Both of our 2024 Golf Outings were huge successes!

28th Annual Pip & Homer Golf Classic - Southeastern Chapter

On Wednesday, August 14th, our Southeastern chapter hosted its 28th Annual Pip & Homer Golf Classic! This is one of our favorite fundraisers of the year and includes many local organizations and recognizable community figures. The weather was beautiful, and we couldn't have asked for a better day!

A huge thank you to Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Southeast WI, who presented us with a check for $53,000 from their July golf outing! We would also like to thank our exceptional golfers, donors, self-advocates, staff, board members, and volunteers who made this event successful.

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

Inclusion Coffee Company, Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Southeast WI, Charlie Berens, Milwaukee Admirals, Engauge Workforce Solutions, Think Ability Wisconsin, SNSHN CO, Alpine Plywood Corp., HeatTek, Rosti North America, Nicholas Industries, Korb and Associates, ORBIS Corporation, The Club at Lac La Belle, Beechwood Sales and Service, Wisconsin Distributors, Boxed Water Is Better, The Coca-Cola Company, Culver's, Chick-fil-A, and Rely Contract Manufacturing


23rd Annual Golf Outing - South Central Chapter

On Friday, July 12th, DSAW-South Central hosted their Annual Golf Outing at The Oaks Golf Course Course in Cottage Grove. The weather was perfect for a round of golf and we had an amazing time with everyone who came out to support us! A huge thank you to our golfers, donors, self-advocates, board members, staff, and volunteers who made this event possible.

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

Alliant Power, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Staff Electric, Capital Wealth Advisory Group, JP Cullen, Cottingham & Butler, Children's Dental Center of Madison S.C., Tito's Handmade Vodka, Zimmer & Rens LLC, Oak Bank, Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, DK Design Build

Looking Back on July

DSAW-Central

Thank you to all the families that came out to cheer on the Rafters! Even though we had to take shelter in a locker room or a garage and that there was a tornado that touched down only 10 miles from us, we still managed to have fun! Though we did not get to see the Rafters play, we had enough time to tailgate and meet some of the players before the storm hit!

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

For July, DSAW-Chippewa Valley got to experience equine therapy. Our day at Trinity Equestrian Center was SO MUCH FUN!!! We had 20 participants (6 families!) join us. Spending time with the horses was very cool!

We got to ride them, brush them, and paint them! Plus, we ended the day with a yummy lunch. 

DSAW-Fox Cities

On July 21st, DSAW Fox Cities hosted their annual pool party. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, with a warm 80-degree evening making for a fantastic summer celebration. Over 40 friends and family members came together to enjoy a night of fun and camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed sliding down the big slide, making a splash off the diving board, and simply enjoying the refreshing water. 

DSAW-Green Bay

Green Bay had a great July! We went to a Timber Rattler’s Game, had a Summer Picnic at the park, met up at Artfest, and had a Parent’s Night Out!

DSAW-KRW

KRW families and friends got together on Saturday July 13th from 9am-2pm at the Kenosha Harbor Market! What a fun time we had connecting with our community and raising awareness at our DSAW booth. I was able to connect with multiple special ed teachers who were very interested in hearing about DSAW. Two people took sponsorship packets, lots of pamphlets and business cards were taken and even a few signed up on my volunteer form. We also raised $42 in donations.

DSAW-La Crosse

Everyone had a fantastic time at the La Crosse Loggers game on July 19th. Families enjoyed a perfect evening at the ballpark. The atmosphere was lively, with cheering fans and exciting plays. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with friends and family, celebrate our shared love for the game. Many great memories were made. Plus, the Logger's won! We’re already looking forward to next year’s outing! 

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

July was a fun month for the Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties Chapter! We started off the month with a great pool party. Thankfully the weather held out and we were able to enjoy the summer sun and our friends! We also took some time to hang out at the park towards the end of the month.
Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties was also selected to be the beneficiaries of the 1st Annual Charity Pickleball Tournament. We had a full tournament bracket and it was so amazing to see the community supporting our mission. Overall, we raised an additional $1,557 to continue events and services for our families!

