Summer 2016 - Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center
Transcription
Summer 2016 - Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center
Summer 2016 The Thrill of a College Acceptance Letter Event Highlights It is a busy time of year at the EPDSC! Find out what’s been happening. 4 Housing Initiative A dedicated group of families is spearheading change for new options. 6 By Patti Mertz The Buddy Walk Rocks! Find out why you should be a part of the EPDSC’s annual fundraiser. 7 Camp PALS Read about great experiences from some of this year’s campers. 8 Miss Amazing 2016 Pageant “Queens Today, Leaders Tomorrow” is their theme for empowerment. 10 FORE! Registration is open for the 7th Annual EPDSC Golf Tournament. 11 Many young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) leaving high school are preparing to take on adult roles that establish personal and social relationships. These relationships enable them to participate actively and independently in the community and workforce, while helping define their quality of life. The mission of the EPDSC is to equip families and individuals influenced by Down syndrome with the latest medical advancement, social, emotional and educational support in order to maximize each individual’s potential. We believe that everyone has the right to enhance their learning and realize their personal potential through higher education. Too often, students with ID are discouraged from considering college for their future. Research indicates youth with ID who participate in postsecondary education (PSE) are 26% more likely to have a paid job and earn 73% higher wages. The growth students experience in college can be applied to a variety of areas such as academic and personal skill-building, employment, independence, self-advocacy and self-confidence. In 2005, several Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center (EPDSC) staff members had sons/daughters emerging as transition students (age 14-21) with a desire to continue their learning alongside their peers. Unfortunately during this time, there were no institutes of higher education accepting new students with ID in the state of Pennsylvania. Adhering to the Center’s mission, These highly motivated individuals and parents began breaking down societal limitations based upon old paradigms, perceptions and stereotypes. A commitment was made to develop a program in Pennsylvania after traveling across the country to visit existing PSE programs. In collaboration with Dr. Domenico Cavauiolo, a professor in the Special Education Department at East Stroudsburg University (ESU), the EPDSC worked tirelessly to create the Career Independent Living and Learning Studies (CILLS.) This non-degree, certificate program operates on a three year cycle. Coursework and learning experiences are instructed by the Coordinator of the program with oversight by Dr. Cavauiolo and faculty in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation. The program would not have been possible without a very generous donation awarded to the EPDSC, which financially supported the CILLS program for Continued on page 9 the EPDSC Board of Directors • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mike Carney Nicole Geloso Steve Neary Dr. Teresa Romano Bobby Lanyon Jason Anderson Kelly Nelson Sue McGorry Kathi Eichman Erik Weiner Sandro Micocci Ryan Murphy At large: Dr. Donald Levick Officers • • • • Mike Carney, President Bobby Lanyon, Vice President Steve Neary, Treasurer Dr. Teresa Romano, Secretary Staff • Don Levick, M.D., MBA, Medical Director • Renee Morrow-Connelly, D.O., Pediactrics • Scott Rice, M.D., Pediatrics • Andrea Meeker, MS, OTR/L • Kelly Nelson, MS, OTR/L • Patti Mertz, Center Coordinator • Maria Floryshak, Center Coordinator • Anne Marie Dolinish-Meltzer, Clinic Coordinator • Kathleen Christy, Clinic Coordinator • Melissia Baker, Development & Events Coordinator • Claire Dainese, Office Assistant • Sherrill Cormack, Newsletter Editor • Diana Santoro, Newsletter Design Letter from the President A funny thing happened when Olivia was born, I swore that I was not the type of parent who could raise a child with “special needs.” Well, here I am nine years later raising this child not as a child with special needs, but as my daughter. How many of us felt this way in the beginning or even how many of us still feel this way? Was it because of fear? Fear is an interesting four letter word. Defined, fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or discomfort. You see, we spend most of our lives trying to live as pain-free as possible, trying to get as much as we can, trying to do as much as we can do, trying to make as much as we can comfortable. Generally speaking we avoid confrontation, we stay away from things that might hurt, we limit the challenges, we go for a walk because running is too hard and we take the escalator because the steps are annoying. But the truth is, when we step outside of our comfort zone, look fear in its face, we get a chance to see what we are really made of. And only then do you get a chance to appreciate this journey. Yes, I know raising a child with special needs can be full of ups and downs, but couldn’t you agree that the excitement and joy completely outweigh the fears? Is fear really a disguise for excitement and we decide on how we want to perceive it? Part of the EPDSC’s mission statement is to provide social and emotional support to all our families. We accomplish this by providing the opportunities such as the Buddy Walk, to give our families the chance to meet and talk to one another. There is so much powerful knowledge throughout the EPDSC and our members. It is, however, up to you to take advantage of these opportunities. As we approach our 17th annual Buddy Walk, there will be new families as well as experienced families. If you