Oct2014DSASTX

12
Down Syndrome Association of South Texas 2800 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 349-4372 Volume 16, Issue 4 OCTOBER 2014 Executive Director.................. 1 Holiday Party .......................... 1 Buddy Walk 2014 ................ 2-3 Education & Resources.......... 4 H.U.G.S. Gala .......................... 5 2015 DSASTX Calendars ...... 5 Board Highlight ...................... 6 Outreach .................................. 6 Spanish Parent Meeting ......... 6 Ace Tutor/Highlight ............... 7 Book Club................................ 7 Up! Club .................................. 7 Meet Kim ................................. 8 UIW Thank You ..................... 8 Self-Advocate News ............... 8 D.A.D.S. Golf Tournament.... 9 Birdies For Charity ............... 10 Any Body Can....................... 10 Contributions ........................ 11 Who We Are ......................... 11 Connect With Us .................. 11 Calendar of Events ............... 12 What’s inside... www.dsastx.org Downs Downs Message from Terri Mauldin ... Keeping Up With Wow, just wow! That’s all I can say about this year’s Buddy Walk! We had approximately 6,000 people at the event to help celebrate those we love with Down syndrome. Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, families, and the DSASTX staff for making this year’s Buddy Walk the most successful EVER! We also raised a record amount of donations, over $198,000!! I hope you take a minute to read all about the great event within this newsletter. Next year’s Buddy Walk will be on Saturday, September 26th, so mark your calendars! During the next several months, we have quite a number of things going on for the Down syndrome community, as well as the DSASTX. Our monthly social activities continue to bring lots of children, adults and their families together. Please watch your email and mailbox for reminders of upcoming events and be sure to call or email the DSASTX office to RSVP for all our events. We try to arrange for special pricing, if there is a fee, based on the number of people attending, so please help us plan for these events by calling our office to register. We will have an exhibit booth at the annual AccessAbility Fest on Sunday, October 26th. We hope you will plan to attend and stop by to say hello! The DSASTX Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd at the Valero Energy Headquarters. We will have food, drinks, music, visits with Santa, and raffle prizes. Remember, the child with Down syndrome and their immediate family (parents and siblings) are free. All extended family members and friends are $5 in advance. Be sure to check out the details in this newsletter and mark your calendar! We are in the planning stages for our 2nd Annual H.U.G.S. Gala, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. If you are interested in finding out more about this event, please see the Save the Date information located in this newsletter. Terri Mauldin Holiday Party! Monday, December 22nd • 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. NEW LOCATION! Valero Services, Inc., One Valero Way, San Antonio, TX 78249 Vista Room on the fourth floor of Building D Please join us for this spectacular evening of friendship, music, dancing, door prizes, and a visit with Santa! A warm dinner is provided. Please RSVP no later than DECEMBER 12 to Melania Evans at [email protected] or (210) 349-4372. The child with DS and their immediate family (parents and siblings) are free. All extended family members and friends are $5 in advance.

description

Latest edition of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas newsletter.

Transcript of Oct2014DSASTX

Page 1: Oct2014DSASTX

Down Syndrome Association of South Texas • 2800 NW Loop 410 • San Antonio, TX 78230 • (210) 349-4372

Volume 16, Issue 4OCTOBER 2014

Executive Director .................. 1

Holiday Party .......................... 1

Buddy Walk 2014 ................2-3

Education & Resources .......... 4

H.U.G.S. Gala .......................... 5

2015 DSASTX Calendars ...... 5

Board Highlight ...................... 6

Outreach .................................. 6

Spanish Parent Meeting ......... 6

Ace Tutor/Highlight ............... 7

Book Club ................................ 7

Up! Club .................................. 7

Meet Kim ................................. 8

UIW Thank You ..................... 8

Self-Advocate News ............... 8

D.A.D.S. Golf Tournament .... 9

Birdies For Charity ............... 10

Any Body Can....................... 10

Contributions ........................ 11

Who We Are ......................... 11

Connect With Us .................. 11

Calendar of Events ............... 12

What’s inside...

www.dsastx.org

DownsDownsMessage from Terri Mauldin ...

