SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6 · It Up for Down Syndrome Golf Tournament at Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria,...

WHO WE ARE The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization with the mission to empower individuals and families, create community, and celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome. Our vision is for all people with Down syndrome to achieve their fullest potential in and accepting and inclusive society. Membership is free and open to all. Most of our programming is free or heavily subsidized, all made possible because of generous individuals, corporations, and foundations.

WHAT WE DO The Association provides programming to serve individuals with Down syndrome, their families, their educators, providers and supporters across the state of Minnesota and in border communities in our neighboring states. Our programs and services include:

Information & Outreach Information for new and expectant parents, healthcare professionals, and the broader community to better understand Down syndrome.

Conferences, webinars, and educational programming for individuals with Down syndrome, their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

Webinars, workshops, and resource for educators. Outreach and support to educators, potential employers, and the medical community to provide accurate information and resources.

Parent & Family Programs New & expectant parent support line, open 365 days a year. Parent support groups in 19 communities across the state. Specialty support groups for new parents, Somali parents, Latino parents, parents of adults, dual diagnosis, grandparents, and siblings.

Celebrations and gatherings throughout the year and throughout the state.

Individual Programs Programming for youth to build skills and social opportunities including music, improv, and bike camp. Programming for teens and adults to promote self‐advocacy and independence; and to improve social and job skills. Two‐day retreat style conference for teens and adults with workshops on health & safety, job skills, social & emotional skills, and self‐advocacy.

Advocacy & Awareness World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kits serving more than 11,000 students in 450 classrooms. World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations to raise awareness and highlight all that with individuals with Down syndrome bring to our communities.

Disability Day @ The Capital in partnership with Minnesota's leading disability advocacy organizations. Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk and Family Festival to build community and celebrate the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts with government offices and agencies whose actions and policies affect our members.

RESPONSE TO COVID‐19 Since March, DSAMN has been challenged to change our approach to serve families through this public health crisis. Since March 15, 2020 we have: Added more than 200 hours of live programming including weekly skills classes, webinars, parent groups, and self‐advocate groups.

Expanded our Financial Assistance Fund to serve families facing financial hardship due to COVID. To date, we have supported 53 families.

Partnered with Joshin to subsidize summer care for families because schools and camps are not open. Hosted a virtual prom, virtual grad party, and countless other social opportunities for teens and adults to stay connected and engaged with friends and peers.

Served nearly 700 individuals and families through our programs and referral services.

JULY PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY AM 28 29 30

9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

1

2

3 4

PM 1PM IMPROV 16+ 3PM IMPROV 10‐15

1PM TONEROCKS

1PM IMPROV 16+ 4PM TEEN ZOOM

1PM IMPROV 16+ 3PM IMPROV 10‐15 4PM ADULT ZOOM

EVE 6PM TONEROCKS

AM 5

6 9AM MOVEMENT MONDAY

7 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

8


10 11

PM 1PM TONEROCKS

4PM TEEN ZOOM

4PM ADULT ZOOM

EVE 7PM PARENTS OF TEENS/ADULTS

6PM TONEROCKS

AM 12 13 9AM MOVEMENT MONDAY


15 16 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

17 18 9AM NEW PARENT WELCOME




EVE



22 10AM DISTANCE LEARNING TOWN HALL

23 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS 11:30 GRANDPARENT GROUP ZOOM

