keeping up - dsaco

October - December 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

@DSACO_Cbus

@DSACO_Cbus

Keeping Up is a publication of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO).

AWA R E N E SS | ACC E P TA N C E | I N C LUS I O N

DSACO in the Community

Advocacy Efforts

COVID-19 Resources

Virtual & In-Person Programming

Honoring Marge Barnheiser

Activity & Resource Groups

OUR FRESH NEW LOOK!

This year has been a time of reflection. As we look at who we are and where we’re headed, we wanted to be sure that our logo, branding, and website accurately reflect our organization. An organization’s logo is the summit of its brand and should represent who we are. We believe that FAMILY, KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY, and PROFESSIONALISM are at our core. We hope our new brand—not just our new logo—represents this to you, our families.

While we kept parts of our logo the same, you will see our stars have been replaced with our new insignia, which represents three chromosomes and groups (people with Down syndrome, their families, and our community) coming together. They form a delta, the strongest shape, which means “to manage or guide the course of.” The insignia is forward-tilting—building momentum as we move through our lives.

In addition to “going back to our roots” with more traditional Down syndrome awareness colors, we felt it was important to offer a full spectrum of colors that will be used to define programs by age group. Each DSACO age group is associated with a unique brand color that will help guide your family toward programs and services that will be most meaningful for you. Our robust services provide a broad spectrum of opportunities for those in the Down syndrome community, no matter who you are.

Perhaps most important is the phrasing that simply defines what DSACO helps you achieve: discovering a lifetime of opportunities. We are here for you from the moment you receive an unexpected diagnosis and will be with you for the rest of your life. We are here to help people with Down syndrome unlock their fullest potential now and for years to come.

No matter our new colors, insignia, or phrasing, we hope you know that one thing will remain unchanged: We are grateful to be here for you every step of the way.

KEEPING UP

2 0 2 0 Keeping Up | October - December 2020

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”- Deepak Chopra

While there are many things I will NOT miss about 2020, there are still plenty of silver linings. I hope you will join me in choosing to celebrate some of the positives!

3) We really are stronger together. I have been amazed by what the DSACO team, board, and committees have managed to pull off—with much style and grace—during this pandemic! Four Summer Learning Academy classrooms, a half dozen cooking classes, hundreds of activity kits, a summer picnic at the zoo, and so much more. Did we ever think we’d be able to get this far when things first locked down in March? We’ve been leaning in and dishing out lots of goodness ever since, but only thanks to the DSACO team and dozens of volunteers who help us continue to make magic happen.

2) Tech’s SO in right now, amirite?! To that end, we’ve overhauled our website and branding to make things more user-friendly for our families. If you haven’t already done it, head on over to dsaco.net to check it out!

1) Education is the name of the game! Despite virtual learning being the last thing many of us want to see, we’re grateful for our Teach4Hire partner who has built a platform that affords us the opportunity to provide supplemental learning supports for your children this school year.

President & CEODown Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)

P.S. There is ONE change I am not looking forward to: A DSACO without Marge Barnheiser. I’m grateful for her lifetime of dedication to us and celebrate her retirement, but her leadership will be missed forever more. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Marge! We love you!

3-2-1 UPDATE

DSACO WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Kari Jones with her brother, Alex, at DSACO’s annual Golf Classic on July 27, 2020.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR OF EDUCATION SERVICES:

ANNA ROTH oversees DSACO’s educational programming, including Summer Learning Academy, Supplemental Learning Initiative, seminars, awareness efforts in schools, and literacy development. Anna also continually seeks to establish partnerships with community organizations and businesses to enhance and expand programming.

Anna graduated from Miami University and previously worked in fundraising at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House Charities before joining the DSACO team in June 2020.