Keeping Up With

Wow, just wow! That’s all I can say about this year’s Buddy Walk! We had approximately 6,000 people at the event to help celebrate those we love with Down syndrome. Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, families, and the DSASTX staff for making this year’s Buddy Walk the most successful EVER! We also raised a record amount of donations, over $198,000!! I hope you take a minute to read all about the great event within this newsletter. Next year’s Buddy Walk will be on Saturday, September 26th, so mark your calendars!

During the next several months, we have quite a number of things going on for the Down syndrome community, as well as the DSASTX. Our monthly social activities continue to bring lots of children, adults and their families together. Please watch your email and mailbox for reminders of upcoming events and be sure to call or email the DSASTX office to RSVP for all our events. We try to arrange for special pricing, if there is a fee, based on the number of people attending, so please help us plan for these events by calling our office to register.

We will have an exhibit booth at the annual AccessAbility Fest on Sunday, October 26th. We hope you will plan to attend and stop by to say hello!

The DSASTX Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd at the Valero Energy Headquarters. We will have food, drinks, music, visits with Santa, and raffle prizes. Remember, the child with Down syndrome and their immediate family (parents and siblings) are free. All extended family members and friends are $5 in advance. Be sure to check out the details in this newsletter and mark your calendar!

We are in the planning stages for our 2nd Annual H.U.G.S. Gala, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. If you are interested in finding out more about this event, please see the Save the Date information located in this newsletter.

Terri Mauldin

Holiday Party!Monday, December 22nd • 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

NEW LOCATION! Valero Services, Inc., One Valero Way, San Antonio, TX 78249

Vista Room on the fourth floor of Building D

Please join us for this spectacular evening of friendship, music, dancing, door prizes, and a visit with Santa! A warm dinner is provided.

Please RSVP no later than DECEmbEr 12 to Melania Evans at [email protected] or (210) 349-4372. The child with DS and their immediate family (parents and siblings)

are free. All extended family members and friends are $5 in advance.

Page 2: Oct2014DSASTX

2

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

After the walk, the participants enjoyed a wide array of festivities. There were moon bounces, face painting, arts and crafts, basketball hoops, and of course, the train ride. The wonderful sound of great dance music was provided by DJ Richard Hughes, from Baby Huey’s.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following exhibitors who displayed their services to the special needs community:

Whataburger Deer Creek Camp Best Buddies Texas Little Engine Homecare, Inc. Ageless Living Home Health, LLC Eva's Heroes Auburn Dental Speech and Language Center at Stone Oak Cute Smiles 4 Kids Frito-Lay Special Reach, Inc. Partners Resource Network Kinetic Kids R&K Specialized Homes, Inc. Respite Care of San Antonio Circle of Care The Arc of San Antonio Ability Pediatric Therapy A Plus Pediatric Rehab Crossroads Therapy Clinic RMI Encompass Home Health Pediatric Services Accessability Fest Angels of Care Monarch Academy Urifunnel Any Baby Can Children's Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) Therapy 2000 Christus Santa Rosa Health System Brighton Center Grande Communications Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Beach House Arts Alzheimer's Association D.A.D.S. Dreams Fulfilled Through Music DoTerra CritUSA

Buddy Walk 2014By Terri Mauldin

What an amazing day we had for the 14th Annual Buddy Walk! It was the BEST yet thanks to all the families, donors, and sponsors. More than 6,000 people came out to walk! Because of all of you, we raised over $198,000 for the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas and the National Down Syndrome Society. This money will go to help support the many programs and services that are provided by the DSASTX and assist the NDSS in their research, advocacy, and education initiatives.

This event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Buddy Walk committee, Debbie and Shaun Kennedy, Mike Canales, Cory Weinberg, Robin Sayer, Laura Iturriaga, Betty and Harold Hevner, Julie Bell and Matt Mauldin. We also require a large number of volunteers at the walk to make it a success. So, THANK YOU to all the committee members and volunteers.

