Looking Back on August

As summer winds down, DSAW members took advantage of enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. August was filled with many fun events, including the annual Southeastern Pip & Homer Golf Classic which was a huge success. Read on to find out more about the August event highlights.

Webinars

DSAW hosted 2 webinars in August! You can watch the recorded webinar videos by clicking on the links below.

Heathcare 101: Tips and Helpful Information About Medical Care

Think Health: Healthcare 101: Tips and Helpful Information About Medical Care (Jessica Schuster, MD 8/16/2023)

DSAW Webinar Series Presents: Dementia 101

DSAW Webinar Series Presents: Dementia 101 (Bilingual Dementia Care Specialist, Cristina Huitron 8/30/2023) [Click here for slides]

South Central

Explore House on the Rock

DSAW South Central kept busy with a number of outdoor events, one at House on the Rock. For over 60 years, the House on the Rock has been a majestic work in progress that evolved into a display of an unusual man-made retreat filled with displays and a variety of collections of exotic scenes, built on the rocks with an amazing view! DSAW families enjoyed the nice weather while touring this unique attraction!

Rock County Family Picnic

South Central held it’s Annual Summer Family Picnic on August 6th at Peace Park and Rockport Pool in Janesville! Families brought a dish to pass, for the taco potluck. The afternoon was filled with games, crafts, swimming, food, music, and fun for all ages.

Southeastern

Pip & Homer Golf Classic

The 27th Annual Pip and Homer Golf Classic was a huge success last month! Held at the award-winning Club at Lac La Belle, the event was kicked off by a special guest speaker, Wisconsin Comedian Charlie Berens. We had 140 golfers, 14 additional guests for the dinner, and 21 DSAW staff and volunteers, 6 of whom were self advocates!

View more pictures from the event here

Family Night at Hoyt Park

DSAW Southeastern had around 40 people come out and enjoy an evening of live music, food, drink and conversation with other DSAW families and friends at Hoyt Park! The evening featured the live band, Kinetic, a tight instrumental powerhouse quartet that combines elements of rock, jazz, funk and pop. Everyone enjoyed yummy food and beverages as well that were available for purchase.

KRW

Movie Night in the Park

The Kenosha/Racine/Walworth Chapter enjoyed the last month of summer with a movie night in the park. Families who attended got to watch The Mitchells vs The Machines at Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha. DSAW provided snacks and everyone had a great time watching this cute movie.

Sheboygan

Garden to Table

Participants of the Garden to Table event went out to Nourish Farms in Sheboygan Falls. At Nourish, we were able to pick vegetables from the garden and bring them back to their kitchen where we prepped the vegetables and made a delicious Bruschetta!
We also did some sailing! DSAW partnered with SEAS, in Sheboygan, and went out on Lake Michigan where the instructors gave some information about how to sail and allowed us to help!

Fox Cities

Evergreen Camping

DSAW Fox Cities had an awesome day at the Evergreen Campsites and Resort in Wild Rose! Despite a little cloudy weather it was a full day of outdoor play: mini golf, giant tic tac toe, enjoying the playground and swimming at the pool or lake. We can’t wait to do it again next summer!

Green Bay

Sensory Night at the Museum

DSAW Green Bay spent an afternoon at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay and had a great time exploring everything the museum had to offer. The Museum helps build social skills for children in a unique, interactive environment like the fire station exhibit.

Chippewa Valley

Beef & Dairy Days Parade

The Chippewa Valley Beef & Dairy Days Parade was a small but fun DSAW event! We had four people pushing a wagon, and the other three participants handed out candy and postcards promoting the upcoming walk and upcoming Chippewa Valley events. We look forward to doing it again next summer!

Central

End of Summer Ice Cream Social

DSAW Central enjoyed an “End of Summer” ice cream social at JoJo's Jungle in Wausau, a state of the art handicapped playground for children with disabilities. DSAW provided the ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, cherries & water. The families enjoyed the day's festivities and the kids LOVED the ice cream!

Looking Back on July 2023

Southeastern

Down Home BBQ

The Down Home BBQ is a favorite event for both DSAW families and staff! This year we had over 230 people attend! Brats and burgers prepared by our amazing grill team were served with pasta salad, fruit, cookies, and other desserts that were enjoyed by everyone. We also received a surprise donut donation from Grebe’s Bakery. Throughout the day, kids had a lot of fun with splash painting, playing in the water games/inflatable water slide area, yard game area which included hula hoops, cornhole, a bubble table, SHAW hockey and more, and dancing to live music by Hot Off the Grill. We appreciate everyone who came and the 30 volunteers who helped make it happen, and look foward to another great BBQ next summer!