DSAW-South Central

South Central has a busy month! We started off with a fun Madison Mallards Baseball Game! Then we started revving up for our Annual Golf Outing! We hosted our 23rd Annual Outing at The Oaks in Cottage Grove on July 12th. We welcomed 132 golfers, 48 volunteers, and numerous staff. It was a great day to spend outside with community members who want to help us support our mission! To wrap up the rest of our July, we went to Timbavati in the Dells and a Beloit Sky Carp Baseball game on the 28th!

DSAW-Southeastern

DSAW-Southeastern Wisconsin had a turnout of about 160 people at our annual Down Home BBQ on Saturday, July 6 from 12-3 pm! Families enjoyed live music by Hot Off the Grill, water and other games, and socializing over a lunch of grilled items, lemonade, and new this year, Pete's Pops (popsicles). Also new this year, the Betty Brinn Wonder Wagon, where kids learned how to launch rockets. A good time was had by all!


Home and Community Based Services

SPARK Connections

SPARKS Connections is one of our summer programs offered in West Allis! During this 11-week program, participants work on developing their social, emotional, and physical wellness skills while learning how to build and maintain friendships. Each week, they work on a different social skill theme, and then participants either go on a community outing or stay at the West Allis office and do some fun activities! In June, our participants worked on conversation starters, time management, and taking turns!

EXTRAOrdinary Adventures

Our 11-week DSAW program is a versatile adventure that caters to a wide range of interests for 8-17-year-olds. From fun, hands-on learning activities to exciting community outings, our participants have enjoyed a variety of themes, including Game Shows, Wild Wild West, Nature Week, and Weather Week. Check out all of these smiling faces!


Employment Services

Manufacturing Basics is a pre-vocational program that teaches essential skills to secure employment within the manufacturing sector. Self-advocates also work on problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Our group at Engauge Workforce Solutions has been working hard over the last five weeks and enjoying the work they've been assigned!

Think Ability Wisconsin receives Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year Award

(MILWAUKEE) Think Ability Wisconsin, a partnership network powered by DSAW, was selected to receive the BizTimes Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year Award on July 25th, 2024. This award honors those organizations that have developed collaborative relationships with additional stakeholders to enrich and empower the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community.

We are so grateful to have received this award and to share this accomplishment with the hundreds of nonprofit organizations and corporate leaders who are part of the Think Ability Wisconsin network. 

Looking Back on June

DSAW-Central

Make a splash with DSAW-Central! We made a wave (and maybe a few cannonballs) at our epic June pool party. It was a fin-tastic time for swimming, socializing, and making memories! 

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

In June the Chippewa Valley chapter toured Marieke Gouda. It was so much fun to pet the cows (of all sizes!), and to see everyone's reactions. Plus, who doesn't love cheese and ice cream samples!? This was a very cool way to celebrate Dairy Month!

DSAW-Fox Cities

Fox Cities families were able to enjoy Badger Sports Park! We had so much fun at the Lasertron Laser Tag Arena! It was so great to see all of the smiling faces at our event!

DSAW-Green Bay

Green Bay had a busy June! We celebrated dairy month by going out to the farm and having breakfast with the community. We had a special Daddy and Me event at the Green Bay Blizzard’s Game. It was so great to cheer on the Blizzard’s as they won their game! To round out our June, we got to enjoy the day at Bay Beach Park.

DSAW-KRW

Thank you DSAW families and friends for coming out to a Kenosha Kingfish Game with us, it was great to see so many having fun! A wonderful night to be at a baseball game.

DSAW-La Crosse

Due to the weather in La Crosse, our June event was rescheduled to July! We are hoping for better weather in the next month!

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

Sheboygan’s big pool party of the summer had to be rescheduled for June due to cold weather, but we were still able to enjoy our monthly Teen Hang Out Club! We practiced our cornhole skills and made a special gift for our dads!