We would like to congratulate the participants who were the winners of some awesome prizes! Ben’s Jammin’ Brigade (Benjamin Fernandez), Jake’s Crew (Jake Lawrence), Heart and Sole for Adrienne and Gracelyn (Adrienne Alvarado and Gracelyn Perez), and Luke’s Lucky Buddies (Luke Castellanos) were the winners of a VIP Canopy, a goody basket, and a team banner for being the top team fundraisers. A drawing was held for the individual fundraisers who raised over $500, and Haly Welch won a beach house stay in Port Aransas, thanks to Pete and Maria Hey. Persayus Witherspoon won a one-night stay at the La Cantera Hill Country Resort, thanks to La Cantera Resort. Benjamin Fernandez won an appearance in the 2016 DSASTX calendar, and Haly Welch won the all-in-one printer, thanks to Texas Copy Office. We also had a “last week contest” for the person who raised the most money online, and the winner was Luke Castellanos. He won four passes to Morgan’s Wonderland and a $50 American Express gift card.

This was our fifth year to be at Heroes Stadium, and it was incredible. The venue was a wonderful location with its wide expanse of space. Thank you to the North East Independent School District for allowing us to use the facility. We can’t wait to be at Heroes Stadium again next year!

We were extremely honored to have Bruce Bowen, former Spurs player, serve as our Honorary Buddy. We would also like to thank the Frito-Lay’s Chester the Cheetah and Sailor Jack, the Coyote, and numerous other mascots for coming to the walk and showing their support.

The Buddy Walk would not be the same without the Johnson High School JROTC Color Guard presenting the colors. Thank you to Rebecca Greeban, with helpers Gabriel Hey, Katie Kennedy, Briana Troy, and Olivia Iturriaga, for singing the National Anthem. Then, of course, we loved having Cat Paws and the Kuentz Cougars Choir warm all of us up for the walk with their incredible enthusiasm, songs, and dance. After the opening ceremonies, Bruce and the top teams were led by the Johnson High School JROTC on a one-mile walk around Heroes Stadium.

Page 3: Oct2014DSASTX

3

www.dsastx.org

DSA

THAnK YOu BuDDY WALK VOLunTEERS! This year’s Buddy Walk was a testament of success and let it be known that our volunteers are the best!

The 2014 Buddy Walk volunteers were high school students, college students, corporate groups, parents, families, and friends. Many started their Saturday morning at 5:00 a.m. to help set up 30 tents, 80 tables, and 500 chairs. Some volunteers helped out at the BUSY registration and merchandise booths, some passed out promotional material for our amazing corporate sponsors and over 5,000 water bottles to guests, while others assisted in the fun children’s activities.

Whew! That’s a ton of work, and they all did it with enthusiastic smiles on their faces!

Some highlights from this year’s event include: • Over $198,000 was raised for the DSASTX • Record-breaking attendance with over 6,000 Buddy Walkers • Participation from 35 community agencies/exhibitors • 275 registered volunteers for over 1,500 hours of service

Many of our volunteers went above and beyond to help this year’s Buddy Walk be the biggest and buddy-est EVER!

We had a record number of corporate sponsors this year from the community. Thank you to all the following sponsors:

PrEsENtINg sPoNsor ($25,000) HEB Tournament of Champions

grEat BuDDy ($10,000) Valero

BIg BuDDy ($5,000) Royal Management Speech and Language Center at Stone Oak Grande Communications The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation

suPEr BuDDy ($2,500) Whataburger AHMSA International

sPEcIal BuDDy ($1,500) North Park Lexus River City Community Church Texas Capital Bank CRG (Construction Resolution Group)

cool BuDDy ($1,000) Mr. W Fireworks Deerfield Animal Hospital Institute for Women's Health Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Ageless Living Home Health, LLC Broadway Bank Frito-Lay Child’s Play Williams Crow Mask, LLC

