We are here to support you in every way possible and welcome you to contact us with any questions you may have.
Director of Family Support |
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To empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
There are colleges that offer specialized programs within their colleges for students with developmental disabilities- You may find a list of California college opportunities at THINK College.
Pediatric to Adult Medical Health Care should start in adolescence and be completed by the age of 20. There are several things to consider before reaching adulthood.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society at least half of all children and adults with Down syndrome will face a major mental health concern during their life, a statistic that is similar to the general US population. The most common mental health concerns in individuals with Down syndrome include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, oppositional behaviors, depression, and tic disorder.
In 2021, the DSCBA implemented a Mental Health Alliance (MHA) pilot program. We work with local clinicians, providing them with training and communication tools/ supports to better equip them to treat members with Down syndrome. Working closely with the clinicians, we have been able to provide access to both one-on-one and group tele-therapy for those expressing a need.
The Mental Health Alliance has created an online resource of communication tools and visual supports.
If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Marianne@dscba.org.
Regression can be caused by many things and is associated with a marked decline in previously established functions.
Discussing this topic earlier than you think is often the best time. It is best to start the dialog before questions arise, because they can’t ask questions about things they don’t know about yet! In addition, you might want to preempt the questions that might come up on sexual health topics from TV, movies, social media, or their peers. Keep it straightforward, simple, and honest. Be sure to utilize those teachable moments while you are watching TV or a movie together.
An informative webinar on the subject was hosted by The Down Syndrome Adult Clinic; Supporting Healthy Sexuality for Individuals with Down Syndrome . This webinar is appropriate for both caregivers and service providers.
As puberty approaches teaching the concept of Private vs Public is the first step in teaching about. The Adult Down Syndrome Center has also created some great visual support stories to go along with teaching these concepts.
A good book for those interested in being in a relationship can be found in the DSCBA lending library and now also available on Amazon :
Boyfriends & Girlfriends: A Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities
Written by Terri Couwenhoven, this book is for anyone who is already in a relationship, ready to start one, or still only dreaming about it. The guide is also an informative read for parents, counselors, and other support providers.
Dating Workshop- If you are interested in learning about your teen/young adult participating in a dating workshop, please contact Programs@dscba.org to learn more.
The importance of a healthy diet and exercise is no different for individuals with Down syndrome than it is for the general population, however the challenge can be greater, working around both physical and dietary restrictions that can possibly occur.
When it comes to finding effective ways to encourage physical activity the ultimate goal is to find enjoyable activities to build on functional ability. With that in mind, it’s important to seek out opportunities to build and improve balance, strength and the cardiovascular system. Ideas could include dancing, swimming, walking, physical video games, such as Wii Sports and Just Dance. Joining team sports through Special Olympics, Challenge Baseball and E-soccer can be fun ways to incorporate exercise that also provide the benefit of social interaction.
Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of being obese than their typically developing peers. Sometimes it is the result of hypothyroidism or perhaps they may have a lower level of metabolism. This along with other health issues such as Celiac disease or lactose intolerance can make the incorporation of a healthy daily diet an extra challenge.
Some strategies that can be implemented that assist in maintaining a healthy weight can include, avoiding food as a reward, controlling portion sizes, eating fewer snacks between meals, eliminating sodas (both regular & diet), preparing meals at home and empowering individuals to participate in both the planning and the cooking of the meals.
These classes are groups that support key skills for the adult-aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation, and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on ability and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group.
Thursdays: In - Person: 4:00 - 5:30pm
Facilitator(s): Jennifer Cooper
These classes are groups that support key skills for the adult-aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation, and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on ability and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group.
Wednesdays: 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Facilitators: Teresa Jorgensen
These classes are groups that support key skills for the adult-aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation, and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on ability and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group.
Tuesdays: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Marianne Iversen, Debbie Munoz
Thursdays: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Marianne Iversen
The goals of the Teen Classes are to improve students’ language development, reading comprehension, confidence and self-expression. The emphasis is on enhancing socialization skills, building friendships and practicing teamwork, cooperation and respect for self and others.
Wednesdays: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Laura Briggs
The goals of the Teen Classes are to improve students’ language development, reading comprehension, confidence and self-expression. The emphasis is on enhancing socialization skills, building friendships and practicing teamwork, cooperation and respect for self and others.
Wednesdays: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Lori Rotolo
These classes are groups that support key skills for the adult-aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation, and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on ability and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group.
Thursdays: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Facilitator: Lori Rotolo
The goals of the transtioning youth and young adult classes are to improve students’ language development, reading comprehension, confidence and self-expression. The emphasis is on enhancing socialization skills, building friendships and practicing teamwork, cooperation and respect for self and others.
Wednesdays: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Facilitator: Christina Lewis
These classes are groups that support key skills for the adult-aged population. We focus on skill building in three main areas: Social/Friendship, Leisure/Recreation and Inter/Independent Living. These very active and fun groups emphasize positive communication and social values, personal awareness and empowerment through vital peer and group relationships, fitness and recreation, and creative movement and the expressive arts. Emphasis is on ability and personal responsibility in a safe and exciting group.
Tuesdays: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Facilitators: Christina Lewis
Facilitator: Cathleen Small, Director of New Family Services
Early Connections Play Dates
Moms of children of all ages are welcomed to join in on an opportunity to get together in the comfort of your own home with fellow moms and share in the joys and challenges of parenting.
2024 Meeting Time/Dates:
Please email Programs@dscba.org if you have any questions.
Dads of children of all ages are welcomed to join in on an opportunity to get to meet other dads. This is a perfect way to get together in the comfort of your own home with other dads and share in the joys and challenges of parenting.
2024 Meeting Time/Dates:
Please email Programs@dscba.org if you have any questions.
If you are caring for someone with DS who exhibits symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia please join us in this monthly virtual meeting.
2024 Meeting Times/Dates:
Email: marianne@dscba.org for more information
Grandparents of children with Down syndrome are welcomed and encouraged to join this monthly group. This is an opportunity to exchange information, share common experiences, and be encouraged by other grandparents with similar issues and concerns.
2024 Meeting Time/Dates:
Brothers and sisters of those with Down syndrome tend to be compassionate, understanding, wonderful people. But we also know that being the brother or sister of someone with Down syndrome can have its tough times, too!
If you would like more information about resources please contact info@dscba.org
*Check to see if a copy is available to borrow from our Lending Library
Email the Lending Library
We have several private Facebook Groups to serve the needs of our diverse membership. Please click through the links to request to join. Our main Facebook page is located here.
TO REGISTER: Please click on the session & date you wish to attend.
2024 Schedule
To empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.