DSAW-South Central

On June 9, we had Dad & Me Mini-golf. On June 23, we had a taco bar picnic and pool day in Janesville. On June 24, we had a Playground Meetup in Cottage Grove.

DSAW-Southeastern

In June, DSAW-SEWI hosted a variety of events! We kicked off the month with a "Dad's Afternoon Out" at Third Space Brewing for fathers and grandfathers to celebrate Father’s Day, followed by the Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Southeast WI golf outing which raised money for DSAW with over 200 golfers participating. To wrap up a fun-filled month, DSAW hosted a tailgate party for nearly 200 people to enjoy perfect weather, great food, and the Brewers game, complete with a special visit from Bernie Brewer and the famous racing sausages!

Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates!

Alivia LaLuzerne

Alivia graduated from Oconto Falls High School and will attend the Learning for Independence program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She recently started working at Culver's and plans to continue to work there! Alivia’s favorite memory from high school is seeing and hanging out with her friends.

Lilya Zoromski

Lilya graduated from the Kimberly Area School District this year. She hopes to volunteer in an assisted living home this summer and work on job skills next year. Her favorite part of high school was participating in chorale and the "Much Like You" play, as well as working in the school coffee shop!

George Westcott

George graduated from the Milwaukee High School of the Arts. In high school, he enjoyed acting in the school plays! Next year, he is headed to Edgewood College's Cutting Edge Program and living in the dorms in Madison.

Michael Joseph Agasie

Michael graduated from Verona Area High School in June! He will participate in the 18-21 Vocational Program at VAHS and search for a job and opportunities to make a difference in the community. His favorite memories from High School include spending time with friends and other students in a few classes and swimming!

Thomas Riederer

Thomas graduated from Monona Grove High School! He plans to attend the Monona Grove Futures Transition program and look into the Edgewood Cutting Edge program. During high school, Tomas enjoyed participating on the boy's swim team and hanging out with all of the friends he had made throughout the years.

Lillie Peterson

Lillie graduated from the Waupaca High School this year! She will continue her education with the LIVE program at Waupaca High School. Lillie’s favorite memory was the music trip to Universal Studios, Florida. Also, she loved her culinary classes and hopes to get a job in food service one day.

Caroline Dahlen

Caroline graduated from the Verona Area High School this year! Over her time in High School, she enjoyed participating in cheerleading. Next, she will be continuing her job at Festival Foods and will be involved in the 18-21 program in her school district.

Brady Remington

Brady is graduating from Appleton East this year! He enjoyed creating all of the great relationships and long-lasting friendships he made during his schooling. After graduation, he is headed to participate in Project Search, an internship work program.

Olivia Schilling

Olivia graduated from the Plymouth High School on June 2nd. She is excited to move into adult life! She was given an opportunity to attend the Learning for Independence program at Moraine Park Technical College and finding a just right job for herself. Her favorite memory from High School is dancing with the Shining Stars Dance Team at the Plymouth Basketball games.

Looking Back on May

DSAW-Central

In May, DSAW Cental had an incredible adventure at the zoo! We started our journey with an exciting safari ride, getting up close to majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Along the way, we had the chance to feed some of the friendliest animals, which was a delight. We saw a diverse array of wildlife, from towering giraffes and playful monkeys to majestic tigers and birds. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with wonder and joy at every turn.

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

We really enjoyed our Popsicle Playtime in May! We were able to have nice weather and enjoy some fresh air. Our scavenger hunt and games were a huge hit with our families!

DSAW-Fox Cities

In May, DSAW-Fox Cities hosted 46 participants across four events. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of bowling at Rolling Thunder Lanes in Neenah, held our final indoor play dates until fall at Xtreme Air and Monkey Joe's, and had a delightful Moms' Night Out dinner at Parker John's.

DSAW-Green Bay

In May, DSAW-Green Bay had a ton of great events! We had our Buddy Up Tennis, Sign-N-Play Playgroup, Archery and Ice Cream, and Our Mommy and Me Photoshoot! We also went and volunteered at Celebrate DePere!