BuDDIEs (uNDEr $1,000) The Wash Tub Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Great Events Penske Truck Rental Baby Huey’s DJ & Sound System Holt-Cat Parties, Picnics and Promotions Simply We SideAfects AMR La Cantera Hill Country Resort North East ISD Balloon Productions Century Music System Northern Hills Golf Club Texas Copy Office Maria Guevara with Encompass Pediatric Services

We would also like to personally thank Frank Przyborowski for all his help in recruiting members of the military to help unload all the t-shirt boxes and then load the two trucks prior to the walk with all the heavy items. We couldn’t do it without all your help, Frank!! Thank you!

PhotosAvailableOnline!

Buddy Walk photos are available on the Gallery page of our website! Check out the memories in pictures and order your favorites today!

Page 4: Oct2014DSASTX

4

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

Education & ResourcesSAve the DAte!

arc of saN aNtoNIo – PlaNNINg for thE futurE 2014-15 Social Security Attendees will learn the differences between SSI and SSDI. Additional topics include work incentives, fair share, and Disabled Adult Child. When: Saturday, November 8, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: The Arc of San Antonio Pam Stephens Center, 6530 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240 rsVP required: Heather Long at (210) 490-4300 ext. 113 or [email protected]. guardianship/special Needs trust Overview of guardianship and the alternatives available. A Special Needs Trust allows an individual to retain vital resources without losing essential benefits. Methods of setting up and funding a trust will be discussed, and the ARC’s Master Pooled Trust will be highlighted. When: Saturday, April 11, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: The Arc of San Antonio Pam Stephens Center, 6530 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240 rsVP required: Heather Long at (210) 490-4300 ext. 113 or [email protected].

2015 INclusIoN Works! coNfErENcE Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center San Marcos, TX february 4-5, 2015

The Arc of Texas’ Inclusion Works! Conference is the premiere conference on inclusive education for students with disabilities.

For more information and registration, visit the Inclusion Works website or www.thearcoftexas.org.

taPPEstry coNfErENcE 2015 february 21, 2015 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Esc-20, 1314 hines ave., san antonio, tX 78208 TAPPestry is an annual conference hosted in conjunction with several area school districts and parent organizations. TAPPestry is comprised of Parents, Teachers, Administrators, and other Professionals working with children with special needs.

For more information and registration, visit the ESC-20 website.

The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas presents…

MEET THEIR nEED & THEY WILL READ by Natalie Hale sunday, January 18, 2015 • 12 Noon - 4:00 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake university Providence hall in the West social room (PWsr)

YOUr PrESENTEr: Natalie Hale is an award–winning author, an innovative educator, and a parent of an adult son with Down syndrome. For over 20 years, Ms. Hale has been a national speaker on the topic of teaching reading to learners with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. In 2000, she founded the publishing company Special Reads for Special Needs to provide parents and educators with reading books and materials specifically designed for learners with Down syndrome.

TOPIC: Natalie leads attendees through an effective plan to teach reading to learners with Down syndrome of any age. Information given is also relative to other diagnoses involving developmental delays, e.g.: ASD, PDDNOS, and Autism. She covers in detail “Reading M&Ms”, the most effective Methods, Materials, & Motivation guidelines.

Attendance is free; however, an RSVP is required to Melania Evans at [email protected] or (210) 349-4372.

Natalie Hale

Page 5: Oct2014DSASTX

5

www.dsastx.org

DSADSA

www.dsastx.org

______ 2015 DSASTX Calendar(s) @ $10 each: $ _______

Shipping/Handling ($2.75 per calendar; $1.00 each additional): $ _______

TOTAL $ _______

Child with Down syndrome? _____ Yes _____ No

If yes, name and birthdate of child with DS:

Name: ________________________________________________

Birthdate: ______________________________________________

SHip TO:

Name: ________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _________________________________________

phone: ________________________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________

Please send your check or money order along with this form to:

Quantity

Down Syndrome Association of South Texas 2800 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230