come across a new family, introduce yourself, tell them about your child and offer any assistance that you can. To anyone reading this that thinks raising your child is above your parental pay-grade, I say think again. You are doing it, and you are doing a great job at it. We are not the first and will not be the last. Cherish the accomplishments and push beyond the roadblocks. With the help of my wife, breaking down the fear and parenting Olivia through her journey is perhaps one my greatest accomplishments. I know I am not alone in feeling this way and I ask that you give yourself a “pat on the back” for a job well done. After all, in life, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Be well, Michael B. Carney President, EPDSC 2 Here’s what’s new! Severe Sleep Apnea Research At a recent DSMIG meeting, the hypoglossal nerve stimulator research was discussed. As you may know, there is a now a multi-center clinical trial to test the device in a larger cohort of patients. Children with Down syndrome, ages 10-21, who have had a adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy but who still have severe sleep apnea and who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy are eligible. More details available at http:// www.massgeneral.org/children/research/ down-syndrome/hypoglossal-nerve-stimulator-study.aspx. Funds are available to defray costs for patients and their families to travel to one of the participating centers. If you have a patient who might be a good candidate, please feel free to contact one of the following site principal investigators. Dr. Chris Hartnick (Christopher_Hartnick@ meei.harvard.edu) Dr. Nikhlila Raol ([email protected]) Dr Carissa Wentland (carissa.wentland@ gmail.com) Dr. Stacey Ishman (Stacey.Ishman@cchmc. org) Dr. Jeff Simons ([email protected]) Meet EPDSC’s New Intern! Hello everyone! I would like to introduce you to our Marketing and Events Coordinator Intern, Ms. Jinsely Ariza. She has been our EPDSC intern for the past month and has been working on promoting events, coordinating entertainment for the LV Buddy Walk, and building relationships with local businesses to help our annual fundraising goal. Jinsely Ariza is a recent graduate of DeSales University with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration. She has been living in the Lehigh Valley with her family and yorkie for over 17 years. She enjoys dancing, traveling the country, planning events, baking, buying stationary products, and creating content for social media. Her career goal now is to find a job in the healthcare field then she will head off to graduate school for a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration to achieve her dream of becoming a Heathcare Administrator. 3 The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for 100 members of the EPDSC to spend an afternoon together on Saturday, July 9th at the Annual Summer Picnic at Macungie Memorial Park. The EPDSC “extended family” had an opportunity to catch up and meet some new friends, while the children enjoyed time on the playground. What a wonderful feeling it was to have so many friends participate in the picnic. Next year, put your lei on, and get ready to do the limbo... 4 EPDSC Summer Picnic! Lehigh Valley Baseball! What is baseball without popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs and the seventh inning stretch? The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have all that and much more. Can’t find much more happiness than enjoying America’s pastime favorite game. The EPDSC’s dedicated fans brought their hats, gloves and blankets and enjoyed a night of Iron Pigs baseball on June 18th at Cocoa-Cola Park. Perfect summer weather was in place as the fans cheered on the home team to a win! The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display. 5 update: “The Housing Initiative” When our children were born, we fought for them every step of the way. We advocated for their education in a classroom with their peers. We developed a three year post-secondary education program at East Stroudsburg University. We advocated for their inclusion in the community and we advocated for competitive employment. But have you ever wondered where your son or daughter would live when they become an adult? These issues and questions are hard enough for our “typical” children. But what about those that have an intellectual disability? In September of 2014, the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center asked that same question and charged a small group of parents to come up with a creative living option that would allow our adults with intellectual disabilities to live independently in their community. Patti Mertz, Maria Floryshak, Bobby Lanyon, Anne Marie Dolinish Meltzer, Bill Meltzer and Cindi Lo volunteered for this assignment. Under the leadership of Anne Marie Dolinish-Meltzer, this group developed the following Mission Statement that would: “Assist individuals with disabilities in attaining a safe, nurturing and supervised creative living option and to support individuals in becoming independent and self-fulfilled while experiencing meaningful relationships and activities in their communities.” We started by reading the book “Moving Out”, a Family Guide to Residential Planning for Adults with Disabilities. We spoke with a number of organizations in Pennsylvania and elsewhere that provide various housing models for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We visited the “Trinity House” in Bloomsburg, PA where a vacant church was “repurposed” by converting it into apartments for 19 individuals with intellectual disabilities. If you were able to attend our Home, Health and Future Conference in May of this year, you probably heard the story of the “Trinity House!”We have spoken with two of our State Representatives who are very