24

25


1PM TONEROCKS




7PM WEBINAR: SUMMER OT/PT IDEAS

6PM TONEROCKS



29


31

AUG 1


1PM TONEROCKS



EVE 7PM SIBLING ZOOM

7PM WEBINAR: VIDEO MODELING

6PM TONEROCKS

6PM ZOOM BINGO

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP WEEK 1: WATER THEME

AUGUST PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY AM 2 3

9AM MOVEMENT MONDAY


5


7 8 10AM 1ST B‐DAY BASH


1PM TONEROCKS




6PM TONEROCKS

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP WEEK 2: OUTDOOR THEME

ICAN SHINE BIKE CAMP

AM 9

10 9AM MOVEMENT MONDAY


12


14 15 9AM NEW PARENT WELCOME

PM TEE IT UP GOLF TOURNAMENT

1PM IMPROV 16+ 3PM IMPROV 10‐15

1PM TONEROCKS



EVE 7PM WEBINAR: WILLS & TRUSTS

6PM TONEROCKS

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP WEEK 3: OUTER SPACE



19 20 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

21 22

PM 1PM TONEROCKS

4PM TEEN ZOOM

4PM ADULT ZOOM


7PM WEBINAR: REWARD SYSTEMS

6PM TONEROCKS



26

27 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS 11:30 GRANDPARENT GROUP ZOOM

28

29

PM 1PM TONEROCKS

4PM TEEN ZOOM

4PM ADULT ZOOM

EVE 7PM SIBLING ZOOM

7PM WEBINAR: BACK TO SCHOOL

6PM TONEROCKS

6PM ZOOM BINGO


SEPT 1 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

SEPT 2

SEPT 3 9AM MUSICAL MORNINGS

SEPT 4

SEPT 5

PM 4PM ADULT ZOOM


STEP UP 2020 IS GOING VIRTUAL Step Up for Down Syndrome has always been so much more than a walk.

It’s a public announcement that disability rights are human rights and that we still have a long way to go in terms of legislation and society to preserve those rights.

It’s a celebration of people with Down syndrome and the richness that knowing and loving someone with Down syndrome brings to our lives.

And finally, it’s DSAMN’s largest fundraiser. Sometimes how organizations raise their money is at odds with their inclusive mission. Step Up is the opposite. Everyone is invited. Registration is accessible to all at $5 per walker. Step Up truly gives us the platform to live out our mission to EMPOWER. CONNECT. CELEBRATE.

While we are so very sad that we cannot celebrate in person, this year’s Step Up will be a truly statewide celebration. COVID‐19 has forced us to change the way we do business, but delivering services online has connected us with families we’ve never engaged with before…from Warroad to Waseca, Bloomington to Bemidji, St. Paul to St. Peter…and everywhere in between. Our organization is better and stronger because of the changes we have made to connect online during our time at home – Step Up 2020 is a celebration of that. Mark your calendars and JOIN US online on September 27th and at some of the online and in‐person smaller, safer, physically distant events throughout September. While we know this decision may be disappointing for some, DSAMN prides itself in its dedication to inclusion. Over the last few weeks, it has become evident that we cannot hold a large scale, in‐person event that would be safe and accessible to all. This year, we are asking families to “walk their way” celebrating with friends and family virtually or at your own home. We have an AWESOME list of engagement opportunities throughout September to make Step Up 2020 an event we will never forget.

REGISTER HERE TO START YOUR TEAM TODAY! https://www.ds‐stride.org/stepupminnesota

About the Event We will celebrate Step Up 2020 on Sunday, September 27 as planned…online. Like prior years we will have a family friendly pre‐party concert; a program to celebrate the work of the association and highlight the awesome teams who made all of this happen; the actual walk; and an after‐party for the teens and adults.

This year we will kick off the day with a live‐streamed concert with Koo Koo Kangaroo, followed by our live‐streamed program featuring Minnesota families and local celebrities; and we will cap it all off with a Zoom Dance Party with DJ Dancin’ Dario for all registered teens & adults. Team prizes and additional door prizes will be given out during the program and include Viking tickets and gear, Disney tickets, DSAMN Gear and more.