Anna currently lives in Clintonville with her husband, Blake. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, exploring Columbus, reading, and meeting new people. She spends lots of time with her family and has a brother with Down syndrome. Anna’s two favorite days of the year are the Columbus Buddy Walk and Christmas Eve.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR MEDICAL & MINORITY OUTREACH:

ELSIE ANSONG joined DSACO in September 2020 as the Program Coordinator for Medical & Minority Outreach. She graduated with her Bachelors in Biological Sciences from Ohio University in 2018 and is now pursuing her Masters in Healthcare Administration at The George Washington University. She is passionate about fighting for a patient-focused health care

system especially within minority communities.

She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her parents and younger brother and spends her free time booking travel through her travel agency, volunteering in the community, and reading to stay up to date on healthcare changes.

2 0 2 0Keeping Up | October - December 2020

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program Extended!

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio has always offered hardship support through waiving fees for programs, providing gift cards for groceries and gas, and delivering meals to families in need.

We know the current health crisis has caused financial hardship to some of our families at an unprecedented level and we want to do everything we can to offer assistance and support.

For this reason, we are extending our Financial Assistance Program through the end of the year or until we run out of dedicated funds. Beginning September 7th, 2020, all financial assistance requests will require an application to be filled out. The application can be found at dsaco.net/fap.

We are offering financial assistance in the following ways:• $75-$100 gift card to your local grocery store (depending on family size)• Direct shipment of diapers/diapering supplies/formula (based on availability)

If you need assistance, please fill out the application found at dsaco.net. This application will be directly submitted to the Office Manager.

PURCHASE YOUR 2021 FACES IN THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR!

DSACO’s 2021 Faces in the Community calendar is now on sale! Purchase your calendar today online at dsaco.net or visit the DSACO office. Calendars are $10/each and can be shipped for an additional fee.

DSACO would like to thank all of the generous photographers for their time and resources, photographing DSACO’s families at no cost this past summer.

Thank you to all of the families that submitted photos for the 2021 Faces in the Community calendar - we had an incredible response and more photos submitted than in years past! We hope you enjoy the 2021 Faces in the Community calendar!

Adopt-A-Family

Join in on DSACO’s Adopt-A-Family Program this Holiday Season! Each year DSACO hosts this program to help DSACO families in need. In 2019, donors helped us provide gifts, basic need gift cards and other items to 46 families, all with a child with Down syndrome. They also helped us to stock our Nationwide Children’s Hospital Outreach bags that are delivered to DSACO families with extended stays at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Mark your calendars - registration will open on November 1, 2020 and remain open for 2 weeks. More information, including the application, can be found at dsaco.net. If you have any questions, please contact Kirsti Osborne at 614.263.6020 ext. 1045 or [email protected].


PROGRAMMING

Supplemental Learning Initiative

Districts across Central Ohio began the school year with a remote learning or hybrid learning model due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many students with Down syndrome, this means a gap in services for meaningful learning opportunities this school year. After a survey sent to DSACO families, nearly 95% of families indicated a supplemental assistance as a critical need for their child. In response, DSACO released $125,000 in emergency financial assistance for families in need as they navigate the virtual education platform this fall.

DSACO partnered with Teach4Hire, a community-based platform to connect families of school-aged children to tutors, in-home aides and educators. Candidates on the site are often furloughed and retired teachers, part-time tutors and high-performing college and high school students who can help with the unique schooling situation. DSACO is paying the required $9.95 quarterly subscription for any DSACO family interested in accessing this pool of supports. Additionally, DSACO will award qualifying families with up to $1,500 in financial assistance to help cover costs for these supports. Financial assistance is granted in the form of credits to a family’sTeach4Hire account. Financial assistance is determined on a family’s wholistic situation – financial needs, employment situation, existence of a dual diagnosis, extenuating circumstances, and more.

To participate, families must complete a Family Information Form & Waiver found on the DSACO website, and if needed, submit a Financial Assistance application. DSACO will open several rounds of applications, as we know the pandemic is an ever-evolving factor that affects the schooling situation differently for each family. Additional information about the Supplemental Learning Initiative, the Family Information Form & Waiver and Financial Assistance application is available at dsaco.net. You must complete a Family Information Form & Waiver to be considered for financial assistance. For questions, please contact Anna Roth, DSACO’s Program Coordinator of Education Services, at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1050.