excited and supportive of our initiative. We have met with an architect, an attorney and a realtor who have offered their services in an effort to assist us in developing a creative living option for our adults. Over the past 18 months, we have come to realize that housing that gets developed through the public domain can be costly, is often complex and usually takes a long time to see it through. Financing in the public domain is typically through Federal dollars that are administered by the States. Pennsylvania has established the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to disperse these funds that are made available each year. This year, PHFA received 111 applications requesting $147 million dollars for various housing projects. This year PHFA awarded $42 million dollars for 39 of those projects. While financing for housing through the PHFA is very competitive, the good news is that there are consulting firms and housing authorities that are willing to work with 6 us and help guide us through the application process. In July we had a meeting with Mullin, Lonergan and Associates, a housing and community development consulting firm. We also met with the Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Housing Authority. Both believe our mission is certainly a worthy one and that a path forward for our mission is possible. While most projects are funded through the public domain, those that have some private financing have a somewhat easier path going forward. So what exactly would this creative living option look like? After much discussion (and debate) we came out with the following seven key attributes: • Must be in a safe location • Easy access to public transportation • Close proximity to stores, banks, pharmacies, restaurants, movie theaters, churches, etc. • On site manager 24 hours a day • On site community/recreation room for residents • Ample parking for service providers • Friendly, inclusive neighborhood This new creative living option would facilitate the inclusion, self-determination and independence of its residents. It would provide opportunities to increase and enhance independent living skills. It would strive to realize the full potential of its residents. It would seek the transformation of society’s misconception of the abilities, capabilities and persons with intellectual disabilities. This new creative living option would not be a group home. It would not dictate friendships or relationships. It would not direct lifestyle or make decisions. It would not mandate participation in any program. As previously mentioned we are in the process of considering a number of properties in the Lehigh Valley. We are considering existing properties that can be repurposed or demolished such as a former warehouse or mill and we are also looking at new development opportunities. We are looking at a project consisting of 20-24 units but would consider partnering with another organization on a larger project. We have also reached out to the Autism community and have expanded our group to include Trieste Kennedy and Mimi Ludwig. We are always looking for new ideas and suggestions, but more importantly new people to help develop these new ideas and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact Anne Marie Dolinish-Meltzer at 610-3958586 with any recommendations. Launching of the Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (PDSAC); Seeking Your Input and Assistance We are pleased to announce the formation of the Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (PDSAC). Through this statewide coalition, parents stakeholders and self-advocates within the Down syndrome community are coming together to establish an advocacy coalition that will focus on informing and influencing decision-makers at the community, state and national levels about priority issues important to our community. For the coalition to be effective, we will need to focus our efforts on issues important to the Pennsylvania Ds community and have active participation by advocates across the state. We would appreciate your completing a survey to help us identify focus areas and direction for the coalition, in addition to finding individuals interested in participating within the coalition. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Feel free to forward this email to other individuals within Pennsylvania. Help us strengthen the voice of the Down syndrome community in Pennsylvania. Link to survey: https://fs16.formsite.com/apha2/ PADSAdvoc/index.html Please complete the survey by September 1, 2016. Also visit the coalition website at www.pdsac.org to learn more about the coalition. You have the opportunity to shape the work of PDSAC. If you have any questions feel free to contact us. PDSAC Co-chairs Mitchel Rothholz Harleysville, PA [email protected] Erik Weiner Quakertown, PA [email protected] Vision Statement: All individuals in Pennsylvania with Down syndrome will achieve equality, access and inclusion. Mission Statement: Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (PDSAC) seeks to improve, through legislative, regulatory and policy advocacy, the quality of life for all individuals with Down syndrome, regardless of age, at the community, state, and national levels. To achieve its mission, PDSAC focuses on: • • • • • Improving Education Opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Improving Health Outcomes and Quality of Life for individuals with Down syndrome. Creating an Economic Future for individuals with Down syndrome. Strengthening community relations for and understanding of individuals with Down syndrome. Engaging and informing the Down syndrome community regarding legislative, regulatory and policy developments. 