Credit card orders can be placed online in our new DSASTX Store or by phone to the DSASTX office (210) 349-4372

2015 DSASTX Calendar Order Form

2015 DsastX calendars available for sale!

Help Us Give Support

SAve the DAte! h.u.g.s. gala celebrating World Down syndrome Day and honoring hEB tournament of champions! tuesday, March 17, 2015 • JW Marriott resort and spa 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception • 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Program

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!$10,000 – helping sponsor (Presenting) • Included on invitation, all printed materials, and event

letterhead • Program/Podium recognition • Signage • (2) tables of (10) with preferred placement

$7,500 – underwriting sponsor • Included on invitation • Program/Podium recognition • Signage • (1) table of (10) with preferred placement

$5,000 – giving sponsor • Included on invitation • Program recognition • (1) table of (10) with preferred placement

$2,500 – underwriting sponsor • Included on invitation • Program recognition • (1) table of (10)

InDIVIDuAL TICKETS - $150 per person

Page 6: Oct2014DSASTX

6

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

Board Highlightfocus on Board Member Dr. scott Mclean I am a clinical geneticist and a pediatrician and work at Children's Hospital of San Antonio where I help answer questions and give advice on what to do and how to plan for better health for babies, children, and even adults who have or might have a genetic condition. There are three other geneticists here: Dr. Elizabeth Roeder, my boss, who is a physician like me; and two genetic counselors, Rebecca Okashah and Kimberly Nugent. We see many children with Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. We are experts at getting and interpreting genetic tests, and we try our best to look into the crystal ball and help understand what the future may look like … well, medically. Don't ask me about how the Spurs will do this year!

Baltimore, Maryland is where I was born and raised, and I went to Hamilton College in upstate New York where I majored in English and growing a ponytail. I taught high school English for a while and eventually went to the military medical school in Bethesda, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, where I met a beautiful medical student, Paula Vogel, to whom I've been married for 29 years. We have two grown boys who actually come home to visit pretty often. We have lived in Tacoma, Seoul, Vienna (Virginia), and El Paso, where the U.S. Army sent us to work in 1993, Paula as a dermatologist and I as a pediatrician and geneticist. Since 1997 we have been in San Antonio, though the Army has sent me to a few other places - some were pretty hot. I retired after 26 years on active duty and then had my own practice - San Antonio Clinical Genetics - for a few years before Dr. Roeder asked me to join her.

I am proud that the Executive Director and the Board asked me to join them to keep the DSASTX strong, innovative, and responsive to our community's needs. I have always understood that support groups are critically important elements in the lives of individuals with a genetic condition. It is a privilege to do my small part.

Scott D. McLean, MD Clinical Genetics – Children's Hospital of San Antonio (210) 704-2022

Dr. Scott McLean

OutreachWE WOuLD LIKE TO WELCOME OuR nEWEST FAMILIES TO THE DOWn SYnDROME ASSOCIATIOn FAMILY! If you know someone who has a child or family member with Down syndrome, please let them know about the DsastX and the services we provide. We’d be happy to reach out to help in any way possible!

Ana Soto, parent of Mateo Angela Tovar, parent of Gage Charles & Jennifer Brookbank, parents of Caleb Clay & Jenny Richey, parents of Nathaniel Debbie Williams, parent of Parker Enriqueta & Thomas Brooks, parents of Julie Jessica Gonzalez & Angel Paralitici, parents of Travis Julia Herrera & Omar Cortez, parents of Keiner Katherine West, parent of OliviaKayla Menchaca & Brad Lopez, parents of ZayneKelly Garanzuay, parent of Zoe Laura & Joseph Hernandez, parents of Joseph Jr.John & Lisa Giddens, parent of Jessica Mandy Coxon, parent of MadisonMarianne Husky & Jeremy Estrada, parents of ZenibMonica Rios, parent of Randy Olda & Hector Barrera, parents of MabelPatricia & Felix Garcia, parents of JonathanRaquel & Drew McCorkle, parents of LaurenShelby Moore, parent of DanielTracy Gomez, parent of LeahValerie Jaramillo & Ralph Campos, Jr., parents of Jayden

grupo de apoyo en Español YMCA Westside 2900 Ruiz, San Antonio, TX 78228

Nuestro reunión de apoyo en Español se lleva a cabo la terceraMiércoles de cada mes de 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Contaremos conuna cena ligera. Habrá guardería disponible para niños de 3 mesesa 12 años de edad. Por favor RESERVA tu lugar llamando laoficina al (210) 349-4372. Por favor, deje un mensaje detalladoal realizar una reserva.