We will kick off the celebration with in‐person, socially‐distant T‐shirt pick up parties in 9 cities across the state. Pick up your shirts and yard signs, meet DSAMN staff and volunteers, and indulge in some tasty treats…all from the safety of your car. Locations and dates are:

Friday, September 11 – Circle Pines

Saturday, September 12 – Rochester

Sunday, September 13 – Woodbury

Monday, September 14 – Maple Grove

Friday, September 18 – Apple Valley

Saturday, September 19 – Duluth

Sunday, September 20 – St. Cloud

Monday, September 21 – Edina

Tuesday, September 22 – St. Paul

Not near one of these areas, don’t worry. We have a ship my shirt option and will ship anywhere in the continental US. More details about these events, additional opportunities to celebrate Step Up 2020, team prizes, and other engagement opportunities will be released mid‐July.

INFORMATION ABOUT FUNDRAISERS & SPECIAL EVENTS TEE IT UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME Join us on Monday, August 10th for DSAMN’s Annual Tee It Up for Down Syndrome Golf Tournament at Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria, Minnesota. Golf on a gorgeous, award winning course; enjoy a catered box‐lunch from Kowalski’s; and celebrate with your foursome with free beer and cocktails on the course. Individuals golfers are $150, foursomes are $600, sponsorships start at $250.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR SPONSOR. http://weblink.donorperfect.com/teeitup

CELEBRATE YOUR 1ST BIRTHDAY WITH US! If your baby was born Jan. 1– June 30, 2019 join us to celebrate on Saturday, August 8th at 10AM online! Join us for fun with other families of one‐year olds from across the state. Registered families receive a smash cake and a special gift to celebrate your baby’s first year. We will hold another event at the end of the year for babies born July 1 – Dec. 31, 2019.

RSVP TO [email protected]

JOIN US THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH! Family Bingo on Friday, July 31 and Friday, August 28 at 6PM. Cost is $20 a family (includes 4 cards) and $5 for each additional card. Two prizes awarded every game. Prizes include Target, Starbucks, Chipotle, Total Wine gift certificates and more.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. http://weblink.donorperfect.com/DSAMNBINGO

SAVE THE DATE: DISTANCE LEARNING TOWN HALL FORUM In partnership with the Arc Minnesota, the Autism Society, Proof Alliance, and others – DSAMN will be hosting a virtual

town hall forum on Wednesday, July 22 at 10AM to discuss distance learning with legislators, representatives from

Minnesota Department of Education and the broader community. More information will be released in coming weeks.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

IMPROVANEERS ONLINE Class cost $25 per participant* for the 5‐week session, Session 3 runs from July 13 ‐ August 14 Ages 10 ‐ 15; Options are Tuesday OR Friday at 3:00PM Ages 16+; Options are Tuesday, Thursday OR Friday at 1:00PM

This is a 5‐week online class. Classes meet once weekly. Each class is 45‐60 minutes and has a unique curriculum of games that build and develop cognitive skills that increase social and workplace opportunities! Plus, participants will be given Improv‐At‐Homework with exercises and games the whole family can continue throughout the week!

Improvisation has been proven to build Quicker‐Thinking, Problem Solving, Self‐Confidence Eye Contact, Teamwork, Listening Voice Projection, and Focus!

REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/improvaneers

TONEROCKS ADULT CHOIR Class cost $15 per participant for the 6‐week session which runs from July 22 ‐ August 26. ToneRocks is an adaptive choir for adults with Down syndrome. This is a six‐week program that combines singing, breather exercises, and songwriting. The choir meets once a week for 60 minutes. At the end of the session the choir will hold a short program of pieces to be performed virtually for family and friends. Class meets once per week on Wednesdays at either 1PM or 6PM.

REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ToneRocks

DSAMN VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP Weekly Schedules and Themes

For children entering Pre‐K through 2nd Grade July 27‐31: Camp Out ‐ Outdoor Activities, Crafts & Games August 3‐7: Ahoy Matey! ‐ Water Themed Activities, Crafts & Games August 10‐14: To The Moon ‐ Space Themed & STEM Activities

For children entering 3rd through 6th Grade July 27‐31: The Great Outdoors ‐ Outdoor Games & Crafts August 3‐7: Water Works ‐ STEM Art, Activities & Experiments August 10‐14: Outer Space ‐ STEM, Space, & Science

Camp cost $25 per participant for the first week and $15 for each additional week. Your virtual camp includes t‐shirt, lesson plan/activity instructions, arts & craft materials; plus a morning meeting and afternoon zoom to engage and share. Camp fee covers t‐shirt*, materials, and shipping. Registration closes one week prior to camp to assure materials can be shipped to your home. *One t‐shirt per camper sent the first registered week of camp.

REGISTER HERE: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/virtualcamp Cost should not be a barrier to participation in any DSAMN program. All our programs are offered on a sliding fee scale. If cost is a barrier to participation, please email [email protected] for information about our sliding fee scale.

WEEKLY DROP IN PROGRAMMING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME Our drop in programming is free, open to all, and doesn’t require prior registration. MOVEMENT MONDAY Join us every Monday in July and August (starts on Monday, July 6) 9:00 – 9:45AM Open to all ages! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82182716665?pwd=a3F1UU9NV0xhSWZRdlJRbVdXd2NKQT09 Meeting ID: 821 8271 6665 Password: 616761

MUSICAL MORNINGS Join us every Tuesday & Thursday in July and August (no class on Thursday, July 3) 9:00 – 9:30AM Open to all ages! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88406469277?pwd=UGQ4ZXVDYkM2QVU1QTl6c2pLNkxIZz09 Meeting ID: 884 0646 9277 Password: 762555

TEEN SOCIAL & MUSIC Join us every Thursday in July and August 4:00 – 5:00PM Open to teens ages 13+ Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/466958872?pwd=REN2UG9pcTloRis0QkljR3J2VTQ3dz09 Meeting ID: 466 958 872 Password: 972076

ADULT SOCIAL HOUR Join us every Friday in July and August 4:00 – 5:00PM Open to adults ages 18+ Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/966945253?pwd=RWNHdTJzdWoyQTcyNDJ1ZWQ5VHBLZz09 Meeting ID: 966 945 253 Password: 677253

ADDITIONAL SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS Are you an individual with Down syndrome over the age of 18? We’ve got a few fun ways for you to engage online!

Adult Step Up Team: The group of self‐advocates that have been joining our Friday Zoom social hour have created a Step Up Team ‐ Born To Rock #FridayZoomers. They want to make sure everyone knows they’re invited to join their team. Join here: https://www.ds‐stride.org/stepupminnesota/profiles/team/23

We’ve got a self‐advocate only Facebook Group. If you are an individual with Down syndrome over the age of 18, search DSAMN Self‐Advocate Group on Facebook and join today! This group was created by self‐advocates for self‐advocates.

PROGRAMMING FOR PARENTS & FAMILY MEMBERS

WEBINAR: SUMMER OT & PT IDEAS W. ADVANCE THERAPY July 21, 2020 at 7:00 PM Best for parents and caregiver of children ages 2‐10 Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bjeDOQQRQMyyl57qhasbwA

WEBINAR: VIDEO MODELING W. CHRISTINE HENDRICKSON, MHP July 28, 2020 at 7:00 PM Best for parents and caregivers of children ages 10+ Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AellT6EDTDG5GunvXDlalg

WEBINAR: WILLS & TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS August 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM For parents and grandparents Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sDSm8mQkQvGOtk8K3MW8kQ

WEBINAR: REWARD SYSTEMS W. CHRISTINE HENDRICKSON, MHP August 18, 2020 at 7:00 PM Best for parents and caregivers of children ages 10+ Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_‐FeqKhIgQIOvuOWxZapSGA

WEBINAR: BACK TO SCHOOL: COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATORS W. HEIDI WEBER August 25, 2020 at 7:00 PM Best for parents and caregivers of children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_18fIFcsIQYeZw5ny6pc8FA

