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Photo of the Week
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for more photos - gallery
send new photos to
photos@usod.org |
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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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Clorox Facebook Grant
We Won!
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It is very exciting that the USOD did place in the top 5 in the Clorox Power A Bright Future Grant Program. We won through daily votes on Facebook and received support from all over the world!
The USOD will receive a grant of $10,000 that we are using towards a playroom for our families along with a feature in PEOPLE magazine. (We are slated for the April 30th, Beautiful PEOPLE edition.)
Thank you for helping the USOD celebrate life with Down syndrome |
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USOD Bowling Buddies!
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 Sunday, January 24, 2:00 pm
Sunday Bowling is back!
Let's celebrate just a few weeks of winter to go! We have reserved
four lanes at Freeway Lanes in Solon. All bowlers are asked to wear
their Buddy Walk shirts if they have them. What better way to spend a
cold Sunday afternoon than with your Bowling Buddies!
Mark your calendar for 2-4pm on the following dates:
Feb. 14 and 28th
March 14 and 28
April 11 and 25th
Price: Individuals with Ds are free. All others pay $3.95 per game, all with complementary shoes.
Freeway Lanes
33185 Bainbridge Road Solon, OH 44139 - mapquest
Please rsvp to USOD office
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Baby & Tot Playgroups Westlake & Medina
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 January 25, 2010 6:30 pm
Join other moms, dads, babies & small siblings for a fun time to
hang out, chat & play.
Grandparents are welcome!!!!
Children's Play Group/Parent Support Group - Medina
6:30-8:00 pm; Medina County Achievement Center,
4691 Windfall Rd., Medina; Call Jamie at 330-220-1045; mapquest
Baby & Toddler Play Group - West Side; NEW IN 2010!
6:30-8:00 pm; Achievement Centers for Children,
24211 Center Ridge Road, Westlake;
Call Maria 440-845-4965; Free. - mapquest
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Stepping Forward to Help USOD
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 USOD Volunteer Site Updated!
We have lots of opportunities throughout the year to help USOD and have fun at the same time!
We need volunteers to step forward & sign up to host playgroups & lectures, make events spectacular and join committees to help direct & guide both the USOD and our vibrant community.
Comming UP:
- USOD Reverse Raffle Committee Meeting 6:30 Wed. Jan. 27th @ 6:30 Independence Library - 6361 Selig Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44131 mapquest
- USOD Programming Committee Meeting to help plan what YOU want to see happen for your family & community. Wed. Feb. 3rd @ 7:30 pm USOD office. please rsvp@usod.org
For more information please visit the USOD Volunteer Page to register, contact the office at 216-464-8763 or info@usod.org
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* Clothing * Clothing * Clothing * Clothing * Clothing *
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 Measure Once, Help Twice as Much!
Two Surveys
We at Downs Designs understand the difficulty
of finding clothes that fit a person with Down syndrome due to
distinguishing physical characteristics that relate to proportion. At
Downs Designs, we are designing jeans specifically tailored to fit the
body shape of a person with Down syndrome.
Downs Designs is offering a 10% discount on your first purchase of a
pair of our jeans as soon as they become available if you simply fill
out our "Down Sizing" Research Form.
The data collected through this form will allow us to further tailor
our jeans (and eventually a full line of clothing) to better fit the
needs of our clients with Down syndrome.
My
name is Karen Bowersox and I have a 5-year-old granddaughter with Down
syndrome. (Maddie is here in Cleveland) After watching my daughter struggle to find clothes that fit
her I wondered what I could do to help.
Research
proved there was nothing available so I have created a company called
Downs Designs. I am in the process of designing jeans for all ages.
Downs Designs will eventually grow into a full line of clothing. Your input and suggestions are so important as we develop this new concept in clothing. Downs Designs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Our friends at the Down
Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati are interested in learning more
about your experiences in finding suitable clothing for your loved one with
Down syndrome. Please take a moment to complete their nationwide survey!
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ARTICLE HEADLINE
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Saturday, January 23, 2010 All Day Workshop
This one day program is designed to provide families and advocates the
information they need to be prepared to conduct a due process hearing. more info |
USOD Parent Health & Wellness Party - Enjoy
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Saturday, January 23, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
USOD parent Sharon Sorino is inviting members to a health & wellness open house. please contact Sharon for directions. Enjoy & have a great night out!
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Parent Speaker Series - Facebook@Texting.Help
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 Wed. Jan. 27th, 7:00
TOOLS FOR LEADING YOUR CHILD SAFELY INTO THE DIGITAL AGE
- The basics on social networking
- Key benefits and pitfalls of social media
- Tips for helping your child be safe and tech savvy
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LEAP - Youth Advocacy Group (14-24 years old)
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 Young People with Disabilities Making a Difference!