KRW

Kingfish Game

KRW ended the month with a Kingfish Game! It was a fun and cozy evening as DSAW families gathered to watch the game. Although our team didn’t win, everyone had a good time watching the game and cheering the Kingfish’s on!

Green Bay

Family Fun Night at Bay Beach

Families had a great time at our family event on Tuesday night, July 18. DSAW provided each family with 25 ride tickets and a sweet treat. It was a perfect night to enjoy the rides and connect with friends! We look forward to doing it again next summer with even more friends!

South Central

Golf Outing 2023

South Central's 2023 Golf Outing was a huge success! We had about 130 golfers, 40 volunteers, and others that attended the program and dinner. It was a very warm and humid day for golf but everyone still had fun with the golf hole games and enjoyed stopping by the hole serving up Tito's. 

Adventure at Timbavati Wild Life Park

South Central also had a fun safari Day at Timbavati Wildlife Park! The park, located in Wisconsin Dells, offers a family-friendly, immersive experiences in a beautiful environment. It is home to over 400 animals that represent over 75 different species. We had a blast hanging out with all the animals and riding the train as we toured the park.

Central

Splash & Swim Outing

The 2nd annual Splash & Swim Outing was a fun day in the sun at the Weston Aquatic Center. Everyone enjoyed the day playing and splashing in the pool. The families were able to have great conversations, eating cupcakes, and the frosting even turned some mouths & tongues blue!

Chippewa Valley

Trinity Equine Therapy Day

Chippewa Valley families had a fun day at Trinity Equine Therapy getting to experience how amazing horses are. The afternoon was spent being introduced to horses, bonding with them, brushing them, and even doing an obstacle course. They had 4 horses and 2 ponies for us to interact with, as well as several workers helping, including an individual with Down syndrome.  With some snacks and painting after, it was an amazing day for everyone who attended!

Fox Cities

Timber Rattler Game

DSAW Fox Cities had a wonderful night at the Timber Rattler game on Saturday, July 29th during the debut of the Timber Rattler alternate identity, The Shantymen. It was a beautiful night of warm weather and a slight breeze, sitting in seats along the third base line we had fantastic views of all the happenings on the field. While the "Shantymen" weren't able to pull out the win the fireworks after the game made the loss a little more bearable. 

La Crosse

Milwaukee Burger Co.

As a newer and growing DSAW chapter, we were excited to have seven families attend our Dine & Donate at Milwaukee Burger Co. event. Everyone had a good time enjoying delicious food and Board Members who were present attended the door handing out La Crosse July/August event Flyers. During the three hour event, $214 was raised! A big THANK YOU to everyone who came and we look forward to doing more together!

Madison, WI native Peter Liu wins silver at Special Olympics World Games!

Peter competed in Special Olympics since 2009 in snowshoeing, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sports event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports for nine days of exciting and inspiring competitions.

Read more about the June 2023 Special Olympics World Games and Peter in the following article:

Looking Back on June

June was a busy and bustling month with summer events going on throughout each chapter and a new fundraiser DSAW was honored to be selected to receive proceeds from. Read on to find out more!

Run with Angels 5K Run/Walk sponsored by The Blind Horse Restaurant and Winery

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin-Sheboygan (DSAW) was honored to be the 2023 Race Beneficiary for the Seventh Annual Run with Angels 5K Run/Walk sponsored by The Blind Horse Restaurant and Winery. The event featured an elegant Five Course Wine & Food Pairing Dinner on Thursday, June 8 followed by the 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, June 10. A custom labeled bottle of wine, Blind Horse wine glass, t-shirt, and race swag bag were given out to participants. The event was a huge success and we’re grateful to the many hand that helped organize and make it happen!

Chippewa Valley Farm Tour

Since June was National Dairy Month, DSAW-Chippewa Valley decided to celebrate by attending a fun farm tour at Marieke Gouda in Thorp, WI! Families got to see a milking Parlor, cow spa barn, and cute calves. We also were able to watch how they delicately handcraft Marieke® Gouda and try some samples. After the tour, we relaxed by enjoying a nice ice cream cone!

Milwaukee Brewers Outing 2023

Summer is baseball season! DSAW filled up June with several baseball events including a 2023 Milwaukee Brewers Outing! Chapters throughout the state were invited to join and we had a big turn out with a lot of fun tailgating, playing games, and watching the baseball game together!