ZOOM: NEW PARENT WELCOME – FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGES 0‐12 MONTHS Join us the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9:00 – 10:00AM. Mark your calendar for July 18 and August 15. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86975868533?pwd=YThGKzJIeXN4bnlkOHFON1BmUlBtZz09 Meeting ID: 869 7586 8533; Password: 738102

ZOOM: PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF TEENS & ADULTS Join us every other Monday from 7:00 – 8:00PM. Mark your calendar for July 6, 20 and August 3, 17, 31. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94835539158?pwd=NjdNcWE4dlcyOGlFdlZvMzRpc1l4UT09 Meeting ID: 948 3553 9158; Password: Cheers

ZOOM: SIBLING SOCIAL HOUR Join us the 4th Monday in July and August from 7:00 – 8:00PM. Mark your calendar for July 27 and August 24. Best for siblings ages 13+ Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82064196370?pwd=RlJEdHR6dmNFVVVtbVZoalh0dWh5QT09 Meeting ID: 820 6419 6370; Password: 159807

ZOOM: GRANDPARENT GROUP Join us the 4th Thursday of every month from 11:30 AM – 12:30PM. Mark your calendars for July 23 and August 27. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/439244046?pwd=bHlid3NkWDZBZDYxaURpS2RCVVNXQT09 Meeting ID: 439 244 046; Password: 855359 Additional zooms for community parent groups and other age groups will be scheduled throughout the month. Reach out to your local parent group leader or [email protected] for more information.

MEMBER BENEFITS & SERVICES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DSAMN’s Financial Assistance Program is open to all families and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Since March we have assisted more than 50 families providing nearly $6,000 in financial assistance.

The program provides financial assistance by way of grocery gift card, direct payment of utility bill, or direct shipment of diapering supplies. It is families/household in which a person with Down syndrome resides. It is open to families living in Minnesota or in neighboring communities in WI, IA, ND, and SD (defined as communities within 25 miles of the MN state border).

Specifically, we offer financial assistance in one of the following ways: $75 gift card to your local grocery story. Direct payment of a utility or cell phone bill (up to $100) Assistance with rent (up to $100) Direct shipment of diapers/diapering supplies (up to $75)

Payments are processed and sent twice per month. Expect payments to arrive within 30 days of the request. If you are in an area without access to a grocery store or have been displaced from your home, please indicate that on your request and we will work together to find a different longer‐term solution. If you have already requested assistance, you may request again.

FOR ASSISTANCE, CLICK HERE: https://www.dsamn.org/parents/family‐support‐program/

JOSHIN PARTNERSHIP – SUMMER CHILDCARE AND HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE We are pleased to announce our partnership with Joshin, a specialty care company that matches families with special needs to experienced and screened caregivers in their area. Parents and caregivers can set up virtual or in‐person care for their loved one with Down syndrome. Joshin provides in‐person care in the Twin Cities, Duluth, St. Cloud and Rochester. Virtual care can be arranged anywhere.

How It Works From Memorial Day through Labor Day, DSAMN will cover the monthly subscription fee for DSAMN Families/Households to join Joshin. (DSAMN Families/Households are defined as household's in which a person with Down syndrome is residing in the state of Minnesota, or communities in WI, SD, ND, and IA that are within 25 miles of the MN border). Families will pay for booked Care Dates at the hourly rate set by the family in their Joshin Care Plan.

About Joshin Joshin Joymakers can provide in‐home care, virtual care, tutoring, companionship or non‐care related help like grocery pick‐up, light cleaning and meal planning and prep. Care Dates are not limited to individuals with Down syndrome. They can include siblings or others living in the same household. Simply tell Joshin about your family when you set up your family profile. In‐person Care Dates are available in the cities mentioned above. Virtual Care Dates are available using FaceTime, Google Hangout or Zoom. If you are not familiar or need assistance, Joshin is happy to set up the Zoom Care Date for you ‐ just let them know by sharing the time, day, Joymaker’s name and they’ll take it from there!

