Providing support, education, and advocacy for people with
Down syndrome, their families and communities.
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October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
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 There are so many ways that we can all step forward to celebrate, support & educate our schools, workplaces, families and larger community during October, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Coordinate your school or office for a  Sign up to become a USOD Volunteer. Distribute Bookmarks as part of our Awareness Campaign Most of all though, give a great big cheer & hug to celebrate all the individuals with Down syndrome, their families & our wonderful community.
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| Issue: 10.2 |
October 8.2009 |
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USOD DS Awareness Bookmark
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 Contact the usod office if you would like some for your school or location. Get them fast since they are going like hotcakes. fullsize image
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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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New guidelines for physicians: How to give a diagnosis of Down syndrome
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 by Dr. Brian Skotko
Every mother and father who has a child with Down syndrome remembers
vividly when they first learned of the diagnosis. One mother once wrote
me that she was shopping in her favorite grocery story, selecting a can
of garbanzo beans, when her cell phone went off. It was her
obstetrician, calling to inform her that the "test" came back
"positive" for Down syndrome. She froze, she wrote. After all of those
years shopping in the same store, she could not find the door. Another
mother, then a third-grade teacher, recounted how the PA speaker
announced while she was teaching that an "important phone call" was
awaiting her in the administrative offices. She told her class to read
their books, while she walked to the principal's office. It was the
obstetrician's assistant. "We wanted to tell you right away: it's Down
syndrome," the mother recalled. She was unable to return to her class.
There are better ways than others to inform an expectant parent of a
diagnosis of Down syndrome but to-date, there have been no standard
guidelines for physicians.......
In the American Journal of Medical Genetics,
we reviewed the evidence in how to deliver a prenatal diagnosis of Down
syndrome and make nine new recommendations for physicians based on our
results, among which showed that expectant couples:
- prefer to receive a diagnosis from physicians
- prefer to receive the diagnosis as soon as possible following
definitive prenatal testing, and in the company of their partner
- wish to receive the results of their definitive testing in person or at a pre-established time by phone
- want to be provided with accurate information about Down syndrome and medical conditions associated with the disorder
- value being given the opportunity to reach out to parents of children with Down syndrome
read on...... (On October 23, 2009 Dr. Skotko will be in Cleveland and speaking to Obstetricians, Pediatricians and Medical Students at Case Western University on this very topic, sponosored by the USOD.)
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Gymboree Class - Friday **NEW START TIME**
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Friday, October 9, 2009 , 12:15
Let your little one be a star for a day!
On October 9, The Up Side of Downs will bring a camera crew to Beachwood Gymboree to capture the fun on film. This video will be used to promote our organization and, of course, to demonstrate the abilities of our adorable kids!
This class is for babies - age 6. Siblings and grandparents are welcome. Class is $3 (Regular cost is $9 a class, this programming is being supported by USOD fundraising.)
1980 South Green Road, Beachwood, OH - mapquestGo to the Gymboree website for more details about the class & curriculum. |
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Evening in the Valley - Volunteers Needed!
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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
Please don't hesitate to contact the office with any questions, raffle donations or to volunteer (and then enjoy the evening not having to purchase a ticket. Please contact the USOD office if you can volunteer.)
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| Towpath Marathon - October 11, 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 Towpath Marathon Team Website.
Huge thanks and best wishes to our current team:
Ed Bochenek, Dan Clapper, Julie Farley, Scott Hennie, Todd Keserich,
Denise McCormick, Denise Moore, Cindy Riesen, Brett Shriver, Andy Skorobatckyj.
Race details can be found at the Towpath Marathon Site.
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Baby & Toddler Playgroup in Strongsville - new date!
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 Monday, October 12, 6:30 pm Great time will be had by all moms, dads, babies & small siblings. Come hang, chat & play. Feel free to bring blankets and small toys.
15000 Cheerful Lane Strongsville, Ohio - mapquest |
| Grandparent's Nook - Help with Reading |
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 Teaching words and early reading skills -
Why learn whole words?