7 Camp If you do an internet search for Camp PALS, you will see that their programs “provide a place for teens and young adults with Down syndrome and their peers to have fun, grow as individuals and build transformative friendships.” Programs are currently located in 10 different locations across the USA. Eight members from the EPDSC attended Camp Pals this year: Philadelphia – Olivia Neiley and Tess Eichman Poconos – Brennan McCarthy NJ – Lauren Coni, Briana Hall, Jenna Hawkins Georgetown – Bryan Meltzer New Rochelle – Sam Heller The “Green Team” is Olivia’s team and they were together for many fun activities including: crafts, sports and, of course, karaoke! There were field trips to Ocean Beach, The Franklin Institute, the movie theater and some serious arcade game time at Dave and Busters. This experience is something that cannot be measured. Olivia looks forward to this week every year and is already talking about next year. Following are two stories from campers Olivia Neiley, Brennan McCarthy and their families. Olivia at Camp PALS, Philadelphia This year was Olivia’s second year at Camp PALS, Philadelphia. Imagine arriving at camp with your friends shaking cheerleading pompoms in a posterdecorated convertible and being greeted by hundreds of camp volunteers and participants. Excitement to the Nth degree. What stands out is how the counselors all say that this week changes their lives too. It brings a whole new meaning and outlook about people with disabilities. This is how Camp PALS is trying to change the world. We highly recommend Camp PALS for your son or daughter to attend at least once. Just don’t be surprised when they say they want to go back next year. Brennan at Camp PALS, Poconos Off to the dorms, where the hallways are all decorated. Olivia met her counselor, Emma, with whom she shared a dorm room. By the end of the week, they are more than camper and counselor: they are Best Friends Forever. 8 Our car slowly rounded the corner into the University of Scranton’s parking lot, edging toward a mob of student counselors in bright t-shirts. Suddenly, one student ran up to our car and yelled, “What’s the camper’s name?” “Brennan!” we shouted back. He then shouted towards his fellow counselors, “It’s Brennan!” The counselors erupted in cheers and chanted, “Brennan, Brennan, Brennan.” They quickly surrounded the car, reaching in Brennan’s window to give him high-fives as we carefully navigated the tunnel of his “fans.” We had arrived at Camp PALS, Poconos. Continued from page 1 We parked nearby and were immediately greeted by counselors in red t-shirts. We learned that Brennan was Team RED for the week. Brennan met his counselor, Travis, who had already spoken to Cheryl by phone the previous week to learn Brennan’s background. After a quick visit with the Medical staff, we were whisked away to his dorm room, engulfed in decorations with a Pokemon theme. Brennan loves Pokemon. After unpacking his luggage, Brennan and Travis re-joined the arrival group welcoming the next campers and said “goodbye” to Mom and Dad for the week. The first evening, the campers enjoyed an ice cream social where they had the opportunity to get to meet each other, their teams and the counselors. On Monday morning, the parents got to see what the campers were up to via the Facebook pictures the staff posts each day. Brennan enjoyed a whirlwind of his favorite activities including: softball, karaoke and a yoga class. He even tried his hand at painting, creating a fan page of the Yankees, his favorite team. Brennan also performed on stage, his version of Justin Bieber’s hit song, “Love Yourself.” But the fun just doesn’t end. The campers all went to a minor league baseball game, a waterpark, a drive-in movie theater and a state park. The highlight of the week is the final evening’s semiformal dance. On the last day, Brennan will say his goodbyes to all of his new friends and give sincere thanks to all the volunteer counselors. Brennan will definitely be back next year! You can view additional fun activities on Youtube. Just do a search for Camp PALS. the first three years.The CILLS program is designed to provide a learning experience to individuals with ID in a campus environment. Consequently, the life and work skills gained are amplified by the daily encouragement of being in a university setting. The CILLS program fosters a high-quality learning experience, in addition to helping individuals working towards achieving their goals of being included in the community, by establishing friendships and building self-confidence. The program participants have the opportunity to take various classes to meet specific individual needs, to pursue traditional areas of interest available to all university students, and to engage in practical and community work through internships. It includes living in off campus housing and learning to build relationships with their non-disabled peers on campus. The CILLS program promotes self-advocacy and utilizes mentors and peer supports to accommodate the different learning abilities of participants in all domains. The EPDSC and many other advocates are continually working to lay the groundwork to change attitudes and redefine support to people with ID. As a result, more and more institutes of higher education are opening their doors to accept these capable, independent and productive citizens. Since college is a viable option for many students with ID, families want to know how to collaborate with their IEP team to plan for a post-secondary experience. The key is to start planning early and be prepared! Some things you may want to consider include: • • • • • • • Inclusive education and access to curriculum Literacy skills (reading, writing, math) Self-advocacy and independent living skills Communications and social skills Paid jobs while in school Research and visit existing programs IEPs and transition plans should reflect goals in these areas and postsecondary outcomes of college, work and