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED: https://joshin.com/organization‐programs

Questions about Joshin or this partnership, email [email protected].

WE ARE HIRING DSAMN Family Connectors. Multiple Positions. Virtual. Part‐Time. Flexible. $17.50 – 22.00 per hour.

The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is to empower individuals and families, to create community, and to celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome…in short to EMPOWER. CONNECT. CELEBRATE.

For more than 35 years we have served individuals with Down syndrome and their families. However, we recognize that we have fallen short of our mission for some – specifically for people of color and their families. How we serve, how we connect, is meaningful to some, but not all. At best, our programs aren’t appealing. At worst, our programs aren’t relevant or accepting.

We’ve restructured our outreach and referral efforts. We will be hiring a team of Family Connectors to lead this work. Based off well‐research and well‐received models developed by other community‐based organizations; our DSAMN Family Connectors will provide support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by helping them navigate complex systems like healthcare, education, county services; by connecting them with other community resources; and by advocating with and for them. Equally as important, Family Connectors will INFORM US about community needs and assist with program development to assure programs are accessible, inviting, and culturally relevant.

The ideal candidate for this role has at least five years of experience navigating healthcare, education and/or county services ‐ for themselves, as a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, or as a professional working within one of the systems mentioned. Further, it is very important that Family Connectors can easily relate to the experiences of the individuals and families we seek to serve, specifically individuals and families of color. Because of this, we are particularly interested in hiring candidates with those shared experiences.

Position Description Our new Family Connector role was designed to better serve all families. For years we have provided referrals and connections to families, however these efforts were somewhat informal and did not reach all the families we seek to serve. Moving forward, DSAMN will employ multiple Family Connectors. Ideally our Family Connectors will represent the rich ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of the individuals with Down syndrome living in our state.

The primary role of a Family Connector is to provide support, assistance, and quality referrals to individuals and families as they navigate complex and bureaucratic systems like healthcare, public education, and county services. In addition, the role connects individuals/families with partner programs and community resources; and works with individuals/families to advocate with and for them as needed. Equally as important, Family Connectors provide feedback to DSAMN on community needs and assist with program development. Diversity and Inclusion DSAMN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the value of different experiences, skills, and voices in strengthening our work and achieving our mission. We also strive to have our team reflect the rich ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of our state. Because of this, we especially want to encourage people of color to apply for this position.

TO APPLY, EMAIL YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO [email protected]

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING MEET THE KONECHNE, BEYERL, SEXTON, RIBAR & SCHMITTDIEL FAMILIES Sherie Wallace, Partners in Policymaking®

Last year the Partners in Policymaking® training for eight two‐day sessions accepted for admission thirty‐four individuals, five were mothers raising children with Down Syndrome, ages ranging from toddler to teen. Far from the easily forgotten seminar, this was a guided experience in partnering with professionals and community leaders to advocate for the best future for their children. What was their experience? “Because my children are toddlers,” said Kelly Konechne of Slayton who, with her husband, is raising one son with Down syndrome and one son with achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, “I valued the presentation of the specific state programs and how they work, such as waivers, MNChoices, appeals and TEFRA (Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act).” Being in southwest Minnesota, she found that many programs available in the Twin Cities Metro area were not to be found in Greater Minnesota. She saw the importance of advocacy, diversity, and inclusion to enrich her children, and the value of getting involved early in their lives. She believes that advocating for her children is linked to advocating for all who have disabilities, regardless of the specific types.

Randi Beyerl works in palliative care at a healthcare clinic in Rochester, and with her husband, is raising son who has Down syndrome and spina bifida. She joined Partners to learn how to make policy changes and was pleased that the class gave her so many connections to people in county government, social services, education, and legal disability experts, to help her now and into the future. Beyerl was struck with the reminder that “you are the expert on your child” and the importance of “telling your story” repeatedly so that others can understand the experience of living with a disability. When

County Commissioners were invited to give feedback to a group presentation of problems at the county level, she realized the value in speaking up and, equally important, presenting solutions to that problem. “We gained skills to partner with community resources that will help our families thrive.”

