% and all riders progress and gain skills during the week.(viii) Mental Health Alliance Pilot Program:The Mental Health Alliance (MHA) is a pilot program that began in 2021. The goal of the MHA is to train and support the mental health community in serving those with IDD so that people with Down syndrome and other IDD can better access high-quality mental health services. DSCBA provides training to mental health professionals in working with families with a child with Down syndrome, as well as the communication supports and training clinicians need to effectively serve this population, along with an array of treatment modalities.(ix) Medical Outreach:Partnership with dozens of Bay Area hospitals and hundreds of healthcare providers that serve people with Down syndrome. The alliance provides accurate, current information about Down syndrome to medical practitioners in new parent packets (in English and Spanish) they can share with their families welcoming a child with Down syndrome. The alliance also provides in-person trainings for doctors, genetic counselors, geneticists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare workers covering how to deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis, how to support and form a strong team with families who have a member with Down syndrome, the abilities of people with Down syndrome, and the local and national resources available.(x) Down Syndrome Education Alliance:Partnership with dozens of Bay Area schools and districts to provide training, resources, and support for teachers and educational staff who serve students with Down syndrome. The DSEA offers direct training, ability awareness presentations, consultation, research-based materials, and an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) lending library.(xi) Ability Awareness Presentations:DSCBAs ability awareness presentations are a unique way to educate students about Down syndrome and allow them to ask questions. These presentations not only spread awareness in the DSCBA community but also allows us all to learn that we are more alike than different.(xii) Inclusion Resources:DSCBA Inclusion Resource Directory provides families and educators with resources to guide them to meaningful inclusion.(xiii) Expression Connection:Expression Connection is a program of the DSCBA Educational Alliance. Through this program, DSCBA ensures that children who have communication and speech difficulty due to Down syndrome have access to Augmentative Alternative Communication systems (AAC). It is DSCBAs goal to make sure every individual is empowered and has the ability to communicate. DSCBA offers a lending library for AAC devices, consultations and training presentations. In addition to the lending library, DSCBA offers a Low-Tech Library containing a variety of communication boards.(xiv) Lending Library:The DSCBA Lending Library contains a vast selection of books and learning resources. Books include topics on prenatal diagnosis, raising a child with Down syndrome, education, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, and so much more. Through DSCBAs Lending Library, learning resources and kits are available to families including Handwriting Without Tears, Whole Child Reading and more.(xvi) Resource Directory:A variety of resource directories are available to members through Padlet. Resources listed on the directories are recommendations from members and local disability organizations. Directories available are general resource directories and recreation programs. (xvii) Community Events: Throughout the year, DSCBA hosted the following community events for and to benefit DSCBAs members:(a) World Down Syndrome Day Dance Party - In 2024, DSCBA hosted a Dance Party to celebrate WDSD. It is a free event for all DSCBA members and their families.(b) Holiday Parties - In 2024, the DSCBA hosted three Holiday Parties across different locations. All three celebrations were free for all DSCBA members and their families.