MIéRCOLES, 19 DE nOVIEMBRETema: Servicios RelacionadosPresentador: Lucy Ortega, Partners Resource Network

Parent Meeting

Page 7: Oct2014DSASTX

www.dsastx.org

7DSA

ACE TutorSTuDEnT HIGHLIGHTS At the end of October 2012, the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program began an incentive program to increase tutoring sessions. Three student/tutors have completed 48 sessions since the incentive program began and will be highlighted in the coming issues of this newsletter. Following is the 2nd of 3 highlights.

Christopher and Ken Christopher Weaver began tutoring with Ken Rosokoff on August 20, 2012 which means they already had numerous tutoring sessions before the beginning of the incentive program. They then completed 48 sessions between October 29, 2012 and March 25, 2014. Mrs. Weaver thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to see where her son was academically after several years out of high school. The original testing showed that Christopher had a loss in reading and math skills which had been so strenuously learned before. She states that Christopher loves tutoring and can “hardly wait to do the homework.” Since he began tutoring, his reading and math skills have improved immensely. His tutor, Ken, is very proud of the work Christopher has done so far. “The thing I like the most is that I feel as if Christopher treats me like a rock star, and I hope it comes through that I think he is the real rock star!” They have developed a real friendship and even have their own special handshake, which Ken says has recently been refined even more.

As an added bonus, Christopher received the “Achiever of the Year” award from The ARC of San Antonio for improvement in the ACE tutoring program. He started the ACE program doing single digit addition and subtraction problems and has advanced to carrying over with up to three digit problems in addition and subtraction. His reading level has also improved and he presently reads at the 3rd grade level. Chris’ willingness to try new things and accept challenges has made him successful in life and in the ACE program. Congratulations, Christopher!!

nEW CHAPTER BOOK CLuB If YOUr TEEN Or ADULT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ENjOYS rEADINg, bEINg rEAD TO, AND HAvINg fUN, THEN THIS CLUb IS fOr YOU!

Be a member of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas' New Chapter Book Club! Meet new friends, improve your reading skills, and embark on adventures you will take with you for a lifetime!

More information regarding date/time/location will come soon! If you're interested in this opportunity, email Mrs. Evans at [email protected] or call the DSA office at (210) 349-4372.

uP! CLuB WANT TO gET YOUr CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS UP AND mOvINg? THEN THE UP! CLUb IS fOr YOU!

Join the DSASTX and the UTSA Voices Club as we work together to achieve your fitness goals! No matter what your fitness level is, you and/or your child will be successful in this class. The class includes a warm-up period, running/walking, and a wide array of fun fitness activities. Expect music and lots of social interaction!

More information about date/time/location will come soon! Email [email protected] or call the DSA to enroll now! Open to ages 10 and up.

BookClub

Page 8: Oct2014DSASTX

8

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

Meet Kimby marsha & Larry robinson

Forty-eight years ago on July 10th, Kimberly Robinson “discovered America.” We knew absolutely nothing about Down syndrome, but we knew that Kim was our child, and it was love at first sight. She has taught us all about love and determination and what having a “gentle, quiet spirit” means. Kim is a joy to our family.

She loves to spend time with her niece, nephews, and great niece. Kim enjoys coloring, reading, and watching TV, as well as playing games on her Kindle and DS. One of her favorite pastimes is crocheting lap blankets for Wounded Warriors and a local nursing home. Kim worked for Sallie Mae Student loans as a file clerk for 10 years! She is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoys watching the Spurs play basketball.