From Centerville, Erin Ribar has a nephew and a son with Down Syndrome and works nationally with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network to advise those who work directly with families as they learn of the results of disability tests. Ribar said that because of Partners “I feel empowered to help make changes by getting involved and I understand the process better to help make things happen.” Her goal is that each community provides opportunities for all children to be welcomed for who they are. She credits her involvement in Partners as what

motivated her to join the local school board “to make our schools even more amazing for everybody.”

In Minneapolis, Sally Sexton and her husband are raising two teenagers, one with Down syndrome, and discussed the importance of finding a college program and/or a career choice that would match her daughter’s strengths. “She is the person who asks ‘How are you?’” said Sexton, noting her natural kindness and thoughtful concern for everyday people. Starting with individual strengths is the key for Sexton along with

building inclusive communities that have high expectations for ALL students. She found that although the class members vary in family challenges and concerns, they all find common ground in wanting to be strong advocates.

Gina Schmittdiel is a board member with Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMN) and suggested this article. She is also from Centerville, and, with Ribar and another parent, serve as facilitators for DSAMN's North Metro parent group. Schmittdiel wants DSAMN members to know that “this course will give you the tools and knowledge to advocate for your child in all stages of life.” She appreciates the detailed information provided about the laws and policies affecting people with disabilities and learning how to stand up for and beside all people with disabilities. She recommends this training for all parents raising children with disabilities. The Current Class From September 2019 to June 2020, the program goal was to increase knowledge and skills through lectures, group discussions, role‐plays, unplanned support sharing, mock testimonials and interactions with elected officials and legal experts. The class was open to any Minnesotan who was an adult with disabilities or a parent raising young children with disabilities. Although COVID closures canceled the individual meetings with elected officials at the State Capitol, lectures and support sessions were held via zoom. The final in‐person meeting and graduation celebration will be in June.

Applications for the Upcoming Class Applications for the 2020 to 2021 class are due July 10. Costs for the Partners program are covered by a federal grant. Childcare and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are provided for those who travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage is reimbursed, and meals are provided. Sessions are held in Bloomington, near the Mall of America. All guidelines for health and safety of the participants will be followed.

Limited to 40 Minnesotans, participants are selected by a panel of Partners graduates and representatives of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The first weekend session for the 2020 to 2021 program year is September 11‐ 12, 2020. Local experts and nationally recognized leaders in school inclusion, community organizing, governmental processes, and disability issues are among the presenters.

For further information, or to get an application form, go to http://mn.gov/mnddc/partnersinpolicymaking/class38/index.html or contact Brenton Rice at [email protected], or 651‐242‐6589. Applications are due July 10, 2020.

CONTACT US

New & Expectant Parent Support Line available via call or text at 651‐231‐8932; open 365 days a year

General Program Questions: Tracy Hafeman ‐ [email protected] or 651‐603‐0720, Press 1

Bike Camp Questions: Amanda Woll ‐ [email protected].

Referrals and Resource Connections: Sarah Curfman ‐ [email protected] or 651‐603‐0720, Press 3

Sponsorship and Events Questions: Sarah Curfman ‐ [email protected] or 651‐603‐0720, Press 3

Finance and Operations Questions: Annie Hines at [email protected] or 651‐603‐0720, Press 2

Social Media Story Ideas and Questions: Erin Statz at [email protected] or 651‐603‐0720, Press 2

Follow us on Facebook (@DSAMN) and Instagram (Down Syndrome Association‐MN) for up to date information and events, inspiring stories, and partner programming!

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SUMMER NEWSLETTER 6 · It Up for Down Syndrome Golf Tournament at Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria,...

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