Early Matters E-Newsletter March 2017

Jena Wells

Early Matters Coordinator

JenaWdsagccom

5137615400

Novel Distraction Toys for Children from Everyday Things

BY BARBARA SHER - parentingspecialneedsorg

One of the major tricks of parenting is the art of distraction Itrsquos a cinch when

babies are small and they reach for something you donrsquot want them to have

You simply do a sleight of hand and offer baby something else Not only

does she go for it she forgets that there was anything else there to begin

with

It is unfortunately for us a sign of intelligence when your smarty remembers

what it was that she was after and wonrsquot go for a substitute Unlesshellip you

are quick or clever enough to find a substitute that is more interesting

To that end here are suggestions for Distraction Toys You could make

them up ahead of time and keep each in a zip-lock bag to be pulled out

when needed They could be used when a child is bored or frustrated or

needs stimulation or letrsquos not kid ourselves when we need a moment of

quiet

I canrsquot believe we are in the midst of March already I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you that

have attended the winter empowerment classes andor the ldquoNEWrdquo 21 Series We are really trying

to make sure we offer the programs that you need and are interested in It appears we are on the

right track but if you have feedback about the classes or programs then please be sure to

complete the surveys that go out They are anonymous and we truly read the feedback and listen

If you have questionscomments about any programming I or the DSAGC offers then just contact

me through email at jenawdsagccom or phone 513-761-5400 Irsquom happy to help

There are some exciting things happening around the DSAGC and Irsquom happy to announce that we

have just opened the registration for Spring Programming Please see the flyer below for more

details

Warmly Jena Wells Early Matters Coordinator

Keep in mind the abilities of your child when choosing the toys

1) An empty plastic water bottle and cut up straws Game Put the pieces of straws in the bottle

opening Poke a tiny hole in the cap if you want to up the challenge

2) A sock with different objects inside Game ldquoCan you find the walnut inside by just feeling with

your fingers What else is in there a paper clip a comb No peekingrdquo

3) A bag with raisins and toothpicks Game To skewer the raisins until the toothpick is full and

then pull them off with the front teeth

4) Two ends of a milk carton cut off and inserted into each other (to form a small closed box) and

pennies Cut a fat slit in the top of the small box Game to insert pennies one by one inside the

little slot

5) A bag of Cheerios or Fruit Loops and a piece of string Knot one end and put tape on the oth-

er to make it pointed Game To make an edible necklace

Substitute organic sugar-free veggie colored o cereal for traditional Fruit Loops

6) A bag of stickers Game To peel off and stick on anything in sight

Lots of everyday things can turn into novel distraction toys and children are distracted by novelty

Whatcha got at your house

Miss Coralie

Meet Grace

Meet Nolan

Classes amp Socials

Register Today

Toddler Talk (ages 18 mo - 3)

Thursdays | 630 - 730 PM April 13 - May 18

DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room

Rosie Sheldon from the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome will lead this six-week educational session on ways to support communication during play Each week Rosie will focus on a specific activity that parents will practice with their child while interactive feedback is provided Families will learn critical building blocks of early language and have the opportunity to discuss communication strategies for their own home If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells atjenawdsagccom

Music Therapy (ages 3 - 6)

Tuesdays | 630 - 715 PM May 9 - June 13 DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room

one sibling per participant

Music Therapy is taught by board certified music therapist Kate Legge Your childs music experience will be designed in a purposeful and developmentally appropriate manner to focus on shared play turn-taking listening and responding In turn this class strives to facilitate growth in communication social development sensory-motor and cognitive skill areas Each week builds upon songs and activities presented in the prior class so at the culmination of the session you

should be able to see the progress in your child If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells at jenawdsagccom

Spring Social (ages 0 - 5)

Sunday April 2 2 - 4 PM

ABC Pediatric Therapy Red Bank Road

Bring your whole family and enjoy giveaways yummy snacks and lots of fun The theme is Ties and Tiaras so children are encouraged to dress up ABC Pediatric Therapy is an indoor playground safe for all ages This is a free event If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells atjenawdsagccom

Classes amp Socials

Register Today

Toddler Talk (ages 18 mo - 3)