Big 10 DSA ChallengeFREE opportunity & open to all ages and all family members*Person with DS must participate for the workout to count

Join DSACO in the Big 10 DSA Challenge! Each week DSACO will be challenging another Big 10 Down Syndrome Association to a walking/running competition. The challenge will be to see which organization can average the most miles throughout the week. Each participant will be added to a private Facebook page and will log their miles for the challenge by using the app Run Keeper. There will be rewards and incentives for participants to earn each week!

To register, please visit dsaco.net. Please contact Caitlyn Lowe at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1020 for more information.


PROGRAMMING

Cooking with You... and Who?Wednesdays | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.FREE virtual cooking classAges: Adults with Down syndrome 18+

Our virtual cooking class with special guest chefs has been going great! So far we have canned pickles, made black bean brownies (gluten free and so delicious!), cooked up the “Firehouse Special” with fire fighters from Norwich Township Fire Department and had a tour of a professional bakery before taking on “Depression Era Cake”! Next up – we’re visiting an apple orchard (virtually of course) and then it’s back to the kitchen for another delicious creation!

Each class is 60 minutes of step-by-step instruction via Zoom. Recipes are kept simple, do not require use of complex tools, and consist of relatively few ingredients commonly found in your refrigerator or pantry. We try to keep recipes as healthy as possible or offer healthy options along the way. All of our chefs are gaining confidence and learning to work more independently in the kitchen.

“This program shows me a lot of my faults in teaching my daughter to cook. It is brilliant. I offered to scrub out the meat pan and she held up a hand and said, “ I got this”. A winner!!! Thank you!”, shared by one parent.

One week prior to class, registrants are sent a Zoom link for access, recipe, cooking tips and any “Plan Ahead” instructions needed (washing of veggies, cutting, thawing, etc.). Instruction is paced to the majority of participants but we check –in with everyone along the way. Of course, the best part is when we taste test our creations!

Grab your apron and join the gang! Registration is required and participants must have access to a computer, laptop, or screen with a camera in their kitchen. We strongly suggest a support person be on-hand.

Please visit dsaco.net to register or contact Kim Baich, Program Coordinator of Teen & Adult Services, at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1030.

Virtual P.A.L.S. for Teens and Young AdultsThursdays, October 1 - October 29 | 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.Virtual on ZoomAges: 14 - 23 | Fee: $10

Led by a licensed social worker, P.A.L.S. is a weekly series of fun meetings for teens ages 14-23. P.A.L.S. gives teens and young adults the opportunity to network with peers, develop skills for adult life, and discuss topics that are relevant to them. Topics may include: having a disability, setting goals, building self-esteem and relationships. This series will be in a virtual setting and the length of the sessions will be shorter.

To register, please visit dsaco.net. Please contact Kirsti Osborne at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1045 for more information.


Virtual Visit with SantaThursday, November 19, 2020 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Virtual Zoom SessionFREE to DSACO families

Are you excited to celebrate the holidays and show your Christmas spirit? Meet Santa virtually to talk all about reindeers, hear Christmas stories, and join in a Christmas Sing-A-Long!

To register, please visit dsaco.net. For more information or questions, please contact Kirsti Osborne at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1045.

PROGRAMMING

Wildlights with DSACOSaturday, December 5, 2020 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.Columbus Zoo & Aquarium 4850 Powell Road | Powell, OHFee: $10/per family

Save the Date! You’re invited to join DSACO at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium on Saturday, December 5, 2020 for our socially distanced Holiday Party!

Come be dazzled by the Zoo’s beautiful light display and stop by for hot chocolate and light snacks and to say hi (from 6ft away) to the DSACO team. Please be aware, we will not be having Santa visit this year. More information to follow and registration will open in November. More details and/or to register, please visit dsaco.net or contact Evanthia Brillhart at [email protected] or 614.263.6020 ext. 1015.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020!