DSAW-KRW

DSAW's KRW group enjoyed a beautiful day in May at Green Meadows Petting Farm meeting all the furry and feathered friends who live on the farm. The petting farm was full of many animals to interact with us while we were there.  We had an opportunity to hand-feed the goats, sheep, and chickens as well as an option to go on hayrides and pony rides.

DSAW-La Crosse

Our trip to the Planetarium was a total hit! Local families had a blast on a virtual bike tour through the planets, picking up fun facts about each one. We also loved learning about the constellations. Afterward, we enjoyed galaxy-themed snacks and water, and everyone got a shiny star bead necklace. 

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

On Saturday, May 18th, we hosted our first Annual Trapshoot Fundraiser in Mayville, WI. We had an amazing turn out with 20+ raffles and 3 big raffles! With the amazing support from the community, we were able to raise over $13,000 for the Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties!

DSAW-South Central

DSAW-South Central had a GREAT May. Our Teen Club gathering at the World's Largest Culver in Edgerton on May 4 for food and crafts. On Sunday, May 5, the Moms Take 5 group got together for coffee. We had Pizza with a Purpose at Sugar River Pizza on Tuesday, May 7 and raised over $600. The Grandparents Group met for coffee on Thursday, May 9. We had a Mom & Me Party in honor of Mother's Day on Saturday, May 11, where 42 of us painted flower pots, planted flowers, ate, and enjoyed one another's company. We have a weekly Monday night yoga session from 4-5pm. Moms Rock 'N It got together on Friday, May 17. We ended the month with horse therapy on Sunday, May 19, at Seahorse Healing with Nelle and her amazing horse, Magic.

DSAW-Southeastern

On Saturday, May 4, we had a lovely group of eight DSAW Moms come out for Mom's Morning Out. They enjoyed a relaxing morning of coffee, breakfast and conversation! Then, on Saturday, May 11, DSAW held its first-ever Community-Wide Rummage Sale which included 12 vendors and artists and lots of shoppers. It was a successful day for many Walk Teams!




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!

DSAW- Central Planetarium- An afternoon under the stars

Thursday, April 13

DSAW Central blasted off into the unknown at their planetarium event! They created their very own galaxy and savored the taste of astronaut ice cream. It was an intergalactic afternoon of fun! Happy birthday, Max! We were so thrilled to be able to celebrate your birthday with you!

DSAW-Chippewa Valley Social Hangout

Tuesday, April 9

Social Hangout went to the Chippewa Valley Museum earlier this week. They enjoyed "walking though time" ... and who doesn't love visiting an ice cream parlor!?!

DSAW- Green Bay-Baby/Toddler Playgroup at The Adventure Zone

Saturday, April 20

Green Bay DSAW families had a great time exploring and playing at the Adventure Zone!

DSAW-KRW Kenosha Museum Highlights Tour and Streetcar Ride

Saturday, April 13

THANK YOU to all of the families and friends who came out on Saturday to go on a Highlights Tour at the Kenosha Museum and take a streetcar ride downtown! What a fun time we had. We'd love to see your photos - please feel free to share them here!

DSAW- Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties Kelley's Farmstead

Tuesday, April 28th

We had so much fun at Kelley's Farmstead last week! Some of our family members got to hold baby ducks, pigs, and bunnies. Check out these cute pictures from our event!

DSAW-South Central Family Bowling at Scwoegler's Park Towne Lanes

Friday, April 26
Thank you to the 47 participants who joined us at Schwoegler's Park Lane in Madison this evening! It was a perfect activity for a raining evening! We had a GREAT time!

DSAW-Southeastern Sky Zone Experience

Tuesday, April 2

THANK YOU to all of the jumpers that came out last night to Sky Zone-Greenfield despite the crummy weather. So much fun to see all of the great smiles!

