April News & Updates

"Batter Up!"

It's Time for Challenger Baseball!

The Challenger Division is Little's League's adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. The teams are divided into two groups for play: Little League (ages 4-17) and Senior League (ages 18+).

Cheer our players on

for the 2023 Season!

Games will be played on May 13, 20, 27 & June 3, 17, 24
The Senior League plays at 9am; the Littles play at 10:30am
All games will be played at Sichler Field behind Mt Nittany Middle School.

Special Thanks

Penn State Students Show

Exceptional Leadership

Our 3-21 Celebration got a tremendous boost with students from Penn State University. The Lion Ambassadors (photo, above right) offered valuable volunteer muscle with a crew that helped with event set up, greeting our guests, managing the dinner service and more. We had additional support from an invincible team from the College of Health and Human Development's Leadership Initiative Program (read more below). They hit the ground running in early spring to take ownership & coordinate a variety of elements, and were priceless at the event too, running Games & Crafts alongside games veteran Chris Orndorff. Many thanks to all. We could not have done it without you!

Emma Sutter took the responsibility to organize the arts & crafts and helped collect prize donations. “During the celebration event I was able to connect with the CRDSS members. I am honored to have been involved with this organization and help increase awareness of the work of CRDSS and this community.”

Yaffa Englander’s joy in working with young people is obvious in her ubiquitous smile. “Working on this project gave me the opportunity to branch out and connect with a remarkable organization. This effort helped me improve my creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills.”

Emily Turner led the team's coordination with the event committee and planned the face painting project.“The Leadership Program gave me the opportunity to build relationships with my peers and the local community. I honed my communication skills with the intention of becoming a more reliable resource to my teammates. I learned I have a real knack for face painting too!”

Penn State Study Seeks Alternatives for Visual Learning

Researchers at Penn State University are conducting a research study to find out how to improve visual communication supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Although many individuals use picture-based means to communicate (e.g., symbols or photographs), the design of these communication systems can be difficult to understand, learn, and use. The researchers are hoping to find ways to improve the design of communication displays to better support learning and communication.

The Researchers invite CRDSS families to be included in the study

Eligible participants include those that have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD), are between the ages of 7 – 35 years and have complex communication needs. See the accompanying flyer for complete details and how to apply.

Visual Communication Study Flyer >

Applause for Our

For Good Troupe Spring Show

Our For Good Troupe presented a marvelous spring show, offering the broader community the opportunity to attend, enjoy and celebrate with us. Congratulations to our Troupe performers! We look forward to seeing you back on stage this fall!

Join US for this Dynamic Online Fundraiser!

May 10 & 11, 2023..........Stay Tuned For Details!

UPCOMING: Evening Presentation on Down Syndrome Study Identifying Alzheimer Biomarkers

The Alzheimer Biomarkers Consortium-Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) is a longitudinal study to follow a cohort of adults with Down syndrome over time to identify early biomarkers that may herald the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The investigators hope that these biomarkers can be useful to inform clinical trials and improve the quality of life in people with Down syndrome and for the general population.

Want to learn more? CRDSS is proud to announce an upcoming Knowledge Forum evening Zoom presentation from the ABC-DS study. Stay tuned for details.

Thank You CRDSS Sponsors

Your Annual Support Makes an Impact!

Boyles Insurance ~ Christine Bouley, Coldwell Banker Town & Country ~ Collegiate Pride

Dave's Mask Making ~ Geisinger ~ Ian Smith Painting ~ Jersey Mike's ~ Keystone Payroll ~ Lotsa Laffs

Dr. Marla Moon & Heimer, Fiore, Turco Eye Care ~ Northwest Bank ~ Pediatric Dental Care

Reliance Bank ~ RE/MAX Centre Realty ~ Restek ~ SAS Geospatial LLC ~ The Sign Factory

Skills of Central Pennsylvania ~ Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak ~ Strawberry Fields ~ Truist Bank

Details on how to join these supporters >

Support CRDSS Now!

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is a vibrant, hands-on organization

that provides individuals who have Down syndrome and their families

the tools, resources, and support necessary to participate in, contribute to,

and achieve personal health and fulfillment.

Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

Lauren Smith, Executive Director

lauren@centreregiondownsyndrome.org

www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org