Check your registration status and register to vote. Sometimes people may not know if they registered, others may think they are registered when they are not. Either way, it is a good idea to check on your voting status. Guardianship does NOT prevent your loved one from voting in Ohio unless it specifically addressed in the judgment. Request an Absentee Ballot. If you will not be going to the polling location to vote, then you may request an absentee ballot. You can check your status, request an absentee ballot and register to vote at ohiosos.gov/elections/voters.


ADVOCACY EFFORTS

Equal Access to Care ConcernsSince the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, there have been very serious concerns across the country about equal access to life-saving health care for people with disabilities. Early guidance from Ohio’s officials presented a solid foundation for care, but we believed more needed to be done to protect Ohioans with disabilities. DSACO joined forces with Disability Rights Ohio and a coalition of organizations to advocate for significant improvements to Ohio’s rationing of care guidelines to ensure it clearly prevented discrimination.

Through letters and virtual meetings, this coalition worked to advocate for a strong statement prohibiting categorical exclusion criteria based solely on diagnosis or condition in hospital rationing care protocols. We also insisted that the state’s guidance should warn against language in hospital protocols that prioritize “young” or “healthy” patients over those who are “older,” “sicker” or who tend to have disabilities.

As COVID-19 continues to be a presence, it is reassuring to know that rationing care protocols for medical resources cannot discriminate against Ohioans with disabilities. Such discrimination fails to recognize the humanity and dignity of people with disabilities by devaluing their lives. This is simply never acceptable.

The collaborative effort has created two fact sheets – one related to healthcare rights during the pandemic, including the rationing care context and the other to hospital visitation rights. Both fact sheets are now available on the DSACO website under the COVID Resources. Should you need these documents, we suggest you print them and take them with you when entering the hospital.

Grassroots AdvocacyWant to stay informed of other DSACO advocacy efforts? Join our Grassroots Advocacy Network!

As a member of DSACO’s Grassroots Advocacy Network, you will:• receive monthly e-blasts with updates on relevant legislation,• be made aware of Action Alerts on current legislation,• gain access to templates and scripts for communications (e-mail, letter, and phone) to legislators regarding important

issues that will impact the Down syndrome community

Sign up and get involved at whatever level you prefer! Please visit dsaco.net/advocacyinitiatives and complete the short survey to get involved!

NUESTRO RINCONCITO

Durante este tiempo hemos apoyado a nuestras familias con charlas que impactan su vida diaria. Algunas de las pláticas que DSACO ha ofrecido incluyen Terapia del Lenguaje y Ocupacional, curso de Primeros Auxilios Emocionales para el manejo de emociones y también una platica sobre Los Apoyos y Servicios Escolares.

El conocimiento sobre una dieta balanceada es básico para crear en nuestros hijos hábitos para una alimentación saludable.

Nora Hesse, Asistente del Programa de Extensión EFNEP (Programa Ampliado de Educacion Alimentaria y Nutrición) de Ohio State University nos dará una plática vía zoom sobre los aspectos más importantes de Nutrición.

Con su iniciativa, Nora se enfoca en la comunidad Latina, específicamente a través de clases comunitarias en donde se ofrece una guía para comer y cocinar de manera saludable.

Fecha: Martes 20 de Octubre, 2020Hora: 6:00 pmLa platica es completamente gratuita pero el registro es necesario, por favor envíen un correo a [email protected]

Su interés y participación constante es muy importante para nosotros, gracias.

Quiero recordarles que pueden contactarme en cualquier momento por correo a [email protected] o por teléfono 614-263-6020 ext. 1020 o en nuestro grupo de Facebook Mamas Latinas de DSACO.