She is very active in church and is part of the Singles Sunday school class. She loves taking part in Adult Matters with the Down Syndrome Association.

We are so thankful that of all the people in the world, God chose our family to have Kim. Because of her, we have met some of the greatest people in the world. We are truly blessed.

Kim

Self-Advocate Newsby jessaca bond

I’m a new member in a group called the San Antonio League of Self-Advocates (S.A.L.S.A). We travelled to San Marcos for the 2014 Texas Advocates Conference held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center August 22 through 24. What that is: People from all around the state of Texas come to represent the area they are from. We were there to learn how to become stronger and more informed advocates. This was my first time going – I was amazed to see how many people were there.

The first afternoon, I went to the Hospitality Suite where you could meet attendees from other areas. There were also drinks and snacks. After that, I went back to the room to chill out for a while. I remember my room number was 812; finding it on my own was tricky the first time, but after that I got the hang of it! We had dinner in the Veramendi Ballroom – it was beautiful! That was the first night.

Now the second day was a long day for me, but I loved every second of it! The first workshop I went to was titled: “I Lead: Creating Self-Advocate Leaders.” That one was interesting for me; we had to determine if a scenario showed aggressiveness, assertiveness, or wimpiness. You would hold up a tongue depressor with a picture of a goofy face that represented which one of those three it was. It was informative, funny and very helpful!

The second workshop I attended was titled “College Programs for Students with I/DD.” I picked that one because I wanted to learn more about colleges, like Vast Academy, that will help and guide you through the college experience. I know this is important to many of my peers, as well. This is also for our Executive Director Terri Mauldin; she wants to get a program like that started for adults with Down syndrome in San Antonio. I hope that this information will be helpful, and I hope and pray that this dream she has will come true.

The third workshop I went to was titled “Chapter Leader and Advisors Working Together.” I attended this one with our Chapter Advisor, Judith, and the current SALSA president. This was mainly for people in a group or wanting to join a group and make it more successful. It was run as a panel question and answer session.

The last “workshop” I did was “Glow Light Fun” and, trust me, it WAS fun! We all had glow lights, the room was dark, and everybody was just moving to the music!

Saturday night was like American Idol, but with a twist; the advocates were the idol contestants, and there were a lot of them! I would have to say some of them were amazing to me. We had tickets, and we could vote on who we liked. When that was going on, the DJ called out, for example, S.A.L.S.A. and we would go take pictures. After that, we went to our rooms and packed up to go home Sunday. Sunday we had breakfast and headed home. This conference was AWESOME!!!!!

Jessaca Bond

The DSASTX is excited to be partnering with the University of the Incarnate Word football program to provide opportunities for inclusion and growth for our adults with Down syndrome. Some of our unique young men have had the opportunity to practice with the team and be a part of team functions and events on a consistent basis. We thank Coach Briggs and Head Coach Kennan for the opportunity!

Page 9: Oct2014DSASTX

9DSA

www.dsastx.org

Page 10: Oct2014DSASTX

10

Keeping Up With Downs

DSA

March 23 - 29, 2015 TPC SAn AnTOnIO, SAn AnTOnIO, TEXAS

Birdies for Charity® is a fundraising program designed to give participating charities and schools the opportunity to generate contributions beginning October 8th through the Texas Open.

Birdies for Charity is a no-cost program that gives 100% of the funds raised back to the participating organization!!!

It is similar to a walk-a-thon, but instead of donating per mile, participants make a pledge for every birdie made at the Valero Texas Open. The 2014 Valero Texas Open had 1,784 birdies made, so a pledge of $0.01 yielded a donation of $17.84.

What is a Birdie? In golf, "par" is the normal expected score on any given hole. Every one of the 18 holes on a golf course has its own "par" assigned to it. A "birdie" is one stroke under par for a hole, possibly derived from the term "It flew like a bird" to indicate a good shot.