Children with Down syndrome can learn words by sight before
they are able to recognise, learn or apply the rules of letter sounds, phonemes
and graphemes. For them, and for many other children, whole word learning is a strength
and will give them early reading success. Make it your gift to your grandchild to learn research based methods to reinforce his or her reading and provide the enrichment and intimate experience all children benefit from & need. read more about teaching reading... Additinal resources can be found on the usod website but also at www.downsed.org
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| Monthly Parent Speaker Series - Sensory Integration |
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October 14, 2009, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm 
Jennifer Smith, Behavior Curriculum Intervention Specialist for the CCBDD, presents a lecture titled, "Understanding And Addressing The Needs Of Students Who Have Sensory Integration Issues." This lecture is designed to help you understand the neurological and physical effects of sensory processing disorder, and provide practical strategies to bring balance to each sensory system. Click here for more information about Jennifer Smith.
Cleveland Clinic Independence Family Health Center, Community Conference Room B, 5001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131 - mapquest rsvp@usod.org |
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Host a Dress Down for Down Syndrome Day
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We are looking for companies,
schools, and individuals across Northeast Ohio to help celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
If you are an Office Manager, Human Resources Director, Principal or Superintendent, Dress Down for Down Syndrome Day is a great motivator and morale booster for employees, while promoting unity for a great cause. If you are not in the position to approve this event at your work or school, please pass this opportunity on to the right person
It is a fun, rewarding day that benefits individuals with Down syndrome and their families thoughout Northeast Ohio. For each event you will receive a FREE Dress
Down for Down Syndrome Day kit containing:
· Registration Letter
· Posters
· Remittance Envelope
· Pledge Information Sheet
· Awareness Stickers for Participants
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| Mom's Night Out - Every Mom Deserves a Break! |
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 Friday, October 16, 2009
Join us for Mom's Night Out at 7:00 p.m. at Yours Truly Restaurant - 8111 Rockside Rd, Valley View, Ohio 44125 The first round of appetizers is on USOD! mapquestThis is a great way to meet other moms in the area, compare notes, set up play dates and make new friends! Hope to see you there! |
| Baby & Toddler Playgroup in Highland Hills |
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Monday, October 19, at 10:00 am
Join other moms, dads, babies & small siblings for a fun evening to hang out, chat & play. Feel free to bring blankets and small toys. Free.
4255 Northfield Road, Highland Hills, OH 44128 - mapquest |
Actor with Down Syndrome Takes Top Prize
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 We Can Do Anything!
A Spanish actor with Down's syndrome has picked up the best actor award at the San Sebastian film festival. Pablo
Pineda won the prize for his portrayal of a man with Down's syndrome
who gets a university degree and falls in love in Yo Tambien (Me Too). read on......
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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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Education Resources - USOD Resource Binder
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Parents & Schools in Partnership Resource Binder
Available exclusively from USOD -- order your copy today!
This is a must-have for educators, parents, and all others interested in building success for students with Down snydrome. Included are ideas for modifying the day to day curriculum and activities for students with Down syndrome. Sample modules include inclusion strategies, classroom ideas, behavior, peer relationships, literacy strategies, math ideas, and much more.
Cost of Binder: $25.00; Cost of Binder plus 3 additional modules delivered quarterly: $40.00. This also includes access to our Educator newsletter, Inclusion Solutions, delivered bi-monthly by email unless otherwise noted.
Make check payable to The Up Side of Downs of Greater & mail to USOD office, call 216-464-8763 or email us.
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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:
Available by Email As Needed -
Editing & Proofing Print & Media Materials
Writing Press Releases - (HELP!)
Evening in the Valley Benefit - Saturday, Oct. 10
Dr. Skotko Sibling Conference - Sunday, Oct. 25
and of course always in the USOD 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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| The Specials - Reality TV From Across the Pond
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"This is our world and we want to share it with you!"
Reality TV from England. Check out their first few episodes on-line. (not reviewed for content by usod) |
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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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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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