Vanessa [email protected] | 614.263.6020 ext. 1060

Mamás Latinas de DSACO

Kari Jones, President & [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1000

Marge Barnheiser, Director of Public Policy & Adult [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1035

Evanthia Brillhart, Director of Marketing & [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1015

Elsie Ansong, Program Coordinator of Medical & Minority [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1055

Vanessa Armenta, Program Coordinator of Latino [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1060

Kim Baich, Program Coordinator of Teen & Adult [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1030

Carey Eash, Program Coordinator of New Parent [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1025

Caitlyn Lowe, Program Coordinator of Health [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1020

Anna Roth, Program Coordinator of Education [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1050

Kirsti Osborne, Licensed Social [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1045

Stephanie Leppert, Outreach & Advocacy [email protected] • 614-263-6020, ext. 1065

510 E. North Broadway, 4th FloorColumbus, Ohio 43214

Phone 614-263-6020Fax 614-263-6094


STEPHANIE’S CORNER

Hi, my name is Stephanie Leppert and I have been doing IMPROV with DSACO since January. I feel I have learned a lot since starting my first class.

You may be wondering what is IMPROV? We use our imagination to act out characters and we also play some acting games like “Look at Me,” Slide Show,” Help Desk,” and “Yes, and” to help us

learn new skills. We would normally have in person classes, but we have been meeting virtually because of COVID-19.

It has been great that we can continue our group classes! We are currently working on individual monologues. We get to be creative by making up stories of our character and include some physical activities by pretending we are holding or using objects, like a toothbrush or a ball or a shovel. It’s a lot fun!

I look forward to IMPROV every Monday night and seeing my friends. I never know what games we might play and what skills we might learn. IMPROV also helps me with my job at DSACO since we work on skills like speaking up, teamwork, quick thinking, listening, and building confidence. Our leader, Gabe, is a great instructor and makes the class fun. Everyone in the class is very supportive of each other.

I encourage others to consider giving IMPROV a try. Not only do you meet new people, but you get to use your imagination, play fun acting games and work on building new skills. You may even earn an IMPROVANEERS t-shirt!

I have been doing the Adult Stamping Club for 8 years with DSACO. We make greeting cards, like birthday cards, thank you cards, and get well cards, plus we make cards for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Our group has also donated cards to local nursing homes and we recently contributed cards to an Art Auction to benefit the Buddy Walk for 2020. We meet the first Wednesday of each month and make two cards at each meeting. The two facilitators make sample cards as a guide for us to follow. Since we are currently meeting virtually, I help prepare the crafting supplies for mailing to each participant one week prior to our meeting. Our club has grown, and we now have 13 members,but we’d love to have more join us!

Making cards is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy making cards for my family and friends, especially my grandma and grandpa. My grandma would put the cards I made for them in her scrapbook. Stamping Club is a good way

for me to see my friends and it allows me to be creative.

You don’t have to be crafty to join Stamping Club; anybody can do it! This year I used my stamping club skills to make graduation cards for DSACO members who graduated high school.

IMPROV Group Adult Stamping Club

JOIN ADULT STAMPING CLUB!

DSACO hosts an Adult Stamping Club the first Monday of each month - virtually until further notice. Check out page 15 for dates and additional details about the club! Don’t forget to RSVP to get the Zoom link and materials mailed to you!


Marge Barnheiser Retires After 33 Years of Service

October 8th will be a bittersweet day for Marge Barnheiser as she steps away from DSACO after serving in some capacity with the organization for the last 33 years. Marge began with DSACO as a volunteer in 1987 and eventually became the first paid staff member in 2005. She has been an integral part of DSACO history moving us from a volunteer organization to a reputable non-profit in Central Ohio. Kari Jones, President & CEO at DSACO recognizes the impact Marge has had over the years. “I wholly believe the reason the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio has the reach and positive impact it does today is due to the perseverance, dedication, passion, and leadership of Marge Barnheiser. Through Marge’s tenure she saw many coworkers, bosses, board members, rebrands, website overhauls, moves and—most importantly—families who needed her when they were their most vulnerable. She has tirelessly and selflessly given herself to DSACO and the families we serve in order to build a stronger community that affords people with Down syndrome the opportunity to live up to their fullest potential. We won’t be the same without her, but we’ll do

everything we can to carry on her legacy here at DSACO.”