Thursdays | 630 - 730 PM April 13 - May 18

DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room

Rosie Sheldon from the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome will lead this six-week educational session on ways to support communication during play Each week Rosie will focus on a specific activity that parents will practice with their child while interactive feedback is provided Families will learn critical building blocks of early language and have the opportunity to discuss communication strategies for their own home If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells atjenawdsagccom

Music Therapy (ages 3 - 6)

Tuesdays | 630 - 715 PM May 9 - June 13 DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room

one sibling per participant

Music Therapy is taught by board certified music therapist Kate Legge Your childs music experience will be designed in a purposeful and developmentally appropriate manner to focus on shared play turn-taking listening and responding In turn this class strives to facilitate growth in communication social development sensory-motor and cognitive skill areas Each week builds upon songs and activities presented in the prior class so at the culmination of the session you

should be able to see the progress in your child If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells at jenawdsagccom

Spring Social (ages 0 - 5)

Sunday April 2 2 - 4 PM

ABC Pediatric Therapy Red Bank Road

Bring your whole family and enjoy giveaways yummy snacks and lots of fun The theme is Ties and Tiaras so children are encouraged to dress up ABC Pediatric Therapy is an indoor playground safe for all ages This is a free event If you have any questions please contact Jena Wells atjenawdsagccom

21 Series

Charting the Lifecourse

March 21 | 630 - 8 PM DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room Presented by Celia F Schloemer

Do you worry about your childs future Do you feel supported by your community Do you feel supported by formal DD services Do you feel overwhelmed with the amount of resources available During this workshop you learn about the good life and how you can utilize comprehensive and integrated systems across each of lifes domains Our presenter will show you how to map out your future to reach the good life as you see it

Fighting Summer Regression

April 21 | 630 - 8 PM DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room Presented by Gretchen Carroll

Almost all students whether they have Down syndrome or not experience some academic regression over the summer months especially those with Down syndrome Gretchen Carroll Educational Diagnostician and School Liaison for the Neurodevelopmental Educational Clinic at Cincinnati Childrens Hospitals Heart Institute will discuss summer regression or summer slide and provide you with ways to minimize it

Understanding the Role of OOD

May 21 | 1 - 230 PM

DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence OOD works with partners in business education and non-profit organizations to facilitate customized employment plans for Ohioans with disabilities help Ohio companies recruit and retain employees with disabilities and is the sole agency administering the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in Ohio

Puberty

June 21 | 630 - 8 PM DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room Presented by TJ Nestheide and Amanda Tipkemper

TJ Nestheide who is on the Behavior Support Team for Hamilton County DDS and Amanda Tipkemper who is the Autism Services Manager at the Childrens Home of Cincinnati will be speaking about puberty The emotions feelings and urges involved how to explain puberty to your child with Down syndrome and how to work with the changes puberty brings They will be available to answer specific questions too

Register Today

iCan Swim Camp

Register Today

July 17 - 21 | Clippard YMCA | Ages 3 amp Up

The iCan Shine mission is to provide unique learning opportunities in recreational activities for people with disabilities Each persons abilities are embraced and nurtured to foster an environment where everyone can SHINE We are pleased to offer this aquatics program to people with disabilities and look forward to helping your family member learn to reach their aquatic goals in and around aquatic environments

iCan Swim is a weeklong program (Monday through Friday)

Each swimmer attends the same 30 or 60 minute session each day of camp Monday through Friday

There are 4 - 6 swimmers per session with 1 volunteer assigned to each swimmer (11 ratio) Swimmers will not be allowed in the water without a volunteer

Trained iCan Swim staff will conduct the camp

There will be a parent orientation on Sunday July 16th Questions Contact our School Age Matters Coordinator Joanie Elfers

at joaniedsagccom or 5137615400

Summer Enrichment

Register Today

June 6 - 29 | DSAGC Office | Pre-K - 8

The summer enrichment program is offered to expand learning time for children with Down syndrome It is led by high quality certified special education instructors with a ratio of one teacher and one assistant per four students The teachers will address the two areas of greatest learning loss math and reading

The DSAGC is committed to creating a high quality beneficial program for our families led by hand selected certified special educators Certified teachers possess the skills and experience to adapt curriculum to meet students needs modify individual lessons create picture schedules to keep students focused and differentiate instruction so that children can benefit from instruction via multiple learning channels We strive to create a brighter future for people with Down syndrome