DSAW partnership with Project SEARCH graduates five students in its program at ’The Marquardt'

DSAW (Western, WI) will be assisting with skills instruction and working as a job developer for Project SEARCH in Watertown, Wisconsin at the Marquardt starting this fall. Though the work is already well underway with Project SEARCH meetings, interviewing incoming interns, and advertising. DSAW Employment Specialist Kathy Sheridan attended the graduation for this year's interns, and she is already working on job development for these Project SEARCH grads - way to go!  Kathy also co-hosted an info night in Lake Mills with the Project SEARCH classroom instructor, Tracy Widiker. For information on Project SEARCH you can contact Kathy Sheridan
 

Read local coverage on Project SEARCH: https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/project-search-graduates-five-students-in-its-program-at-the-marquardt/article_41d2d824-0635-11ee-8ada-f7db6150579b.html

Looking Back on May

May was an exciting month as we got to kick off summer events and participate in a conference attended statewide! Read on to find out more!

Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference

DSAW’s President & CEO Dawn Nuoffer was one of seven guest speakers at the Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

The goal of the conference is to have Peer-to-peer dialogue around employing neurodiverse individuals in an effort to change the perception of attendees to become receptive in looking at different pools of talent that may include individuals with neurodiverse abilities.

 

Southeastern Cino de Mayo Event

Thank you to our DSAW Cinco de Mayo bowlers and their families for coming out to Village Bowl in Menomonee Falls on Friday, May 5th. We all had an absolute blast!!

GiGiFIT's 1-mile walk/5k run/dash

It was awesome to see so many DSAW families at GiGiFIT's 1-mile walk/5k run/dash at Lake Park. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for a beautiful day and helped make it a smashing success!

Looking Back on April

April was full of more successful events! Here’s some of the fun things DSAW staff and members were able to do!

Rad Rec Group

Our Rad Rec Group enjoyed a couple of fun events this month. Rad Rec events occur throughout the community at many of our local partnerships in Southeastern WI. This month a fun afternoon was spent at the Majestic in Brookfield to watch the movie, “Champions”, a movie with a great message and featuring individuals with Down syndrome. Another day was spent with peers practicing social and community skills at the Domes and then playing card games at the DSAW office.

Play Day at Monkey Joe’s

DSAW families and kids had a great time coming out to play at Monkey Joe's in Waukesha this month! Kids had fun exploring and playing on giant inflatable jump to slick slides, rockin’ arcades, and jungle playgrounds. There were plenty of smiles to go around!

Self- Advocates hard at work

We love our self-advocates, employments services, and the job coaches that support them! This duo is a team: Reini Ruiz (taller) and Nyan Krumree. They work at Neu Tools in New Berlin and are two amazing young men! They were recognized by DSAW’s Job coach Stephanie Gross in April.

DSAW-Sheboygan "Run With Angels" Event A Huge Success!

DSAW-Sheboygan was chosen to be the beneficiary of the Run with Angels Dinner and 5K. This yearly event is hosted by the Blind Horse in Kohler in memory of the General Manager's daughter who passed away in 2015. DSAW participants were able to honor an individual with Down syndrome or a loved one who they’ve lost. The walk/run in their honor allowed family members to be surrounded and supported by so many others who share in a similar journey.

The June 8, Thursday night dinner included both a voice and silent auction. Then on Saturday, June 10th the 5K run/walk was open to the community and provided a great space to showcase our organization. It was heartwarming to see the love and support that there is in our community for our mission!

Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference

Dawn Nuoffer, President/CEO of DSAW was one of seven presenters at the Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Engauge Workforce Solutions in Menomonee Falls, WI. The conference attendees included business leaders who were looking for information on hiring neurodiverse individuals for openings in their workforce.  The conference also featured business leaders who have expanded their talent base to include individuals with neurodiverse talent. 

Presenters Included:
Peter Rathmann, CEO of Allis Tool & Machine Corp
Emma Rathmann – Prolec GE – Waukesha Electric
Corryn Manderfield, HR – Wisconsin Metal Parts
Katie Malnight, Chief Operating Officer of Engauge Workforce Solutions
Anny Kerr, Production Recruiting Manager – Rockwell Automation
Dawn Nuoffer, CEO of Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin Goldhmong Vang, Director – MATC Uniquely Abled Academy

The goal of the conference was to have peer-to-peer dialogue around employing neurodiverse individuals. Attendees heard testimonials on the benefits and value of hiring people with neurodiversity’s.