WBAY Action 2 News Coverage-Go Baby Go! Program

March 8th, 2024- A DSAW family from Fox Cities was featured on WBAY Action 2 News for participating in the Go Baby Go! Program.

This program is a collaboration between Children's Wisconsin and Fox Valley Technical College. It aims to provide electric ride-on cars specifically designed for children with special health needs. These cars offer improved mobility and independence to these children

Looking Back on March

2024 World Down Syndrome Day

Overview

  • DSAW received state wide media coverage for World Down Syndrome Day.

  • DSAW sold over 850 WDSD t-shirts, a record high, and up from last year's sales of 550!!

  • DSAW raised thousands of extra dollars with external fundraisers around WDSD this year.

  • DSAW DOUBLED the amount we raised from our WDSD fundraising campaign from last year.

  • DSAW hosted 11 WDSD events around the state, many of which had HUGE increases in attendance and impressive turn outs.

  • DSAW partnered with EPIC Creative and Inclusion Coffee Company to provide free coffee at Inclusion on WDSD.

  • DSAW saw a ton of momentum on social media: In Green Bay the mayor ordered the Green Bay's bridge to light up in blue and yellow in honor of WDSD!


DSAW- Central WDSD Roller Skating Celebration

Thursday, March 21

DSAW-Chippewa Valley WDSD Celebration at Action City

Sunday, March 17

DSAW- Fox Cities-World Down Syndrome Day

Saturday, March 16th
We had 80 adults and 65 kids enjoy a day of arcade games, bumper cars, train ride, laser tag, air hockey, skeeball, carousel and small kid play area at Funset Blvd. We served a pizza buffet to help refuel after a morning of hard play. It was a great morning enjoyed by all.

DSAW- Green Bay-World Down Syndrome Day - Dance Party

Saturday, March 23

DSAW-KRW World Down Syndrome Day Pool Party

Friday, March 22

DSAW-Greater La Crosse Down for Nature

Saturday, March 16
"Down For Nature" was our theme this year. We had three stations where guests could make pinecone bird feeders, twisty cereal bird feeders, and frost then decorate their bird or butterfly cookie!

DSAW-Sheboygan Down Syndrome Day Waterpark Celebration 2024

Sunday, March 17, 2024

DSAW-South Central GALLERY 21

Thursday, March 21, 2024
Had over 130 individuals in attendance to honor and support our loved ones with Down syndrome.

DSAW Milwaukee: World Down Syndrome Day 2024 - Pool Party

Saturday, March 14

Annual Appeal 2023: Think Ability

As 2023 come to an end, DSAW encourages you to take a moment to “Think” about the things we are thankful for and how we can support our loved ones with disabilities. We’re looking back and taking this time to feature the accomplishments and abilities of our advocates.

Thanks to generous support from people like you, our friends with disabilities can “Think” about a bright future.
We’re highlighting stories about advocates who are:
- Thinking about Employment
- Thinking about Housing
- Thinking about Support
- Thinking about College
- Thinking about Independence

During this time of gratitude and giving, please consider making a gift to DSAW to support our friends who are so deserving.

Think Ability

A year-end message from Dawn Nuoffer, DSAW President & CEO
Dear Friend,
You can continue to help our friends with Down syndrome, other disabilities, and their families to Think Ability in the New Year. We are looking forward to all of the wonderful things we will do together in 2024!

You may have heard about Think Ability Wisconsin, a statewide partnership network powered by the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin.

The Think Ability Wisconsin initiative will improve transition and employment outcomes for people with disabilities and will improve hiring and retention for employers.

We’ll do this through the development of an online 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, the formation of partnerships, targeted awareness campaigns to change perceptions of people with disabilities in the workplace, employer education to increase job access and expectations, and more.

We can’t wait to see how thinking ability will change our state for the better. Exciting things
are coming, and we hope you will join the movement! Follow along with Think Ability Wisconsin on social media: Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram. If you are interested
in receiving email updates from Think Ability Wisconsin or in becoming part of the movement, fill out this form.

