EARLY MATTERS E-NEWSLETTER E... · to allow your body, voice and imagination to express itself...
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Sign Language? What are the benefits? There are many factors to why our children are delayed in their speech and verbal language. I can ramble them off (if you would like the list then please contact me), but I think it is better to focus our attention on how to help our children communicate even when they exhibit these delays. Just because our children may not speak at the same age as other children, they can be amazing with their overall communication. One way that has impressively helped my son, Ashton, to communicate is through sign language. Sign language has been an amazing asset for our family to learn and grow together along with Ashton. I try not to make the newsletters about Ashton or our family, but I can certainly give a testimony to why sign language has increased the overall communication within our family. So why is it beneficial to use sign language? First, our children are typically visual learners. Signing addresses one of their areas of greatest strength. A child is more likely to experience success when the learning process incorporates their strongest area. Second, frustration levels decrease immensely. Have you ever tried to communicate and tell someone a story and they just couldn’t get it? I can only imagine that over time, trying to repeatedly ask for something and not being understood would get so frustrating. Without the words to say, our children can show behaviors such as screaming, crying, throwing themselves onto the floor. Sign language can help alleviate much of this stress. Third, cognition and language can be very closely tied. How are we to know what our children “know” cognitively if they can’t communicate that to us? I believe our children know a lot more than we give them credit for. Sign language helps us to understand their thinking process and helps us to understand what our children are picking up. For example, lately Ashton is learning his sight words at school. I had no idea he could read sight words until I held up a card and asked him what it said. He signed what the card said. I had no idea he could read that sight word yet! If he used his talker then it can be argued that he matched the word, not really showing me he was reading. So, in conclusion, if you were thinking about using sign language with your child, there are many reasons why I would strongly recommend it. It’s not something you need to take a college course on, but the use of video (i.e. Signing Time) and your child’s speech therapist may be able to help. The DSAGC is also offering a sign language class coming up in April. If you are interested in learning more about the research supporting the benefits of sign language, please click here: http://www.down-syndrome.org/reviews/119/ For more information about language in general and why we should be optimistic about our children’s language development, please click here: http://www.down-syndrome.org/ reviews/5/ EARLY MATTERS E-NEWSLETTER Jena Wells Early Matters Coordinator [email protected] 513.761.5400 ext. 207
Transcript of EARLY MATTERS E-NEWSLETTER E... · to allow your body, voice and imagination to express itself...
Sign Language? What are the benefits?
There are many factors to why our children are delayed in their speech and verbal
language. I can ramble them off (if you would like the list then please contact me), but I
think it is better to focus our attention on how to help our children communicate even
when they exhibit these delays. Just because our children may not speak at the same
age as other children, they can be amazing with their overall communication. One way
that has impressively helped my son, Ashton, to communicate is through sign language.
Sign language has been an amazing asset for our family to learn and grow together along
with Ashton. I try not to make the newsletters about Ashton or our family, but I can
certainly give a testimony to why sign language has increased the overall communication
within our family.
So why is it beneficial to use sign language? First, our children are typically visual
learners. Signing addresses one of their areas of greatest strength. A child is more likely to experience success when the
learning process incorporates their strongest area.
Second, frustration levels decrease immensely. Have you ever tried to communicate and tell someone a story and they just
couldn’t get it? I can only imagine that over time, trying to repeatedly ask for something and not being understood would get
so frustrating. Without the words to say, our children can show behaviors such as screaming, crying, throwing themselves
onto the floor. Sign language can help alleviate much of this stress.
Third, cognition and language can be very closely tied. How are we to know what our children “know” cognitively if they can’t
communicate that to us? I believe our children know a lot more than we give them credit for. Sign language helps us to
understand their thinking process and helps us to understand what our children are picking up. For example, lately Ashton is
learning his sight words at school. I had no idea he could read sight words until I held up
a card and asked him what it said. He signed what the card said. I had no idea he could
read that sight word yet! If he used his talker then it can be argued that he matched the
word, not really showing me he was reading.
So, in conclusion, if you were thinking about using sign language with your child, there
are many reasons why I would strongly recommend it. It’s not something you need to
take a college course on, but the use of video (i.e. Signing Time) and your child’s speech
therapist may be able to help. The DSAGC is also offering a sign language class coming
up in April.
If you are interested in learning more about the research supporting the benefits of sign
language, please click here: http://www.down-syndrome.org/reviews/119/
For more information about language in general and why we should be optimistic about
our children’s language development, please click here: http://www.down-syndrome.org/
reviews/5/
EARLY MATTERS E-NEWSLETTER
Jena Wells Early Matters Coordinator
513.761.5400
ext. 207
WELCOME TO THE DSAGC FAMILY
AJ Hanley
Beautiful baby boy!
Parents: Jason and Shea
Hanley
DOB: 1/1/2016
Congratulations Shea,
Jason, Nolyn and two big
sisters!
Christopher Wagner
Gorgeous baby boy!
Parents: Vincent and Kayla
Wagner
DOB: 7/22/2015
Congratulations Kayla,
Vincent and William!
WELCOME TO THE DSAGC FAMILY
Lillian Orme
Lovely baby girl!
Parents: Curtis Orme and Ali
Duff
DOB: 11/14/2015
Congratulations Ali and
Curtis!
Samantha Schnieders
Gorgeous baby girl!
