Down Syndrome Association Of Orange County
PROGRAMS
New Parent Support & Education Program
Providing prenatal support and resources, as well as support after the birth of a baby with Down syndrome is just the beginning of what this program offers. A Welcome Baby Basket with gifts and vital resources (books/DVD's) is delivered to the new parent(s) either at the hospital or their home. Our Parent Mentor program is another critical part of our support, and we also provide a Support Group that meets once per month, and typically is attended by 20-30 families. The New Parent Support & Education Program also has a seminar and workshop series on topics relating to healthcare, early intervention therapies and early literacy, as well as transition into the public school program.
The news of your child being born with Down syndrome can be very shocking, and even devastating for some families. They may feel alone, isolated and have a bleak outlook about their life ahead, and that of their new baby. Connection to other parents and to resources is necessary and critical so they can begin to understand what Down syndrome is, and gain a level of hope for their child’s future. DSAOC’s New Parent Support & Education Program consists of Hospital Outreach, New/Expectant Parent connection, “Welcome Baby” baskets, Parent Mentor Program, 0-3 Support/Networking Group and Parent Education Seminars/Workshops. Program costs include outreach materials, critical resources, staff time, limited travel expenses when we visit families at hospitals, and venue expenses. DSAOC connects with new parents as early as possible to build a trusting, compassionate relationship. If parents aren’t connected early with resources, they might not learn about critical early intervention therapies and healthcare guidelines, resulting in babies missing essential milestones which are critical in their early years, which could impact their health and ability to be mainstreamed into their typical peer group. As a result of these efforts, parents will be better prepared and feel more knowledgeable and confident for their journey ahead. We expect to watch this family care for their child throughout the years, paying close attention to the developmental milestones. We will welcome them as they utilize our programs and services as the only full service Down syndrome specific organization with over 35 years of experience, and we expect to see their child grow up healthy and confident, and ready to reach their full potential.
DSAOC's Support & Networking Groups
DSAOC has a variety of Support & Networking Groups: - Homeschool Friends Social and Networking group – Held in the DSA|OC Center weekly on most Mondays, this group provides important social interaction and developmental opportunities for the children, and provides networking opportunities for parents/caregivers who are currently homeschooling or considering this educational option. - DSAOC ‘Superkids’ 4H program – Currently, an extension of our Homeschool Friends group, this group meets once per month to conduct and present on a variety of 4H projects and is an official program through the Orange County 4H organization. - Circle of Friends: New & Expectant Parents (0-3 years) –Held at the DSA|OC Center on the first Thursday of each month, this support network currently serves approximately 50+ families per year, and provides parents with the opportunity to make friends and share the challenges, milestones and triumphs as they raise their child. Expectant parents are also encouraged to participate, ask questions and receive support. Parents are encouraged to bring their little ones with Down syndrome to the meetings. - DSAOC Dads Group – A support/networking group specifically for fathers and grandfathers of children with Down syndrome of all ages. This group meets a few times annually and they have their own Facebook page at Facebook.com/DSAOCDads. - Down Syndrome/Alzheimer’s Support Group – A collaborative support group coordinated by Alzheimer’s Orange County and UC Irvine Healthcare, and ran out of their Center.
We work hard to get 100% participation in our 0 to 3 support and networking group. This group is critical, as important information and navigation of services are explained. Our long-term goal with all of our support and networking programs is for parents to remain engaged with DSAOC and other families on the same journey. As their child with Down syndrome ages, he or she will begin to create their own circle of friends which is highly important for mental wellness in our children with Down syndrome. Having a friendship circle has also been shown to be valuable for the parents as well, and helps them remain in the know on getting the best and most needed services for their loved one with Down syndrome.
Orange County Bike Camp
The Orange County Bike Camp through DSAOC has been helping individuals with disabilities, ages 8 through adult, learn to ride a two-wheeled bike independently since 2008. We offer the annual Camp to 40 individuals with disabilities (Down syndrome, Autism and other disabilities). Riders participate in 75-minute sessions each day in this week-long camp. Riding specialized bicycles, the riders develop the strength, kinesthetic and muscle memory needed for balance, endurance and coordination, with wonderful volunteer spotters who make the experience safe and fun. After several days riding specialized bicycles, they transition to regular bikes, and by the end of the week they are riding their own bike in the parking lot, with their family members cheering them on, and their volunteers running alongside. DSAOC contracts with a special group, ICanBike/ICanShine, and we pay to have them bring their specialized bikes and equipment, along with 2 staff members to help us run the Camp. It's a huge undertaking, and it's a costly program, but the benefits that participating families experience is priceless.
Imagine your child with Down syndrome or other disability watching out the front window as their peers ride bikes through the neighborhood. Think about how those families feel who go on bike rides and have to leave their child with Down syndrome or other disability behind because they don't know how to ride a bike, or they are relegated to a tow-along trailer. For many families, this Camp is a Godsend. We receive so many emails and notes from families about how this Bike Camp has changed their lives, and they can truly have family bike rides now. Learning to ride a bike at the OC Bike Camp offers a person with a disability access to several benefits:
· Elevated Self-esteem
· Peer inclusion
· Improved Health & Confidence
· Greater participation in family activities
· Increased independence
· Transportation option
Weekly Teen/Adult Programs
DSAOC currently runs 11 weekly programs that focus on mental, physical and social wellness. On Mondays: Homeschool Friends, Adult Social Communications Program, Art Program. On Tuesdays: Dance with Mandy, Book Club, Drama Therapy. On Wednesdays: Hula with Moana Nui, Yoga with Julie, Lights Camera Action Improv with Anthony. On Thursdays: Fun & Fitness with BC Adaptive, Clogging Class with Josiah, Taekwondo with Jonathan & Amisha. DSAOC pays most program facilitators and they are wonderful with our population. We work hard to keep registration fees low, so donations that support the costs of these programs makes it possible to bring so many amazing programs to our community.
People with Down syndrome are living longer, healthier lives. While this is something to celebrate, and proves that taking your baby home, loving them and including them in all aspects of your family life and community has created a place where individuals with Down syndrome can thrive, it has also uncovered the connection between Alzheimer's and Down syndrome. As young as 30, individuals with Down syndrome can start regressing and showing signs they are developing dementia. Research has shown, whether for the general population or those with Down syndrome, that staying active, social, healthy and happy can prolong successful aging and stave off dementia and dementia related issues. DSAOC's teen/adult programs are necessary and focus on mental, physical and social wellness and are key to our successful aging goal for all individuals with Down syndrome. You can help us ensure successful aging opportunities for people with Down syndrome by supporting our teen/adult programming. Thank you!
CONTACT
Down Syndrome Association Of Orange County
151 KALMUS DR STE M5
COSTA MESA, CA 92626
Kellie Perez
Phone: 714-540-5794