independent living We are proud of our EPDSC members/students who were the first graduating class from the CILLS program in 2013: Lauren Coni, Jessica Floryshak, Sam Heller, Bryan Meltzer, Alec Mertz and Matthew Paladino. Congratulations and THANK YOU for being the inspiration to many others! There are currently 249 existing programs in the United States offering different types of learning opportunities. It is with tremendous gratification that I can report the CILLS program at ESU has 24 students enrolled for Fall 2016. Please enjoy the video below capturing Rachel’s enthusiasm as she reads her acceptance letter from ESU! CONGRATULATIONS Rachel and we wish you the best! --> http://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/ humankind/2016/03/31/82462808/ To locate additional information regarding postsecondary programs, go to www.thinkcollege.net. 9 Queens Today _____________________________________________________________________ Leaders Tomorrow Talent: Kelsey performed her favorite solo dance routine to the song, “Lights, camera and action.” She rocked the stage with her dance moves. Kelsey Anthony participated in the State of Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Pageant in March 2016 at Moravian College in Bethlehem. Kelsey was named Pennsylvania Miss Amazing in the teen division of the pageant and qualified to attend the National Miss Amazing in Chicago in June of 2016. Miss Amazing is a place where girls and women with disablilites have the power to define themselves on their own terms, to set new goals and to further develop life skills. Each skill area has its unique purpose and ultimately contributes to an empowering experience for all. Kelsey participated in four skill areas: Interview:Kelsey exercised her communication skills and interview skills during a one-on-one conversation with three judges. Introduction: Kelsey introduced herself to the audience with her age, her state and some facts about herself. This skill area offered Kelsey a chance to exercise public speaking skills and to share her strengths and ambitions with the nationwide audience. Presentation in evening wear: Kelsey took the stage in her favorite evening wear attire and showed her confidence and self-assurance with body language and non-verbal communication. Kelsey confidently took the stage in her beautiful black evening wear and while modeling her dress, threw kisses , winks and hearts to the judges and audience. She was amazing. 10 The national Miss Amazing offered Kelsey valuable opportunities to set higher expectations for herself to become stronger and more determined. Kelsey had the honor of representing girls and women in the state of Pennsylvania. Miss Amazing helped Kelsey show the world that she is a ambitious, capable and multi-faceted individual. While Kelsey did not walk away with the national teen title she did walk away with the most precious and valuable awards that you can walk away with from The Miss Amazing Pageant which are: • • • • • A sense of purpose One or more new goals accomplished Increased focus on her strengths and abilities New friends Improved social and communication skills This was such a wonderful experience for Kelsey that she will forever remember and cherish. Saturday September 24, 2016 2 - 6 PM Valley Preferred Cycling Center Breinigsville, PA Buddy Walk Information The 17th Annual Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk will occur at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Breinigsville, PA. This is a 1 mile fun walk with an after party!!! Entertainment will include Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, DJ from Bar None Entertainment, trackless train, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, and much, much more! Buddy Walk Schedule 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:10 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM Onsite Registration/Check-In Opening Ceremonies Begin Buddy Walk Entertainment End of event Online Registration at www.lehighvalleybuddywalk.org About the EPDSC The Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center is dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of ALL persons with Down syndrome and their families. Our mission is to equip families and individuals influenced by Down syndrome with the latest medical advancement, social, emotional and educational support in order to maximize each For further information about the EPDSC or the 17th Annual Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk, please contact us at: 610-402-0188 * 610-402-0187 (fax) www.epdsc.net Questions? Contact Melissia Baker at [email protected] 11 --> 2016 Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk <-• • • • Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00-6:00 PM FREE for individuals with Down syndrome; $15 adults; $15 children Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Trexlertown, PA Register at:www.lehighvalleybuddywalk.org “Making Inclusion Work: Practical Tools and Strategies” August 24, 2016 Pennbrook Middle School, 1201 North Wales Road, North Wales, PA For more information and to register visit: https://register.asapconnected.com/default. aspx?org=3416 6900 Hamilton Boulevard PO Box 60 Trexlertown, PA 18087 Contact Us Phone:610.402.0184 Fax:610.402.0187 Email:[email protected] Web:www.epdsc.net The 7th Annual EPDSC Annual Golf Outing The Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center is proud to announce the seventh annual Golf Tournament. This year, the tournament will be held on: When: Friday October 14, 2016 9 AM shot gun start time Where: Allentown Municipal Golf Course Cost: Individual $70, Foursome $260. Includes green fee, cart, hot meal and beverage. eRegistration will open up on July 29, 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Carney by email at [email protected].