May 2023

Engauge providing key opportunities to workers with disabilities

Engauge Workforce Solutions is partnering with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) to help provide classes and training for people with diverse abilities. Engauge provides customized training opportunities to help individuals expand their skills and ensure they have the knowledge and support to succeed in their new position. For more information about DSAW's partnership with Engauge

Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS)

DSAW provides one-on-one services, group classes, small groups, and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages across the state of Wisconsin. Click the buttons below To explore current programming options in your area contact your DSAW Case Coordinator or click on the button below to see all our statewide programing.

DSAW Connects Virtual Education

The DSAW Connects program, our premier online program offering, provides multiple types of curriculum and activities for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities across Wisconsin. Courses are geared for ages 12 and up, although individuals of all ages are welcome to try the classes. To view all our virtual offerings, click the button:

Statewide Virtual Support Groups

DSAW provides FREE virtual family groups for people who have a loved one with Down syndrome across Wisconsin! To view all our offerings click the button below:

Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference

Dawn Nuoffer, President/CEO of DSAW was one of seven presenters at the Disability: IN Wisconsin Conference on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Engauge Workforce Solutions in Menomonee Falls, WI. The conference attendees included business leaders who were looking for information on hiring neurodiverse individuals for openings in their workforce.  The conference also featured business leaders who have expanded their talent base to include individuals with neurodiverse talent. 

Presenters Included:
Peter Rathmann, CEO of Allis Tool & Machine Corp
Emma Rathmann – Prolec GE – Waukesha Electric
Corryn Manderfield, HR – Wisconsin Metal Parts
Katie Malnight, Chief Operating Officer of Engauge Workforce Solutions
Anny Kerr, Production Recruiting Manager – Rockwell Automation
Dawn Nuoffer, CEO of Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Goldhmong Vang, Director – MATC Uniquely Abled Academy

The goal of the conference was to have peer-to-peer dialogue around employing neurodiverse individuals. Attendees heard testimonials on the benefits and value of hiring people with neurodiversity’s.

Looking Back on March 2023

March was another busy month filled with several events as we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day statewide! Each chapter organized and hosted a WDSD event where families gathered to show their love, support, and appreciation of their loved ones who rock an extra 21st chromosome! Read on to see how DSAW and families across the state celebrated World Down Syndrome Day this year!

Central - World Down Syndrome Day Movie Night

DSAW Central celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a movie night at Cedar Creek Cinema in Rothschild, watching the new movie Champions! The movie is about a former minor-league basketball coach who’s given a court order to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Despite his doubts, he soon realizes that together they can go further than they ever imagined. It was a perfect way to acknowledge those we love with Down syndrome !

 

South Central - Gallery 21

DSAW South Central hosted Gallery 21, a night featuring photographs of loved ones with Down syndrome showcasing them in action! The evening was a huge success with over 150 attending the event, which included staff and volunteers!

 

Fox Cities - WI Herd Game

DSAW Fox Cities celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with an exciting Herd basketball game! DSAW was selected as the official Non-Profit of the night and attendees within the DSAW Fox Cities group got to participate in a post-game picture on the Wisconsin Herd court!

 

Chippewa Valley - Celebration at Action City

There was a large turn out for the DSAW Chippewa Valley WDSD event on Sunday, March 26! About 150 people got together at Action City in Eau Claire for all kinds of fun, followed by a pizza lunch, prizes, and water park adventures. Nice to see so many happy families!

 

Sheboygan – Swim Party

DSAW Sheboygan celebrated World Down Syndrome day with a fun afternoon of swimming at the Sheboygan Falls Aquatic Center! It was great to see everyone who joined us! We appreciate all the families who came to recognize WDSD with us!

 

Southeastern – Water Park Party

The DSAW Southeastern Pool Party was a big splash! We had 266 people join us at The Springs Waterpark at the Ingleside Hotel as we celebrated our loved ones with Down syndrome! We’re grateful for everyone who came and helped make it a successful day!

La crosse – “Under the Sea” themed party

DSAW La Crosse made a splash for World Down Syndrome Day with an “Under the Sea” theme party! We had a fun day with crafts, treats, and games!

 

Green Bay – Celebration at the Kroc Center

DSAW Green Bay celebrated World Down Syndrome Day at the Kroc Center with a pool party! We had a great turn out and had a blast spending time together as a community!