 When you donate to DSAW, you demonstrate that you Think Ability, and you support others to do the same.

Thank you for supporting abilities for people in Wisconsin in 2023. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in 2024. Happy New Year!

Warmly,

Dawn Nuoffer
President & CEO
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin 

PS - Don’t wait! Consider DSAW in your year-end giving today. There is still time to have your donation matched! Our friends with disabilities need you!

Think Independence

Meet Matt

Matt is a 43 year old young man who enjoys working, having fun, and participating in social and community events. He lives in DeForest (in DSAW’s South Central chapter) with his parents and twin brother. He is very proud and happy when he is working in a job that is right for him, and he enjoys cleaning and helping people. He is very active in his church and loves fishing, 4-wheeling, pontoon rides, bowling, making crafts, mowing grass in the summer months, and snowmobiling in the winter.

Currently, Matt participates in DSAW’s daily living skills twice a week, attends Self Advocate Adventures events and vocational training/job coaching, and is in search of a job right now! 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.

DSAW has provided him something to do during the day while he is in search of a job. Matt’s favorite things at DSAW are the social events through the Self Advocate Adventures program. Programs that DSAW offers help Matt feel social and more connected with his community of friends. He has created wonderful relationships with other self advocates and has become more Independent!

DSAW’s Home & Community-Based Services provides one-on-one services, group classes, small groups, and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Matt. 

Please consider DSAW in your year-end giving. You can support people like Matt to thrive and live an INDEPENDENT life!

Think College

Meet Hendrik Steenepoorte

Hendrik is a 19-year-old freshman attending Shephard’s College in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Shepherds College boasts it’s the “nation's leading post-secondary school created with the learning needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in mind.”

Having older siblings that went away to college and several colleges visiting events Hendrik attended, he knew at the beginning of his senior year that he was supposed to visit college campuses. His mother, Maria, arranged for Hendrik to tour several colleges. They decided Shephard’s College was a great fit for Hendrik. Henrik shared he wanted to go to college “to meet new friends, have fun, learn about Culinary Arts as a career and make a difference in the world.” And so far, he has many new friends, is having fun, taking classes in Culinary Arts and has already volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in the community. And he’s only been in college for a few months!

Currently his favorite class behind lunch is called Personal and Professional Development taught by Mr. H. And in his culinary class, he’s learning all kinds of safety protocols around using knives, cleanliness and cooking new healthy and even gluten-free recipes. As part of daily living skills, all students at Shephard’s College learn to prepare meals, grocery shop and make their own for breakfasts and dinners in the dorm kitchens. 

In addition to starting college this fall, Hendrik was honored to be chosen the Fox Cities Chapter’s Awareness Walk Ambassador. He got to come home in October for the weekend to attend the event, volunteering at registration, selling raffle tickets and most important on the stage for the start the walk inspiring others in the crowd. Hendrik’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious.

He was even interviewed on TV helping promote our Awareness Walk!

Oh, and by the way, when asked if he is homesick, he replies, “No, never!” We are so excited to see what else is in store for Hendrik’s future.

Think Support

After Nicole Cooper and her husband learned about their daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis

at fifteen weeks pregnant, they needed help processing all the emotions they were feeling. They had amazing family and friend support but there’s no connection that quite compares to talking with another parent that has a child with Down syndrome. Their experience, both at the time of diagnosis and wherever they are in their parenting journey, was immensely helpful being a part of DSAW’s Parents First Call program.

Connecting with another parent who has a child with Down syndrome can be one of the most helpful resources a parent will have; it can help make their journey a little easier and can be comforting to have that connection. DSAW trains Support Parents to provide support to others who have just received a diagnosis.

Nicole really loved that DSAW’s Parent’s First Call staff took the time to ask specific details about what they were looking for in terms of their support parent match. Nicole’s family was just learning about the high potential that their daughter would need heart surgery and so it was important to them that they could ask questions and have that in common with their support parent. They were also first-time parents and wanted to find a family who had been in their shoes. It felt good that their needs and personal story were taken into account to match them with an appropriate support parent, instead of just a random match. 