Marge began in a volunteer capacity at DSACO shortly after her daughter Alyson was born. One of her first priorities as a volunteer was making sure new families received information about Down syndrome. She quickly created a new parent packet and formed a new parent group. She knew from experience that families wanted to know what it means to have a child with Down syndrome, and they wanted to connect with other families. Over 30 years later the need is the same, and both of these resources continue to exist at DSACO today.

Her first “official” role with the organization was as Administrative Director, which entailed wearing many hats: executive director, office manager, and program coordinator. After DSACO hired their first Executive Director, Marge took the role of Program Director, which she held until 2019, when she became the Director of Public Policy and Adult Services. Advocacy and awareness efforts have always been Marge’s passion. Over the years, Marge has collaborated and engaged with many organizations such as: the National Down Syndrome Society’s Ambassador Program, the Ohio Coalition for the Educations of Children with Disabilities, Consumer Advisory Council, and Impact Safety. She currently serves as a board member at ARC Industries and in 2015 Governor Kasich appointed her to the STABLE Account Program Advisory Board. Through collaboration and networking over the years Marge has made many friends in the disability community-- all while advocating for change.

When asked what her biggest accomplishment was over the years, she mentions her advocacy to get the ABLE Act passed. “The ABLE Act turned the world around for individuals with disabilities,” she shared with pride. Other significant accomplishments include developing the new parent group, establishing the Columbus Buddy Walk®, supporting the first Dancing with Our Stars Gala, bringing iCan Bike® to Columbus, developing DSACO’s Summer Learning Academy and starting the Adult Conference. These beginning efforts were accomplished with only minimal volunteers and staff.

HONORING MARGE BARNHEISER


Marge Barnheiser Retires After 33 Years of Service, continued

You cannot be a part of an organization for over 30 years and not have some memorable moments. With so many to choose from over the years, top on the list for Marge is bringing the adult and pediatric Down syndrome clinics to Ohio. When these clinics were established there were only a handful of Down syndrome clinics that existed in the United States. She also says bringing Born This Way television star Megan Bomgaars to DSACO’s “Don’t Limit Us” event was a highlight of her career. She was proud to showcase the talents of people with Down syndrome at an event that was exclusively organized by adults with Down syndrome.

Just as inspiring was collaborating with the Dublin Arts Council to host UK photographer, Richard Bailey to share his Shifting Perspectives exhibit. The exhibit was so successful Mr. Bailey came back two additional years with variations to the Shifting Perspectives theme – Shifting Perspectives in the Community (inclusion focus) and Shifting Perspectives – My Perspective – where the exhibit was built through the eyes of the young adults with Down syndrome who were paired with professional photographers. When asked about her proudest moment, she shared that watching the first individual open Ohio’s first STABLE Account—the first in the country-- was up there at the top.

Marge says she will miss holding the new babies at DSACO, but in retirement she plans to volunteer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she can hold new babies on a regular basis. Her immediate plans though are to kick back for a while and focus on family and friends. Who knows, you may even see her out paddle boarding, a new hobby she plans to pick up in retirement. When Marge finally walks out DSACO’s doors she will not be saying goodbye; she will remain an active member in the Down syndrome community. After 33 years she is not planning to completely leave us. She will be visible at the many DSACO hosted events. When asked for any final thoughts she said, “It’s been fun over the years to watch the babies grow up to become adults. Families come to us worried and afraid and I’ve had the luxury to watch many of them turn into remarkable adults.”

HONORING MARGE BARNHEISER

Congratulations on your retirement, Marge! You will be so missed!


COLUMBUS BUDDY WALK®

COLUMBUSDown Syndrome Association of Central Ohio presents

OCTOBER 3-4, 2020OCTOBER 3-4, 2020THERE’S STILL TIME TO DONATE!

