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Designate USOD
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 Make a Double Difference!
Please consider designating your UW donation to USOD. Thanks!
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Join Our List
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USOD
Board of Directors |
Casey
Atkinson
David J. Bruening
Allan Buzzelli
Renee Chappell
Denise Cirino
Sandy Donahoe
Scott Eitman
Sue Groszek
Debbie Marks
Michele C. Raia
Ann Regan
Katherine E. Schubert
Lisa G. Trifiletti
Ken Vinikoff
Brian J. Weiss, DPM
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Evening in the Valley - USOD Fundraiser
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 Saturday, October 10, 2009
Join
us for an evening in scenic Hunting Valley at the Historic White North
Stable.A beautiful horse farm built in the 1920's, now a dedicated
horse property. There will be a wine & food tasting along with
great prizes & raffles. (2008 Pictures)
White North Stable 6:00 ~ 9:00
3160 Chagrin River Road Hunting Valley, OH 44022 - map
This evening we will also be honoring USOD parents Michael & Denise Cirino, for their dedication to the USOD since Alexa was
born, twelve years ago. We are creating
an Ad and Tribute Book in their honor to be shared with all of our families and
friends. Please consider placing an advertisement which may include your logo
and any information about your business, a personal tribute to Michael & Denise or to the USOD. Tribute Information
Tickets are just $40 each & can be purchased securely on-line here or through the USOD office.
Please don't hesitate to contact the office with any questions, raffle donations or to volunteer!
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For Employers & the Media
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A national campaign to promote employment of people with
disabilities will ask employers to look at this population in a new
light. The Campaign for Disability Employment, a new effort of the American
Association of People with Disabilities, Special Olympics and a handful
of other groups, is launching an initiative dubbed "What Can You Do?"
It features a public service announcement and a new Web site where users can learn about employment issues and share their experiences.
Check it out & forward the site today! 
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Tonight! Special Needs Financial Planning
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 Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:00 pm
As the life expectancy for people with Down syndrome increases, aging
parents are faced with a difficult question: what will happen to my
child after I'm gone? Brennan Financial Group will present this
workshop to address this quesion and explore the unique legal and
financial issues faced when planning for the future of a dependent with
special needs. Topics will include guardianship issues, Special Needs
Trusts, and funding Special Needs Trusts for a dependent. Grandparents
are also encouraged to attend.
Location: 27333 Center Ridge Road Westlake, OH 44145
Contact: rsvp@usod.org |
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Giving Children Responsibility At A Young Age
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 Down Syndrome Centre by Ann Haig Wheeler One of the most important things a parent can do for a child is to
support a child's sense of responsibility. Responsible children learn
to solve problems, get on with others, and feel like an important part
of a community. We can help children begin to build this important ...
Continue reading
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| Grandparent's Nook |
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 Reading With Your Grandchild Can Be the Best Gift Possible.
"Many children with Down syndrome are actually early readers," says
Libby Kumin, "reading is easier than speaking" for many kids with DS" she says. To that end, Kumin recommends reading aloud to grandchildren with Ds,
and pointing out and identifying objects and events in the environment
to help them develop their language and communication
skills. Don't assume that the child notices that the weather is warm
and the birds are chirping. Instead, point out those things and strike
up conversations about them. continue reading ....
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Woodbine House has a 20% off Special for all book on Ds
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On October 23rd the Tools for Tomorrow Conference in Downtown Cleveland is a fantastic community resource & education event. Consider registering, to empower yourself & be able to share information with your child if he/she has to work or can't go. Only $40 for the guest speaker, 3 workshops, materials & lunch.
For more info click here
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Monthly Speakers Series - Sexuality 102
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 October 6, 2009 7:00 pm
Lydia Troha, Human Sexuality Educator for the CCBDD, returns to talk
about the sexuality issues associated with that wild ride called
adolescence. The focus will be on teenagers from 13 to 17 years old, as
well as the 18 and older group transitioning from teen years to
adulthood. Topics will include physical development and maturation,
centering on how to prepare adolescents for independence,
relationships, and boyfriends or girlfriends. Lydia will also cover how
to present information on sexual intimacy, sexual behavior,
reproduction, STI/safer sex practices, and more. For more info on Lydia
Troha, see the attached bio.5001 Rockside Road, Independence OH 44131 Cleveland Clinic Community Room
please rsvp@usod.org
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Toe Path Marathon - October 10, 2009
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 A Fantastic USOD Team
Is running to raise awareness and funds for the USOD. Help get the word out to recruit other runners, sponsor our runners or do a general donation to the team. Each runner gets the coolest USOD jersey or running shirt in the entire world. USOD Toe Path Marathon Team Website.