How It Works Option 1: Make a pledge of $0.01 or more for every birdie made during the Valero Texas Open.

Option 2: Make a one-time flat donation (suggested $20 or more)

Please visit the Birdies for Charity website to make your online donation. Make sure to select Down Syndrome Association of South Texas as your charity of choice. We have brochures and pledge forms in the office and will be mailing them out soon. But you are welcome to come by and pick some up in the meantime.

Donors who attend the Valero Texas Open, March 26-29, 2015 at TpC San Antonio can enter in a drawing for a chance to win a 2015 Ford Mustang. Ask us for more details!

Page 11: Oct2014DSASTX

We sincerely appreciate the following people who have so generously donated to the Down syndrome association. your contributions help us offer a variety of programs for the members of our organization.

11

www.dsastx.org

DSA

Who We AreMISSIOn STATEMEnT

The DSASTX's mission is to provide support and services to children and adults with Down

syndrome and their families.

EXECuTIVE DIRECTOR Terri Mauldin

(210) 349-4375 • [email protected]

COMMunITY OuTREACH COORDInATOR Kelly Toepperwein

(210) 349-4372 • [email protected]

SPECIAL EVEnTS COORDInATOR Melania Evans

(210) 349-4372 • [email protected]

BOOKKEEPER Cynthia Smith

(210) 349-4372 • [email protected]

ADuLT COnTInuInG EDuCATIOn DIRECTOR Oralia Lara

210-349-4372 • [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairperson – Edward Leos Vice Chairperson – Michelle Pettit

Secretary – Stephanie Anderson Treasurer/Finance – Christy Anderson

Self Advocate – Jessaca Bond Member at Large – Belarmino Castellanos

Member at Large – Trisha Cooke Member at Large – Lisa Drozdick

Member at Large – Lamont Jefferson Member at Large – Scott McLean

Member at Large – Judith Moening Member at Large – Rocio Rojas

Member at Large – Barbara Samfield

Contributions

www.facebook.com/downsynstx

www.pinterest.com/downsynstxwww.twitter.com/downsynstx

Alamo Title CompanyArmandina Galvan CooverBillie WehmanCenter for Maternal-Fetal CareCentral Park Lions Club FoundationChicago Title of Texas, LLCCristina RodriguezDebra AlbrightEric BrewnerFrank BrezaFrank SpinnerGarland DieringerInternational Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersJanet MitchellJanice TroyJohan T. ZwaanJohn SavageJoseph HernandezKathy Ann CarrizalesKelly JanssenKenneth SlaughterLydia BeachMaria HeyMark MurrayMaurice MullinsMichelle L. PettitNelson SleeperPalmer Dental CeramicsPolly ToepperweinRick VillarrealRobert WilkinsRobert ZellersSilicon Valley Community FoundationStephen RamseurTerri MauldinThomas MarinoVernon TownsendVirginia JarzombekWilliam CadeWilliam ReevesWilliamson Petroleum Consultants, Inc.

Page 12: Oct2014DSASTX

NoNprofit orgU.S. poStage

paidSaN aNtoNio, tXpermit No 1126

Calendar of Events

Down Syndrome Association of South Texas

2800 NW Loop 410San Antonio, TX 78230

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

nOVEMBER15 DsastX Mini-conference: University United Methodist Church, 5083 DeZavala Rd.19 grupo de apoyo en Espanol: "Servicios Relacionados," YMCA Westside, 2900 Ruiz, 78228, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

DECEMBER22 DsastX holiday Party: Valero Services, Inc., One Valero Way, 78249, Vista Room, Building D, 4th Floor, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

JAnuARY18 "Meet their Need & they Will read" by Natalie hale: OLLU, Providence Hall West Social Room, 411 SW 24th St., 78207, 12 Noon - 4:00 p.m.

MARCH17 h.u.g.s. gala: JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 6:30 p.m.23-29 – Valero texas open: TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

APRIL6 D.a.D.s. golf tournament: Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak, 78260, 12:00 p.m.