Questions Contact our School Age Matters Coordinator Joanie Elfers at joaniedsagccom or

5137615400

Spring Break Zombie Massacre Called ldquothe most epic teen movie of all timerdquo this breakout

film was conceived written produced and stars Sam Suchmann and Mattie Zufelt who are best friends On a

mission to save spring break two badass bionic bros must fight and (more importantly) party their way through the

zombie apocalypse to hopefully defeat Satan who has their mothers

$50 ticket bull VIP Party (530 PM)

Two bar tickets appetizers celebrity meet and greet amp film screening

$20 ticket bull Movie amp Popcorn (7 PM) Popcorn soda amp film screening + cash bar

Join us on Facebook

NEW DSAGC Early Matters

Facebook Group

I will be adding community information opportunities

educational information about topics that pertain to our

ages (0 - 5 years) fun pictures of all of your children

beautiful pictures of the new babies in town etc Itrsquos

also a place for you to ask questions that may need to

be answered by those a couple years ahead of your

child It is supportive welcoming and respectful

See you there

Hospital Care Packages

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CINCINNATI

Is your child (18 years and younger) with Down

syndrome spending three or more days in the hospital

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

would love to support you during this difficult time

Please register to receive a Hospital Care Package We

are thinking about you and hope that this small token will

put a smile on your face You will find meal tickets

snacks cardsstamps activities books etc Please

remember if you need anything we are here Please

complete the registration form at wwwdsagccom

hospital-care-packages

If you are an extended family member or friend

you are welcome to complete the registration for on

behalf of the family in the hospital (One Hospital

Care Package per family per year please)

For questions about the Hospital Care Package

program please contact Jena Wells at

JenaWdsagccom or call

513-761-5400

Tarzan the Stage Musical Based on the Disney Film Monday April 10 at 1230 PM

Questions about booking Please call Pam Young at 5135698080 ext 13 or

email pamyoungtctcincinnaticom

Learn More

Sensory-Friendly Performances

Training Opportunities for Families and Professionals presented by

The Kelly OrsquoLeary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and

Division of Developmental amp Behavioral Pediatrics with Support from

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS)

Please Note

All classes are held on the 5th floor of the Medical Office Building 3430 Burnet Ave Cincinnati OH 45229

A short lunch break is provided during all-day classes onsite cafeacute available

There is no food served during evening classes Attendees are invited to bring foodsnack for themselves amp are welcome to eat during classes

Classes are for adults-only including parents professionals and others caring for or working with children and adolescents with ASD or other related de-

velopmental disabilities Classes are free of charge unless otherwise specified

For all classes you must register to attend Jennifer Gastright 5136362742 Jennifergastrightcchmcorg or TKOCLearncchmcorg

March 2017

Building Executive Functioning and Organizational Skills in Individuals with ASDDD

Friday April 7th 2017

900am-300pm

Presented by

Jennifer D Smith PsyD BCBA-D

The Kelly OrsquoLeary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

This workshop designed for professionals and family members will focus on deficits often seen in individuals with ASDDD including difficulties

with organizing planning initiating work and staying on task as well as strategies to address these challenges within the school and home setting

Where Cincinnati Childrenrsquos Hospital Liberty Campus 7777 Yankee Road Liberty Township Ohio 45044

To Register Contact Jennifer Gastright at Jennifergastrightcchmcorg or 513-636-2742

Cost of $25 to cover cost of binder and materials Funded in part by Hamilton County DDS

Thursday March 16

530-730PM

COST $0

OPTIONS FOR MEN-

STRUAL MANAGE-

MENT IN TEENS WITH

SPECIAL NEEDS

The start of menstrual periods in teens with

special needs can cause concern for families

and caregivers related to hygiene and men-

strual management This presentation seeks

to inform parentscaregivers and providers

on the variety of hormonal options available

for menstrual management and contraception

Instructor Lisa Reebals RN MSN CNP-BC

Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecolo-

gy

Community Groups A Community Group is designed to create opportunities for families that have children with Down syndrome to

network and share common interests concerns challenges and information They do this through community

events informational meetings and Facebook groups All of our community groups are led by service-minded

volunteers with the help of our Community Groups Coordinator

AREA SPECIFIC GROUPS

ButlerWarren

Serving families in Butler and Warren counties

BACH

Serving families in Brown Adams Clinton Highland and surrounding

counties

Eastside

Serving families in the Cincinnati Eastside area and downtown Cincinnati

KIDS

ldquoKentuckians Interested in Down Syndromerdquo serves families in Northern

Kentucky

Westside

Serving families in the Cincinnati Westside area and downtown

Cincinnati

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

African American Family Network (AAFN)

