|
Designate USOD
|
|
 Make a Double Difference!
Please consider designating your UW donation to USOD. Thanks!
|
|
Join Our List
|
|
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
| |
|
|
Help USOD Plan for 2010 - Next Tuesday
|
|
 Programming Committee Meeting
Step forward and help us to plan for 2010 and make exciting things happen. Come with your ideas, dreams & calendar. We will be meeting November 10, 2009 7:00 pm at the Cleveland Clinic Community Room B 5001 Rockside Road, Independence, OH, mapquest, please rsvp the USOD office.
Also we are getting into gear for the 2010 Reverse Raffle. If you are interested in joining the planning committee or want to assist in any way, please email Sheila. More details will follow soon. Thanks!
|
|
Down Syndrome: The Importance of Crawling on the Stomach
|
|
Robert J. Doman Jr. and Ellen R. Doman
National Association for Child Development
One of the areas of parental concern for the development of any baby is
the area of mobility. Watching a baby learn to crawl, creep, stand and
walk are thrilling to all parents. As a parent we can see our child
learn to better explore their world and move from dependence to
independence sometimes in the time span of the first year.
As a parent of a DS child, you may have a special concern about your
child's development of mobility. Cardiac conditions can slow down the
emergence and development of mobility. The potential or reality of low
muscle tone and poor tactility can also slow down development in this
area drastically. Parents are often tempted to skip mobility
developmental stages in an effort to reach the coveted skill of walking
more rapidly. The consequences of this strategy can be very long
lasting and impact other developmental areas as well. read on |
|
Motivational Speaker, Born with Down Syndrome
|
|
Watch an uplifting video of Robert Pio Hajjar, born with
Down syndrome, delivering a motivational speech.
Click here to learn more about
Robert and Ideal-Way, the charity he founded.
|
|
Evening in the Valley Fundraiser
|
|
A Huge Success - Thank You!!!!
The night was a success with lots of food, fun & friends. Over 400 people joined together to celebrate the USOD & Michael & Denise Cirino. Thank you to the Zabs & the entire EITV Board for making a huge rally of of support, funds & awareness for the USOD.
Check out more pictures at our gallery & the lovely letter from the Cirinos.
|
|
Host a Dress Down for Down Syndrome Day
|
|
We are looking for companies,
schools, and individuals across Northeast Ohio to help celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness.
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 · Pledge Information Sheet · Awareness Stickers for Participants
Oct 2009 Dani came to Siemens to help her dad Michael Taraba at work in their
Dress Down for Down Syndrome Day. Thanks to everyone at Siemens for
doing so much! (hint for next year, get there early before all of
Michael's chili is gone!!!)
|
|
Down Syndrome Family Research Study
|
|
"My Kid Has More Chromosomes Than Yours!": The Journey to Resilience and Hope in Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome
This research project will include online surveys and qualitative interviews with parents that will explore the journey to resilience and hope experienced by families with a child with Down Syndrome (DS). This research will identify the key resilience factors in families who have successfully navigated this difficult transition and provide important information and resources for families facing this journey in the future.
The
project coordinators are Nicole Springer, Ph.D., Texas Tech University and
Briana Nelson Goff, Ph.D., Kansas State University, both parents of children
with Down syndrome. here is the flyer for more info & survey link.
|
Specs4Us - Eyewear Owned by USOD Parent Maria Dellapina
|
|
http://www.specs4us.com/
SPECS4US,
Superior Precision Eyewear for Children Who Are Special, introduces a new
concept in eyewear for children with Down syndrome that eliminates the problems
commonly associated with traditional eyeglasses. The mission of SPECS4US is to improve the vision
and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome by providing customs
frames designed especially for them.
The Erin's
World line of frames is engineered to fit the unique facial features of
children with Down syndrome while offering stylish options handcrafted for an
active lifestyle. Each pair of frames
offers special design features not found anywhere else. Adult sizes and sunglass clips are also
available.
Created by
the mother of a child with Down syndrome and 25 years experience as an optician,
the Erin's World eyewear from SPECS4US will help children and adults explore
their world with enhanced vision combined with an exciting level of style.
|
|
Volunteer For The Up Side of Downs
|
|
 What makes the USOD a success is YOU!
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:
Holiday Party Dec. 13th Setup, activities & clean up
Planning Committee for 2010
Reverse Raffle, March 27, 2010
and of course always in the USOD office!!
|
| Medina Mom's Night Out |
|
 Thursday, November 12, 2009
Join us for Ladies Night Out in Medina on the second Thursday of each month. Medina Moms have been meeting for over three years and welcome new members to join us for fun and friendship! We meet at the Starbucks/Chipotle in Medina. (next night is 12-10)
Our group also enjoys holiday get-togethers, picnics, and other social events. We also participate in a monthly playgroup at the Medina MRDD the third Monday of each month. This is in conjunction with Help Me Grow.
For more information or to rsvp, call Jamie Varga, 330-220-1045.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, 899 N. Court Street, Medina
Starbucks, 897 N. Court Street, Medina
|
|
Breathe - November 20, 2009
|
|
 November 20, 2009
BREATHE Special Needs Respite provides a fun, safe, evening out for families with special needs kids. BREATHE takes place monthly at Fellowship Bible Church in Chagrin Falls.
At BREATHE, kids enjoy
an evening of food, games, and fun while parents and caregivers get a
well-deserved break. Each child attending is paired up with a trained
volunteer for the evening. The best part? BREATHE is FREE!
All children 0-18 years of age are
welcome, along with their siblings. Each guest may participate in as
many activities as he wishes. A quiet room is also available for kids
who prefer peaceful activities with fewer transitions. All special
dietary concerns are accommodated, including gluten free/casein free,
color/dye sensitivities, and standard food allergies. Breathe Website
|
Writeslaw Book - All About IEP's
|
|
 Pre-order Discount Available
- answers
more than 200 frequently asked questions & introduces key legal issues
- outlines
your rights & responsibilities and explains the law in plain language
you can understand
- provides
the reference source of information, the law, regulation, OSEP publication,
or commentary
At the Writeslaw website & pre-order for Dec. Delivery.
|
|
Adapted Programming- Winter 2009
|
|
 Lake Metro Parks
Life Center Plus - flyer
Mayfield Heights
SPLASH Swim, Persevere, Learn, Achieve, Have Fun! Flyer
|
|
Workshop on Floor Time Play - Galvin & Associates
|
|
NOVEMBER 9, 16 & 23
·Learn to tailor your play skills to increase your young child's coping & problem solving skills.
· Participants will learn how to encourage cognitive, emotional & moral development through specific play techniques. See flyer for full details.
|
|
Partners in Policymaking Leadership Program
|
|
 Deadline - November 13th
The Arc of
Greater Cleveland is facilitating the Partners in Policymaking® leadership
training
program between the months of January - May 2010. Partners in Policymaking®
is an
internationally recognized training series that is designed for adults with
disabilities
and for parents of children under the age of 12 with disabilities.
Please call at
(216) 622-0755
extension 14 or email efakan@thearcofgreatercleveland.org
for
more
information. Application Letter, Details & Application.
|
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
|
|
|