The Columbus Buddy Walk website will stay open until October 31, 2020.www.columbusbuddywalk.org

Top 10 Fundraising Teams**As of September 18, 2020

1. Mighty Mallory • $16,945

2. Paul’s Pals • $8,440

3. She’s a Katie • $8,334

4. Bryce’s Buddies • $8,031

5. Simon’s Squad • $7,526

6. Dexter’s Wonder Walkers • $7,191

7. Ella’s Hope • $7,100

8. Team LJ • $7,002

9. Amazing Mena Grace • $6,850

10. Hey Jude • $6,704

Top 10 Largest Teams in Size**As of September 18, 2020

1. We Love Lucy and Livi • 100

2. Lucky Buddies Ava & Fiona • 96

3. Buckeye Buddies • 74

4. All About That Grace • 73

T5. Team Erin • 66

T5. Ella’s Hope • 66

T7. Go Lizzie Go • 65

T7. Perfect CADENce • 65

T9. Dexter’s Wonder Walkers • 64

T9. She’s a Katie • 64

T9. Team Charlie • 64


COLUMBUS BUDDY WALK®

Thank you! DSACO would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all of YOU for helping us fundraise during the 2020 Columbus Buddy Walk - Walk Your Way Weekend. While we did not expect to host our 19th annual Columbus Buddy Walk virtually, we appreciate your patience while we found ways to still help you celebrate from your home, your local park, anywhere! Because of YOU, more than $360,000 was raised for DSACO in the midst of a global pandemic. Thank you all so much for hosting virtual fundraisers, Facebook fundraisers and for generously donating to support such an incredible Down syndrome community.

We could not pull off even a virtual event without the help from a lot of generous sponsors - they are making sure that we can still celebrate even in today’s circumstances. Thank you to the following sponsors:

Bridges to Independence • CJS Heating & Air • Crowe LLP • Germain Mazda of Columbus • Germain Nissan of Columbus PNC • Produce Connections • SarahAnn’s Learning Unlimited • Shannon Grimm & Partners with HER RealtorsSpeer Mechanical • Stockamp & Brown, LLC • SUBWAY - Division of Fleetwinds, Inc. • The Village Car Store

Platinum Sponsor:

WBNS

Media Partners: Silver Sponsor:

Abbott • Ariel Corporation • First Financial Bank

Bronze Sponsors:

Card My Yard • Elevate Design • Thornton Media Arts

In-Kind Partners:

Friend Sponsors:

We want to see your pictures of your friends & family celebrating during the Columbus Buddy Walk - Walk Your Way Weekend! Send any photos to be included in a wrap-up slideshow to [email protected] by October 16, 2020. Thank you!

Please also use the hashtag#WalkYourWayWeekend

@DSACO.CBUS

@DSACO_CBUS

@DSACO_CBUS

Tag Us!


M.O.M.S. Resource Groups (Mothers Offering Mothers Support)

WESTERVILLEJoin us on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020Atlas Tavern | 8944 Lyra Dr. | Westerville

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020101 Beer Kitchen | 817 Polaris Pkwy. | Westerville

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020Barrel and Boar | 8 N. State Street | Westerville

Group Contacts: Mandy Peterson • [email protected] Beth Stanley • [email protected]

MARIONJoin us on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020Buffalo Wild Wings | 1573 Marion Mount Gilead Road | Marion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020Buffalo Wild Wings | 1573 Marion Mount Gilead Road | Marion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020Buffalo Wild Wings | 1573 Marion Mount Gilead Road | Marion

Group Contacts: Ashley Teets • [email protected] Chelsea Johnson • [email protected]

SOUTHEASTJoin us on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.Red Robin | 1720 Hill Rd. N. | Pickerington

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020Red Robin | 1720 Hill Rd. N. | Pickerington

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020Red Robin | 1720 Hill Rd. N. | Pickerington

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020Red Robin | 1720 Hill Rd. N. | Pickerington

Group Contact: Courtney Frost • [email protected]

NORTHWEST - VIRTUALJoin us on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020Virtual on Zoom

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020Virtual on Zoom

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020Virtual on Zoom

Group Contacts: Kelly Kuhns • [email protected] Rebecca Decker • [email protected]

DSACO MOMSIf you are interested in being added to the M.O.M.S. Facebook group and receiving invites to the group get-togethers, please request at [email protected].