What she learned, felt, and processed with the help of a support parent, she wanted to share with other parents who are just starting their journey. Nicole now is a support parent to other families and offers emotional support when they are ready, which can have such a huge impact on a family’s outcomes and on their loved one’s future. For most families, a Down syndrome diagnosis can bring a range of emotions and can be overwhelming. Another parent who has gone through a similar experience can offer knowledge and support like no one else can. Through making connections in the Down syndrome community, she has learned there is such a range of support each family has and that offering Parent’s First Call to anyone that wants extra support benefits the entire family. 

When you make a gift to DSAW, you offer support to families in the moments following their diagnosis. You provide them with the support parent network of DSAW's Parent's First Call program. Will you give that gift of hope to a family this Giving Tuesday? You can even designate your donation to a specific DSAW chapter!

Think Housing

Meet Kathryn Burish and Hannah Rahmanpanah

Kathryn and Hannah are shining a light on living independently and exceeding expectations for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. 

Living independently bolsters your self-esteem and confidence.

Kathryn Burish and Hannah Rahmanpanah have known each other since they were 16 months old! And now, they feel right at home living on their own in Elm Grove - as next-door neighbors. They both moved out when they were 22 years old and have lived independently in their own apartments for the past 5 years. 

They each expressed their love of having their own space. They come home and it’s just how they left it. Kathryn works at TJ Maxx with the dream of starting her own fashion line. Hannah works two jobs - Pick n Save in the Floral Department and at a consignment clothing store.

Although they have the support of their families living nearby and sometimes carpooling together with their parents, they each have found ways to be self-sufficient. They take the Elmbrook Senior Taxi service to get places like grocery shopping. They are able to cook, clean, do their own laundry, and entertain friends. When needed they get assistance from mentors and support people for “deep” cleaning and planning meals. 

Both young women are on the Advisory Board of the Southeastern Chapter of DSAW and are active with other DSAW groups and activities. Hannah attends Rad Rec events and was recently at our fundraiser at Culvers. Kathryn loves going to DSAW dances and socializing with friends.

Kathryn and Hannah were recently featured on Spectrum News!

They love getting together with friends and having fun! Hannah shared she “likes to do the

things she wants, whenever she wants.” Kathryn said that she wanted her own space when she felt like she was butting heads with her parents. Who hasn’t felt that as a young adult? She lives in a 4 unit building where she knows the other tenants. And Hannah lives in the building right next door.  So in essence Kathryn lives in a building with all of her own friends, just like her favorite TV show, “Friends.”

“People with Down syndrome are just like everyone else and having a disability is not scary, “ says Hannah. And Down syndrome does not define who they are and what they deserve.  

Being independent for people with Down syndrome is not only possible, Kathryn and Hannah are just a few participants leading by their example. If you want to know more or connect with parents with their young adults living on their own, contact info@dsaw.org. DSAW connects people and families. DSAW shows that people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are exceeding expectations.

With your support, more young adults are being shown what new expectations look like for independence and housing. Think Housing!

Think Employment

You help to support life-changing programs like our Manufacturing Basics course. This is an employer-embedded skills training program within Rely Contract Manufacturing/Engauge Workforce Solutions in Menomonee Falls. This 12-week integrated, on-the-job training program teaches the basic information necessary to start working in manufacturing, as well as soft skills like communication, team work, problem solving, and more.

Did you know that the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin generates $66 billion in economic output and accounts for nearly 19% of the state’s domestic product? However, 77% of manufacturers say they will have ongoing difficulties in attracting and retaining workers into the future. People with disabilities can be great candidates to support the vital manufacturing industry in our state, and we are helping to prepare them! 

Wendy Schmidt, DSAW’s Director of Employment Services, says that “Individuals with diverse abilities are often an undervalued, overlooked population of people that are more than capable of being successful in the manufacturing industry. Our hope is to break down the doors and open up more opportunities for those individuals in manufacturers across the state.”