What's new in 2023? Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Dear Friend,

You can continue to help our friends with Down syndrome and other disabilities to live the BEST LIVES EVER in the New Year. We are looking forward to 2023 and to the future of DSAW! Here are just a couple of the exciting initiatives that we are working on to continue to reach people across the state of Wisconsin.

Expansion
As demand for our programs and services continues to grow, we are hiring more staff and expanding more services across all of our chapters! In 2023, we will be launching new programs, classes, and events around the state. Stay tuned

Think Ability Wisconsin
We can't wait to ramp up the work we are doing with our 350+ partner network on the new Think Ability Wisconsin (TAW) initiative in 2023! TAW will address workforce issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in counties across our state. This project will include the development of an online transition resource center; the creation and expansion of digital learning platforms to teach job skills; the expansion of on-the-job training and placement programs; the expansion of workforce development and wraparound services across WI; the formation of partnerships and coalitions; targeted awareness campaigns to change perceptions of people with IDD in the workforce; employer education to increase job access and expectations; and more! Click here to learn more about Think Ability Wisconsin.

Exciting things for our loved ones with Down syndrome and other disabilities are coming in 2023! When you donate to DSAW, you support the futures of our friends with disabilities.

Thank you for supporting the BEST LIVES EVER for people in Wisconsin in 2022. We can't wait to see what we can do together in 2023. Happy New Year!

PS - Don't wait! Consider DSAW in your year-end giving today. Our friends need you!

 

Annual Appeal: Best Life Ever

Please consider a year-end donation to DSAW

When you donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, you fund life-changing programs and services for people with Down syndrome and related disabilities of all ages across Wisconsin! You can help them live the BEST LIFE EVER. You've heard about some of the amazing services that DSAW offers families like the Parent's First Call program, Aging Services, and Employment Services.


George and his family have been involved with DSAW for over 15 years. Over the years, George has attended DSAW community events, Tween Club, summer camps, and has learned to self-advocate by attending several of DSAW’s online classes.


He loves the circle of friends he has met and enjoys typical teen activities like attending dances, sleepovers, watching movies, or just hanging out (while playing on their phones). Not only has George made wonderful friends but his mother has as well.


Kristi, George's mother shared, “DSAW has been a godsend to us. I don’t know what we would have done without this organization. DSAW has given George and our family such strong fraternal support and a community that is always there to help lift us up when needed.”


Please consider DSAW in your year-end giving. You can support people like George to live and enjoy the BEST LIFE EVER!

Annual Appeal: Best Friends Ever

Please consider a year-end donation to DSAW

DSAW touches thousands of lives across Wisconsin every year through programs, services, education, resources, and support. One of our service departments is DSAW’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which provides programming like group instruction courses, virtual education, daily living skills training, and small groups in the Milwaukee, Madison, and Northeast WI regions (coming soon to new areas of the state!).

DSAW’s HCBS Small Groups provide an opportunity for self advocates to join together with 2-4 peers and explore their communities and interests! This is a terrific way for them to make wonderful friendships and learn about their communities.

Brian and Matthew enjoy spending time together and engaging in a wide variety of activities, which would not be possible without this program. Some of their favorite activities are going to the water park, bowling, and the zoo. They both anxiously watch the activity calendar each month and look forward to the next adventure.

In addition, DSAW staff support them in the community to learn important skills like using money, paying for services, eating out, and more. These programs have helped both Brian and Matthew become more social and less isolated. Brian and Matthew have formed such a strong bond that they now consider each other the BEST FRIENDS EVER!

You can provide those with Down syndrome the opportunity to meet their Best Friend Ever by making a donation to DSAW this holiday season.

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Syble Hopp student featured in Times Square for Down Syndrome Awareness Month

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Our friend Preston Taylor was featured on screens in Times Square on Sept 17, 2022, thanks to National Down Syndrome Society! The video presentation, featuring 500 self-advocates from across the country, and was live-streamed on their Facebook page at 8:30AM that same day. Our friend Norman from the Milwaukee area will be featured as well! To watch the whole story, follow the link:

Syble Hopp student featured in Times Square for Down Syndrome Awareness Month | WLUK (fox11online.com)

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Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin
Telephone: 414-327-3729
Fax: 414-327-1329
Email: info@dsaw.org

 

Headquarters Address
11709 W Cleveland Ave, Suite 2
West Allis, WI 53227

Headquarters Office Hours:
The DSAW office is open most days for programs and classes. DSAW staff is currently working in a mixture of in-person and remote work, so please call or email to set up an appointment before stopping by!

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