Huge thanks and best wishes to our current team:
Dan Clapper, Julie Farley & Denise McCormick
Race details can be found at the Toe Path Marathon Site.
Do you have a passion for training for athletic events?
Do you have a passion for USOD?
Why not combine these two passions by racing for awareness and raising funds to help support USOD? See the USOD website or the sports flyer for details.
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USOD Bookclub - Riding the Bus with my Sister
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 Sunday, October 18, 2009
Order the latest book for the USOD book club, it will be a lovely afternoon of coffee, fun and friends at Joseph Beth's Bronte Cafe at Legacy Village at 2:00.
The book is $15 & will be offered for $7.50 for USOD members. Send a check or email the USOD office.
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USOD Siblings Conference
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 Sunday, October 25, 2009
USOD is having fantastic workshops dedicated to siblings led by nationally renowned speakers Sue Levin & Dr. Brian Skotko at the Strongsville Recreation Center
Just For Parents - What your other children without Down syndrome are thinking? Sibling Issues. Through a series of interactive exercises, parents will explore what
questions, needs, and concerns are often raised by children who have a
brother or sister with Down syndrome. Parents & professionals will
come away with practical answers to commonly raised questions. 10 - 11:30
Just For Siblings- Brother-and-Sister Workshops
In these workshops, the typical brothers and sisters have opportunities, through
interactive exercises, games, and role-playing scenarios, to learn more
about disabilities in an accepting and confidential environment with
peers. Brothers and sisters come away from the workshops with more
information, social connections with peers, and early lessons on
advocacy. 2 sections available@ 1:00 pm & 3:00pm, but register
fast since there are only 25 slots available in each age group, ages
6-9 and 10 & older.
Special Registration Offer, $25 USOD family package - Any four spaces at the conference & a copy of the book Fasten Your Seatbelt (a $19 value.) Must pre-register on-line - Skotko Registration.(Use discount code FAM at checkout) Please contact the USOD office if a scholarship is needed or you have any questions.
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Volunteer For The Up Side of Downs
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 What makes the USOD a success is YOU!
We are very excited to announce on-line registration and tracking for volunteer opportunities for the USOD. It is so easy to log in, list your interests & unique skills, then see what is available & sign up in a 1-2-3. Additionally, we will be utilizing this system to track volunteer hours for the USOD Family Grants program which requests between 5-10 hours a year.
Log in here to become a USOD Volunteer - So check it out, log in & don't hesitate to contact the USOD office with any questions or suggestions.
Some current opportunities we are looking for volunteers:
Phone Calls to Bookstores for DS Bookmark Campaign for October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month - Next week
As needed - Editing & Proofing Print & Media Materials
Evening in the Valley Benefit - Saturday, Oct. 10
Dr. Skotko Sibling Conference - Sunday, Oct. 25
and of course always in the USOD office!!
Special thanks to Ellen Hacker & Brian Jasper for their help in the office.
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Fall 2009 USOD Family Grant Program
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 Deadline October 30, 2009
Family Grants are made available to the membership of the Up Side of
Downs to provide assistance to individuals with Down syndrome. The
purpose of this grant is to provide money for anything that directly
improves the life of the individual with Down syndrome. The funding for
Family Grants comes from donations and fundraisers. Download & open the following application.(you must have adobe reader installed on your computer) You can submit electronically or print it out & snail mail it to the office. Additional info is at the usod website. If you have any difficulties, questions or would like a paper copy sent to you in the mail, please contact the USOD office.
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Finding Developmental Disabilities Services in Ohio
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Help in Navigating Ohio's Maze
As professionals working for decades with people who have developmental disabilities in the state of Ohio, we began talking about how difficult & confusing the different parts of our system are. If we have a hard time figuring it all out, how is a parent or loved one supposed to know where to begin?
It was this conversation that led us to write this booklet for parents and other relatives of children and adults with disabilities. We hope it will give you some guidance and help you find your way through the maze of systems and services, with one overall goal in mind: opening the doors
to the best education, training, and supports possible to allow your loved one to live a meaningful and happy life.
You are your child's best advocate. Keep asking questions and knocking on doors until you get answers you need.
