Thank you for celebrating with us!
We had a FANTASTIC World Down Syndrome Day and hope that you did too! Thank you to everyone who came out to spend the day with us! We had a blast playing a friendly game of football with a couple of our UCF Knights, enjoyed amazing jazz music and had a beautiful picnic, what a day!
We love to see our members enjoying one another and the wonderful opportunities in our community! We know that every day is a day to celebrate the ones we love, but it is great to celebrate what it means to be part of the <<<Lucky Few>>> and raise awareness!
We will have a whole month of this in October and would love hear some ideas of how you think we can celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Send your ideas to Karmarie karmarie.maldonado@dsfflorida.org.
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Click on the video below to view our
World Down Syndrome Day recap
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10th Annual iCan! Bike Camp - open for registrations! |
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April
- (TODAY) Friday, April 9 - Deadline to apply for Summer Scholarships
- Saturday, April 10 - Zoom playdate - The Monster at the End of This Story (2:00pm-2:45pm)
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Thursday, April 15 - Parent Informational Meeting - Planning, Trusts, Guardianship, & More (7:00pm-9:00pm)
- Monday, April 19 - Dad's Night Out - Top Golf - Lake Mary (6:00pm-8:00pm)
- Thursday, April 22 - Mom's Night Out - Colibri Mexican Cuisine - Baldwin Park (6:30pm-8:30pm)
- Saturday, April 24 - T21 Social Network - Sea Life Aquarium (11:00am-1:00pm)
- Sunday, April 25 - Club 321 - Pool Party (2:00pm-5:00pm)
June
- 10th annual iCan! Bike Camp - June 27- July 2
Weekly Programs
- Mondays - iCan! Work Lunch and Learn (1:45pm)
- Tuesdays - Virtual Zumba with Elyse (4:00pm - 5:00pm)
- Wednesdays - Virtual Club 321 (4:00pm-5:00pm)
- Thursdays - Virtual T21 Social Network (18+) (4:00pm-5:00pm)
- Fridays - F^3: Fantastic Foundation Friends (4:00pm) and (4:30pm)
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Deadline to apply for Summer Scholarships |
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Summer scholarships are CLOSING TODAY!
Don't miss out!
Here are some of the awesome opportunities The FOUNDATION makes available to our members:
Community Scholarships:
These scholarships are for a class, activity, sport or just about anything your loved one is interested in. Not sure how your family would use this scholarship?
Here are a few ideas:
- My Gym, Gymboree, YMCA, RDV, JCC Sports
- Bowling League Dues, Music Lessons, Zumba
- Art, Dance or Karate Classes
- Community Center or City Recreation Courses & Classes
- And many more!
Educational Scholarships:
This scholarship program is designed to provide financial support for tutoring for additional class support (reading, math, writing or language) that is primarily academic in nature and outside of the regular academic setting. Tutors must hold a current Florida Educator Certificate. This program does not cover basic school tuition or costs to attend a regular (or private) academic program.
Swim Scholarships:
Water activities are a part of everyday life in Florida. Swimming provides your child with excellent physical conditioning, social interaction, self-confidence, safety, increased ability to follow instructions and FUN!
Speech Therapy Scholarships:
One of the most important aspects of success for ANY individual is the ability to communicate. To expand opportunities for speech and language, to better serve the Down syndrome community, we have partnered several providers in the Central Florida area to offer Speech Therapy Scholarships. Therapists must be pre-approved by The FOUNDATION to qualify for this scholarship.
ABA Scholarships:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a methodology that is used to help individuals shape appropriate behaviors by either modeling new ones or determining how to phase out and eliminate undesired behaviors. ABA organizations must be pre-approved by The FOUNDATION to qualify for this scholarship.
*Applications will close on April 9th.
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Zoom Playdate - The Monster at the End of This Story: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover |
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Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 2:00pm-2:45pm
Location: Virtual
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Calling all kiddos! Ready to get together and help our lovable, furry old friend Grover?
Join us as we get together via Zoom for a ZOOMARRIFIC playdate and watch Sesame Street's The Monster at the End of This Story.
What the movie is about:
(00:30) Grover is the star of his very own story! But oh no! There’s a monster at the end of the story! So, Grover does everything he can to stop the show and avoid the monster, but nothing works! With help from his friends, Grover learns it’s okay to feel afraid. By the end, he’s ready to meet the monster – only to discover that the monster is Furry, Lovable, and Brave – Grover!
Trailer:
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Parent Informational Meeting - Planning, Trusts, Guardianship, & More |
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Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Virtual
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There are topics we all like to avoid, such as:
- Who will take care of my kids if I die?
