DSR Episode #26: 321Foundation & IEPs!

Just a catchup episode here to keep you up to date.
First we did a quick wrap up on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21).  Then we jumped into the newest and coolest Ds Organization – the 321Foundation.  This new organization was started by a group of families in Delaware – One of which was our very own Rick Kosmalski!  Go Rick and friends!  Check them out at their site and go and like them on Facebook.  Check out the pictures of their kickoff gala on WDSD and while you are there, buy a T-shirt!

Then we simply gave a ‘kid by kid’ update on the IEP process.

• Dexter (~3yrs) is just entering the school system.  Jason had their IEP but they are already in a private preschool and getting some private therapy so it was pretty low key.
• Luke (5 yrs) is ready to go to Kindergarten.  Mark is worried about inclusion and the fact that there is only one teacher for ~25 kids. Luke will likely need some in-class support (an aide).  When you want more than they are willing to give – that is when IEP meetings are tense.  Our plan – bring food! (we actually give more advice in the episode – you should listen…)
• Kayla (7 yrs) is in second grade – To Rick, the whole thing is dependent on the teacher – a good teacher means Kayla will have good year.  At this point the IEP is really a update from the previous year with improvements based on lessons learned.

Here are some lessons learned:

• In general as husbands, we take on the role of ‘bad cop.’
• It is best to ‘go in with a plan’ – in other words, know what services you want in advance.
• The teacher is crucial.
• If you feel that the situation/services set up is not working for your child, intervene IMMEDIATELY.  A ‘wait and see’ or ‘just give it a few months’ is just a bad idea.  You can quickly miss a half a year this way…

If you are looking for a good cause, our first ever DSR guest from waaay back in Episode 3, Dan Moreno, is running a 50K (that’s 31 miles!) in the mountains and desert(!) this weekend.  Show him some love and donate a few bucks to support Research Down Syndrome.
Sorry we haven’t had an episode in a while.  We have two great guests lined up, but we have had bad luck coordinating schedules.  We will keep the episodes coming – don’t worry…
Download Down Syndrome Radio, Episode #26.
Better yet…subscribe, rate us and leave a comment on iTunes!

321edcuate! Give & Get Back fundraiser from 321foundation!

EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE
The 321foundation is starting a fundraising campaign TODAY...321educate! ANYONE can set up a “team” online and start raising funds…or you can find your favorite team and donate today! The money you raise will go back to help empower individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities through educational seminars, social events and advocacy efforts.

WHY RAISE MONEY AS A TEAM FOR 321FOUNDATION? It’s simple. It’s good to GIVE. Good karma just feels good…and...you will also GET BACK in return. Not only will you feel good for giving, but you will earn prizes for giving, too. It’s a win-win!

FUNDRAISING TIERS FOR “TEAMS”$250…..321foundation tshirt
$500…..321foundation hoodie (and the first prize)
$1k…....original artwork by an individual with DS (and the first 2 prizes)
$2,500…$100 iTunes gift card (and the first 3 prizes)
$5k…….32GB iPad (and the first 4 prizes)
$7,500…$500 scholarship* (and the first 5 prizes)
$10k……$1,000 scholarship* (and the first 6 prizes)
*Scholarship/convention must be approved by the 321foundation board.

Our goal is to get an iPad and educational scholarship in the hands of as many individuals with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities as possible...but your team does not have to be created for an individual with a disability. You may also gift your prizes in your name to individuals that could greatly benefit from them. This fundraiser is not tied to any geographic location so whether you live in Delaware or South Dakota, you can establish a team and fundraise. Give and Get Back.

To set up your “team” go to www.fundly.com/321educate and follow these easy steps…1. Scroll down on the right hand side of the page and click on “become a fundraiser”
2. At the bottom of the popup screen, click on “fundraise with an email”
3. Personalize with your info (the name you enter will be your fundraising name)
4. You will be redirected to a new screen which will allow you to personalize your fundraising page.
5. Share with your friends and start fundraising! It’s that simple!

Donations may also be directed via mail to:
321foundation
PO Box 1128
Bear, DE 19701
Please be sure checks have your team/name listed in the note section.

This fundraising campaign will be open through midnight EST May 31, 2014. Donations will be accepted after that date but will not be prize eligible. Prizes will be mailed by July 1, 2014.