Serving families by providing information support and networking

DADS

Discussion and networking on the aspects of being the father of a

child with Down syndrome

Hispanic Family Group

Social and educational opportunities for Spanish-speaking families

please contact Marina at 5134902834

Teen Club

Serving teens ages 13mdash18 through social opportunities and

networking

Grandparents Facebook Group

Get connected with other grandparents and share great stories about

your grandchildren

We also offerhellip

BIRTH YEAR

GROUPS 2011 - 2017

Meet families with children born the

same year as your little one

Community Groups Coordinator | Amy Iten

AmyIdsagccom bull 5137615400

March Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Sign Language

Level 1 (ages 0

- 5)

2

Kitchen Skills

(ages 18 amp up)

KIDS - Moms

Night Out

3 4

Physical Ther-

apy (ages 0 -

2)

Buddy Up Tennis (ages 5 amp up)

5

Westside - Family

Pizza Party

(annual)

6

Book Club (ages 10-14)

7

ButlerWarren

- Ladies Night

Out

8

Sign Language

Level 1 (ages 0

- 5)

9

10 11

Reel Abilities -

Cocktails and

Zombies

12

Eastside - Sunday

Lunch

13

Book Club (ages 10-14)

14

Advocates In

Action - Ronald

McDonald

House

15

16

17 18

Buddy Up Tennis (ages 5 amp up)

19

ButlerWarren -

World DS Day

Celebration

321 Party (ages

16 amp up)

TEEN CLUB -

Meet up

20

21

21 Series - Charting the Lifecourse

22

23

24 25

26

World Down Syn-

drome Day 5K

KIDS - World

Down syndrome

Day Party

27

28

March Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Sign Language

Level 1 (ages 0

- 5)

2

Kitchen Skills

(ages 18 amp up)

KIDS - Moms

Night Out

3 4

Physical Ther-

apy (ages 0 -

2)

Buddy Up Tennis (ages 5 amp up)

5

Westside - Family

Pizza Party

(annual)

6

Book Club (ages 10-14)

7

ButlerWarren

- Ladies Night

Out

8

Sign Language

Level 1 (ages 0

- 5)

9

10 11

Reel Abilities -

Cocktails and

Zombies

12

Eastside - Sunday

Lunch

13

Book Club (ages 10-14)

14

Advocates In

Action - Ronald

McDonald

House

15

16

17 18

Buddy Up Tennis (ages 5 amp up)

19

ButlerWarren -

World DS Day

Celebration

321 Party (ages

16 amp up)

TEEN CLUB -

Meet up

20

21

21 Series - Charting the Lifecourse

22

23

24 25

26

World Down Syn-

drome Day 5K

KIDS - World

Down syndrome

Day Party

27

28

April Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

Spring Social

(ages 0 - 5)

3 4

Future Is Now

(ages 17 amp up)

ButlerWarren

- Ladies Night

Out

5 6 7 8

Buddy Up

Tennis (ages 5

amp up)

9 10 11

Future Is Now

(ages 17 amp up)

12

Dramakinetics (ages 6 years - 12 years)

13

Toddler Talk (ages 18 months - 3 years)

14 15

16 17

DADS Meeting 18

Future Is Now (ages 17 amp up)

19

Dramakinetics

(ages 6 years -

12 years)

20

Toddler Talk

(ages 18

months - 3

years)

21

21 Series -

Fighting Sum-

mer Regression

22

Buddy Up

Tennis (ages 5

amp up)

23

TEEN CLUB - April

Meet up

30

ButlerWarren -

Ages 6-13 swim

party

24 25

Future Is Now

(ages 17 amp up)

26

Dramakinetics

(ages 6 years -

12 years)

27

Toddler Talk

(ages 18

months - 3

years)

KIDS - Speak-

er Step Ahead

28 29