Topic: Updates & Next
Steps - RTA Cuts, School Closings & Legislation with City Council. Learn what's happening in
YOUR Community, How it affects YOU & what YOU can do about it!
Thursday, January 28th,
2010 3:30-5:00pm
United Cerebral Palsy located at 10011
Euclid Avenue
Please RSVP to
Christian Borrero, Youth Advocacy Peer Coordinator at cborrero@leapinfo.org or by calling
Beth Thompson, Co-Facilitator at 216-696-2716 ext 132
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The
Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children
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Thursday, Jan 28th 6:30 pm
This Training developed by The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will
Cover an Overview of the State and Federal Laws that Govern Education in "Ohio. How these laws pertain to discipline in
both Regular and Special Education.
The Additional Rights and Protections
Afforded to Special Education Students.
What Advocates for Families with Children
with Disabilities should know to ensure that their rights are being protected.
Will Cover Parental Rights During the
Various Phases of the Special Education Process or Disciplinary Issues.
details - click here
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Don't miss the next Sensory Friendly Film!
The Tooth Fairy
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 February 6, 2010 10 am
AMC Entertainment (AMC) has teamed up to bring
families affected with disabilities a special
opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting
environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films"
program.
AMC Ridge Park Square 8
4788 Ridge Rd., Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 - mapquest
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SAVE THE DATE - March 27, 2010
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A Great Evening with the Up Side of Downs Raffle~ $4,000 Main Board Prize ~
~ Side Board & Raffle Sales Begin 6:30 p.m. ~
~ Additional Gift Baskets and Auction items ~
~ Cocktails & Hors D'oeuvres ~
~ Extensive Hot & Cold Buffet w/Carving Station ~ Tickets will be available for purchase early February!Monetary contributions, gift items and certificates for prizes & services are what make this
event such a success. Please be creative and help us network & acquire great donations. For more information and assistance please contact Sheila Raia
- 2010 Donation Form
Volunteers are needed for the Reverse Raffle Committee & for the Night of the Event - USOD Volunteer Signup!
Pictures & Raffle Packages from the 2009 USOD Raffle Help Support our Kids, Families & Community Providers!
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Join the National Down Syndrome Society for the Buddy WalkŪ on Washington
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February 24th and 25th, 2010
Government Affairs Committee (GAC) leaders, affiliate leaders in
government relations, seasoned self-advocates and others will come
together to "walk" right into the offices of their elected officials! Click here to learn more.
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Live My Way - Story
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 Bridget
Life
My Way is a statewide awareness program created by the Illinois Council on
Developmental Disabilities. Learn more about this great campaign featuring a
young woman with Down syndrome here
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Parent Training Modules
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Emotional & Behavioral Supports for Children
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Thinking About Summer Yet?
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Recreation Fair for families of children with disabilities
Mark your calendar for Saturday February 27th! Our regional special education center, State
Support Team 3, will be hosting the Annual Recreation Fair for families of
children with disabilities from 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. at the St. Michael's Woodside Party Center,
5025 East Mill Road in Broadview Heights, just off the I-77 and Wallings Road
Exit.
With summer just
around the corner, parents are beginning to plan activities for their
children. This familiar task is often a
little more challenging for families of children with disabilities.
Representatives from area camps and organizations will be available to answer
questions and share information. Families are encouraged to browse the
information tables and pick up their FREE copy of the "2010
Recreation Directory."
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Parent's Bill of Rights
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Help Spread the Word to Districts!
Download the PDF The newly developed Parents' Bill of Rights document is available
online at http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Compliance/parentbillofrights.html.
Districts may print the document to distribute to parents and may post it on
their websites. Districts must provide the Bill of Rights to parents when
a child is determined eligible for special education services or when an
initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed and whenever the
Procedural Safeguards Notice is provided to parents. Foreign language translations
and an American Sign Language version are also available.
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Research Study In Pittsburgh -
Compensation & Travel Expenses from Clevleand
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More info - click here
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Music & Movement Classes
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 February 2010
Rock-A-Bye-Babies
At Forest Hill Center, Fridays 9:15-9:45
This group is designed to provide a gentle first
music experience for caregivers and their young child, up to 12 months. A combination of wiggles, tickles, bounces and
songs will be used. Exposure to a variety of music and instruments will also be
presented.
Music
& Movement
At Forest Hill Center, Fridays 10 - 10:40
At Family Connections (Sussex),
Fridays 11:45 - 12:25
At Green Road Center, Tuesdays 9 - 9:40
This group will provide opportunities for
caregivers and their child, ages 12
months- 3 years, to explore music and movement through the use of rhymes,
chants, songs, instruments, finger plays and movement.
Friday Groups: Feb 12th - March 26th
Tuesday Group: Feb 9th - March 23rd
All participants must call to pre-register
Forest Hill: 216-761-3381
Family Connections at Shaker
Family Center:
216-921-2023
Green Road Center: 216-579-2768
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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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