- How do I plan for the future of my adult child with Down syndrome?
- What is guardianship and at what age do I need to start thinking about this?
We don't want to scare you - we want to help you prepare! The best scenario is to have a plan so you are never stuck in crisis.
Join us on Thursday, April 15, to learn more about special needs planning, trusts, guardianship, and more.
We'll be discussing:
- What special planning do I do for my special needs child?
- Should I consider a trust or some other type of special planning?
- What is guardianship? Guardian Advocacy? When should it be considered?
About the host:
Sarah S AuMiller, J.D., B.C.S, is a partner with with the Law Offices of Hoyt and Bryan in Oviedo Fl. Sarah is a Board Certified Specialist in Eder Law. Her practice area is focused primarily on Estate Planning and Elder Law, including Wills, Trusts Special Needs Planning, Trusts, Disability Planning, Guardianship and Guardian Advocacy, Medicaid Planning, Probate and Trust.
Zoom Link will be emailed after registering - and also added to The FOUNDATION Family Group Page on Facebook AND Meet-Up the day of the event.
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Date: Monday, April 19
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 1010 Greenwood Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Take this much-needed opportunity to relax and connect with other dads in the community while practicing your swing. No golf experience is required!
Cost: Your meal will be covered by The FOUNDATION - drinks are not included.
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We would love for you to give yourself a break
and join us for a girl's night!
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Date: Thursday, April 22
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Colibri Mexican Cuisine - Baldwin Park
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As moms, we are often so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves! Join this group of hard working women for a much deserved night out!
Cost: The FOUNDATION will cover $15 towards your meal.
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We’re going to have so much fin! 🐟
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Date: Saturday, April 24
Time: 11:00am- 1:00pm
Location: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
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Our first T21 outing of the year!
Join our T21 Social Network crew as we have lunch and fun at the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
The FOUNDATION will cover the museum admission - members need to bring money for lunch.
This program is for members 18+ and will give them the opportunity to gain independence, make their own transactions and decisions, socialize, and make new friends and memories! This program will host monthly drop-off events where participants will have the chance to experience fun outings in an independent but safe environment (fully staffed). Social gatherings will include trips to restaurants, movies, bowling alleys and a variety of other fun places.
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Date: Sunday, April 25
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Camille's house (Downtown Orlando)
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Pool party + pizza? Yes please!
Join us for an evening in the pool and dinner with friends! Take a break from the summer sun and cool off with other middle and high school students for our monthly drop off program.
Our Club 321 is designed for middle school and high school students to give them an opportunity to gain independence, socialize and make new friends and memories. This club will host monthly drop-off events where participants will have the chance to experience fun outings in an independent but safe environment (fully staffed events). Outings will include trips to the movies, bowling alleys and a variety of other fun places. So what are you waiting for? register now!
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Virtual Zumba with Elyse! |
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When: Every Tuesday
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing:
Elyse Mundelein will be teaching a virtual Zumba class! We will post the Zoom information of the event below or on our private Facebook page. No experience needed, just get ready to dance and have fun!
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Join our Club 321 virtual meet-up for middle and high-schoolers! |
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When: Every Wednesday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our middle and high school group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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Virtual T21 Social Network (18+) |
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When: Every Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
This is a great opportunity for our adult group to socialize, engage, and connect with each other. We'll have something new and different each week!
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F^3 : Fantastic Foundation Friends |
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When: Select Fridays
Time: 4:00pm-4:30pm and 4:30pm-5:00pm
Location: Virtual meeting using Zoom - can be found below, on our private Facebook page, Meetup, or by emailing,
POWER UP!
This program will provide opportunities for small groups to form relationships and friendships in a virtual environment. Sessions are capped at 5 participants to allow for deeper engagement and a more personal experience. We'll build conversational skills and independence with the goal of forming true friendships over time. Each session will be offered to different age groups. Ex: Girls aged 11-14 for one session and boys aged 15-18 for a different session, women 25-30, etc.
Schedule:
April 9
4:00 pm - Girls ages 15-18
4:30 pm - Boys ages 15-18
April 16
4:00 pm - Woman ages 19-25
4:30 pm - Men ages 19-25
April 23
4:00 pm - Woman ages 25-30
4:30 pm - Men ages 25-30
April 30
4:00 pm - Woman ages 31+
4:30 pm - Men ages 31+
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From virtual museum exploration to enriching video games, check out this guide to family fun and safety on the Internet. |
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Let's get social!
Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.
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