Topics of the Manufacturing Basics course include all aspects of safety, warehousing/distribution, assembly, kitting, packaging, quality control, incident reporting, hazardous materials, hand tools, power tools, time management, critical thinking, dependability, and more! The class exposes students to many different environments and skills, finding the right match for the employer and the worker with a disability. There are opportunities for advanced training or employment placement at completion of the program. Check out this great video highlighting the program!

There are labor shortage and job retention concerns across accessible industries in Wisconsin, and people with disabilities are looking for opportunities for meaningful employment. Hiring a person with a disability isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Employing people with disabilities can lead to improved bottom lines, higher productivity, higher retention rates, increased employee motivation and morale, and more.

When you make a gift to DSAW on Giving Tuesday (11/28), you help employers, families, and self advocates to Think Employment. You support Wisconsin’s economy and help prepare more people with disabilities for the workforce. Will you show your support of meaningful employment for people with disabilities on Giving Tuesday by making a donation to DSAW? You can even designate your donation to a specific DSAW chapter!

Looking Back on October

2023 Fall Awareness Walks!

October rounded out our final
DSAW Awareness Walks for 2023!

Shout out to Fox Cities, Greater La Crosse and South Central!
Across the state we had well over 5,000 walkers and raised more than $550,000!!

DSAW-South Central
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Sunday, October 1st
Fireman’s Park in Deforest

DSAW-Fox Cities
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Saturday, October 7th
Riverside Park in Neenah

DSAW- Greater La Crosse
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Saturday, October 7th
Myrick Park in La Crosse

DSAW- Central

Local Wisconsin resident Danielle Thoe chosen to model in largest Down Syndrome Fundraiser in The World !

DSAW-Centrals very own Danielle Thoe has been chosen to be one of 20 models at the #BeBeautifulBeYourself Fashion Show in Denver on November 19th. The World Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is honored to announce a spectacular and star-studded line-up for its annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world.

A Message from Danielle!
“I am Danielle Nicole Thoe. I may be 4’4” but that is the only thing small about me. I tell everyone that I love my life because it has been amazing so far. Hannah and I challenged ourselves by doing a tandem skydive. It was amazing to be a part of breaking the Guinness Book of Records sit ski with Grace, of Graceful Wakes. My happy space is being on stage and being National Miss Amazing Miss, and Wisconsin Extreme Dream Team cheerleader lets me be ecstatic. Now, a special guy named Andrew, puts a smile on my heart.”

The funds support research and medical care for individuals with #downsyndrome. You can support Danielle Thoe spreading the Dream by sponsoring and/or donating in her name. (Scroll to model 16 to find Danielle!)

Looking Back on September

2023 Fall Awareness Walks!

Across the state we had well over 5,000 walkers and raised more than $550,000!!

DSAW-Sheboygan
Mini Golf & Walk Fundraiser

Saturday, September 23
Harbor Pointe Mini Golf in Sheboygan

DSAW-Chippewa Valley
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Sunday, September 24th
Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls

DSAW Statewide
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Sunday, September 24th
Milwaukee County Zoo

DSAW-Green Bay
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Saturday, September 30th
Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon

DSAW-South Central

Pillars of Success
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the DSAW South Central last Pillars of Success Exploring the Ice Age Trail! We partnered with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, who led us on 3 amazing hikes.

DSAW-Fox Cities

Parents Night Out
DSAW families enjoyed a night out at Wilder's Bistro!

Xtreme Air
J U M P to new heights at Xtreme Air! Advocates got the chance to let out a little bit of energy while having some fun with friends and family!

DSAW- Greater La Crosse

Day on the Farm
DSAW Greater La Crosse area enjoyed our 1st Annual Day on the Farm at Hidden Hills in Stoddard. Families enjoyed all of the animals and activities on a beautiful day! Big THANKS to Morgan, our Board President, for making it a great event!