DSACO Moms have the opportunity to share stories, needs, concerns and ideas.

RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY GROUPS

If you plan on attending one of DSACO’s M.O.M.S. group in person this month, please be sure to review and fill out the COVID-19 Waiver. The waiver only needs to be signed once.

M.O.M.S. Resource Groups not meeting during COVID:POWELL

Group Contacts: Susie Jones • [email protected] Kim Vega • [email protected]

MARYSVILLE

Group Contacts: Katie Furr • [email protected]


D.A.D.S. GroupDads get a chance to get to know each other and learn a bit from one another in a social setting. The mission of D.A.D.S. is to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | 6:00 P.M.Gallo’s Tap Room | 5019 Olentangy River Rd | Columbus

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 | 6:00 P.M.Gallo’s Tap Room | 5019 Olentangy River Rd | Columbus

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020 | 6:00 P.M.Gallo’s Tap Room | 5019 Olentangy River Rd | Columbus

D.A.D.S. Group Contact: Brian Stumpo • [email protected]

To be added to the D.A.D.S. Group email list, please contact Brian at [email protected].

DSACO D.A.D.S.

RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY GROUPS

Little Buddies & Toddlers and Preschool Parent Resource Group (Combined)Parents of infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children with Down syndrome welcome.

Join us on the 4th Monday of the month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom until further notice.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020Marilee Martens, PhD | Neurodevelopmental Psychologist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020Pizza Social

NO MEETING IN DECEMBER

Little Buddies Parent Group Contacts: Tori Whitley • [email protected] Alyson Orta • [email protected]

Toddlers and Preschool Parent Group Contacts: Jenny Gatchell • [email protected] Rebecca Decker • [email protected]

Little Buddies - Down Syndrome New Parent Support

Adult Stamping ClubThis social group works on paper crafting skills to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards to give to family and friends.

Join us on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual on Zoom until further notice.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020

Adult Stamping Club Contact: Sue Leppert • [email protected] RSVP to Sue Leppert no later than a week prior to each session.

Resource Groups not meeting during COVID:WEEKDAY PLAY GROUPGroup Contacts: Chrissy Bailey • [email protected] Beth Gelfius • [email protected]

SOUTHEAST PLAY GROUPGroup Contact: Courtney Frost •[email protected]

WEEKEND PLAY GROUPGroup Contacts: Erin Peebles • [email protected] Jessica Dury • [email protected]

SCHOOL AGED SOCIAL GROUPGroup Contacts: Andrea Bartosch • [email protected] Lisa McCarty • [email protected]

Upcoming Events

The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio is to support families, promote community involvement and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Our vision is for people with Down syndrome to achieve their fullest potential in an accepting and inclusive community.

510 E. North Broadway, 4th FloorColumbus, Ohio 43214

Return Service Requested

Keeping Up is a publication of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO), reporting items of interest relating to Down syndrome. DSACO does not promote or recommend therapy, treatment, institution, or professional system. Any editorials are the opinion of one person and not meant to represent the exclusive opinion of DSACO. DSACO is a 510(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are fully tax-deductible.

OCTOBER

Down Syndrome Awareness MonthAll Month of October

Virtual P.A.L.S. for Teens and Young AdultsThursdays, October 1 - 29 | 7:00 p.m.Virtual on Zoom

Columbus Buddy Walk® - Walk Your Way WeekendSaturday, October 3 - Sunday, October 4

NOVEMBER

Election DayTuesday, November 3

Virtual Visit with SantaThursday, November 19 | 7:00 p.m.Virtual on Zoom

DSACO Office Closed for ThanksgivingNovember 26 - 27

DECEMBER

Holiday Lights with DSACOSaturday, December 5 | 5:00 p.m.Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

DSACO Office Closed for HolidaysDecember 25 - January 4

keeping up - dsaco

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