Download the Guide Today
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Raise the Roof Fundraiser - Maple Leaf Homes
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Wednesday, September 30, 3009 ~ 6:00 pm
Fantastic fundraiser for the residents of Maple Leaf Community Housing in Geaugua County. Please see the invitation for full details. Come join USOD in supporting a wonderful resource for our community! |
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Kool Korkers
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 Kool Bows for Down Syndrome
Korker
bows are the hottest hair accessory a girl can own. We have a wide
variety of predesigned korker bows & can do custom colors also. This korker was designed for USOD member Deborah Marks, check out the Korker website today & don't forget the USOD members craft corner! |
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BREATHE Respite Program - New Website Registration
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Fellowship Bible Church, in
Chagrin Falls, is launching a FREE respite program to support families with
kids with special needs in September.
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Monthly "date
night" for parents to take a needed breather!
· FREE!
· No less than a 1:1
ratio of trained, background checked volunteers per child.
· Siblings are
welcome!
· Sensory room and
quiet room available
· Medical team and
on site security
· All dietary needs
accommodated
Our goal is to spoil the
families! Contact program coordinator, Candy Baroni at
216.299.1669 or cbaroni2@aol.com, or Karen Kalis at
440.382.1787. Register at their new website
See flyer for full details - BREATH Sept. 25
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| Gluten-Free Taste Fair |
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Saturday, October 10, 2009 , Noon to 4 p.m.
Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Ohio's largest locally owned natural and organic foods market, is hosting a delicious sampling of foods for this special-needs diet at both of its locations in Akron and Solon. Enjoy samples of all kinds of gluten-free fare, along with guest speakers and local support groups to learn more about health concerns for those members of our families who are gluten-intolerant or have Celiac Disease (CD). CD arises when the lining of the small bowel becomes damaged from exposure to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Studies in the 1990s indicated that children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk to develop Celiac Disease than the general population. Studies from Europe looking at the percentage of children with DS that have CD have ranged from 7% to 16%. Click on this link for more information on Celiac Disease and Down Syndrome. |
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Planning for the Transition
from School to Adult Life
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WHEN: October 19, 2009
WHERE: Middleburg Heights
Community Recreation Center 16000 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights
TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00
p.m. (Lunch not provided) Cost: Free
Details & Registration: www.ocecd.org
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Tools for Today & Tomorrow Conference
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 Friday, October 23, 2009
The 2009 Tools for Today and Tomorrow conference is for you if you are
a parent, relative, guardian, teacher, nurse, counselor, psychologist,
occupational therapist, or aide caring for, or working with, children
with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. CEUs are available.
Join us on October 23, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, at the Cleveland State
University Cole Center for Continuing Education. Gain new insights and
strategies, gather valuable information, and be uplifted. No one will
leave without making important connections with others.
Click here for event registration site
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Yoga Reach - Mayfield Village
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Who: Teens -24; 25 & older
Where:
Mayfield Village Civic
Center
When: Session II-Tues, Oct 27 - Dec. 1
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Teens-24
6:05 - 7:05 p.m. 25 year & older
Cost: $50/participant per session or .
Instructor: Char Grossman, M.A., NCSP, RYT-500, Therapeutic Yoga
Specialist and School Psychologist
Details: This therapeutic, educational program provides an
integrated system of yoga poses
designed to promote
the unification of mind and body. This program benefits those with
and without special needs. It develops strength, flexibility, breath
awareness, balance, stress management, concentration, self-esteem and a
healthy inner self. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. Regis
Deadline: & Oct. 23 For more information - 440)
461-5163
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USOD Mission
To provide support, education, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities.
Vision
The Up Side of Downs is committed to building a community where
people with Down syndrome are independent and have the opportunity to
reach their fullest potential.
History
In the early 1980's, a handful of parents whose children had Down
syndrome began to meet informally over coffee for socialization and
support. Nearly thirty years later, with the help of a lot of coffee
& caffeine, their vision and hard work has taken the Up Side of
Downs from a grassroots parent movement to a staffed nonprofit
organization joining over 800 families throughout Northeast Ohio.
We invite you to connect with our with our support community to join us at one of our many programs & services, do research in our comprehensive resource directory, join our on-line family support network, enjoy our scrapbook photo gallery and so much more.
Contact the Up Side of Downs of Greater Cleveland.
The Up Side of Downs of Greater Cleveland
23230 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 640
Cleveland, OH 44122
phone
216.464.USOD (8763)
fax 888.708.USOD (8763)
e-mail
info@usod.org
web www.usod.org
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