Parents: Clete and Carrie
Schnieders
DOB: 11/13/2015
Congratulations Carrie,
Clete, Cletey and Trenton!
WELCOME TO THE DSAGC FAMILY
Selah Veotte
Lovely little girl!
Parents: Angelo and
Christine Veotte
DOB: 8/6/2013
Welcome to Cincinnati! We
are excited to walk this
journey with you!
(Adam, Elli and Selah)
EMPOWERMENT CLASSES
Toddler Talk (ages 18mo. - 3) Mondays | March 7– April 11 6:30-7:30 PM
DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room
$20 fee for 6-week session
Jennifer Bekins of the Thomas Center for Down Syndrome will lead six educational sessions focused on how
children learn to talk and ways to support communication during play. Each week, Toddler Talk will focus on a
specific activity that parents will practice with their child and interactive feedback will be provided. Families will
learn critical building blocks of early language and have opportunity to discuss at-home communication strategies.
Register for Toddler Talk
Dramakinetics (ages 3 - 5) Wednesdays | March 23 – April 27 6:30-7:30 PM
DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community
Room
$20 fee for 6-week session
Dramkinetics uses drama, dance and music
to allow your body, voice and imagination to
express itself creatively. Your child will learn
ways to be more confident, enhance
friendships and learn new
skills. Dramakinetics makes magic happen
through the arts by always keeping the “fun”
in function and the joy in learning.
Register for Dramakinetics
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Looking for a night out with friends and family? The
DSAGC Annual Winter Dance has become one of
our signature celebratory events of the year!
Attendees range from couples on a date night, to
groups of friends, to teens and adults with Down syndrome. It's a packed party with good food, cocktails, live
music and dancing.
We will welcome Candygram 4 Mongo (formerly Weezy Jefferson but with a twist), who will entertain to get us
moving and grooving! They are a six piece funk/rock/party band that includes an energetic female vocalist
and a trombonist. Tickets will sell out, so we encourage you to purchase them early.
Ladies with Down syndrome - come get GLAM with
your friends before the Winter Dance from 2 - 4 PM at
the DSAGC Hatton Foundation Community Room. We’ll
provide snacks, drinks and have people on-site to help
with make-up, hair and nails. If you’d like to prep before
the dance, please RSVP to [email protected] or
513.761.5400.
Are you caring for children for family, friends or neighbors—or staying at home with your own children? If so, the FREE 4C Play & Learn Program is just for you!
Play & Learn groups provide opportunities for children from birth to 5 to learn and explore through play. Parents and caregivers join in the fun by participating in activities that promote healthy development and learning.
The 4C Play & Learn Program gives children who are not enrolled in preschool or child care a chance to interact with other children. Parents and caregivers also have the opportunity to connect, share information and ideas, and get support.
Participants also receive FREE materials to take home to extend the fun!
Each time you attend a Play & Learn session you will be eligible—through a quarterly drawing—to win great prizes that include tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center and much more. The more sessions you attend, the better your chance to win. Bringing a friend to a session will also earn you a $5 gift card!
Find a Play & Learn
group in your area! P ar e n t S e r v i c e s
www.4cforchildren.org
When and Where
Lincoln Heights
Date: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month*
Time: 10—11:30 a.m.
Location: Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church
9931 Wayne Ave.
Woodlawn, OH 45215
Millvale
Date: Second and fourth Monday of each month*
Time: 11 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Location: St. Leo’s Church (Baltimore Ave)
Norwood
Date: Second and fourth Thursday of each month*
Time: 9—10:30 a.m.
Location: Norwood Church of the Nazarene
4424 Floral Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45212
Springdale
Date: First and third Tuesday of each month*
Time: 10—11:30 a.m.
Location: The Healing Center
11340 Century Circle
Springdale, OH 45246
*Call our 24-hour weather hot line at 513- 758-1311 to find out
if a class has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
To register or for more information about Play & Learn, contact
4C Parent Services at [email protected] or 513-758-
1311.
Interested?
4C for Children | 2100 Sherman Ave., #300, Cincinnati, OH 45212 | 513-221-0033 | 800-256-1296
Fun and Fitness Directory
Use the link below for information about inclusive park and other family activities.
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/d/disabilities/ucedd/fun-fit/
Stay connected with Disability Rights Ohio!
Keep up with what we're doing and get a lot of other interesting disability-related
news on their website, and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Family Financial Advocate Program
If your child has 4 or more medical appointments a year at Cincinnati Children’s…..
There is help!
Myth: My family makes too much to qualify for assistance.
Fact: There are programs available that can help reduce the burden of your medical expenses. A
family of 4 could make up to $97,000 per year and possibly qualify for assistance.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Family Financial Advocates assist families who need additional financial resources to cover medical bills
for their chronically ill child. We identify and help families apply for programs including: Medicaid, BCMH,
Social Security, Developmental Disabilities Services, Financial Assistance, and non-profits. Our
advocates can assist families throughout the United States. In addition, they can assist with complicated
billing issues.
For more information please contact an Intake Specialist for the Family Financial Advocate Team
by phone 513.803.6500 or email [email protected]
CINCINNATI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL NEW YEAR ROUND VISITOR POLICY
Outpatient Visits
(Emergency, Urgent Care, Clinic, Day Surgery, Testing Visits)
Visitors who accompany a patient into the exam room may be limited by the size of the room or clinical
care needs. Additional visitors may stay in the waiting room.
Only children seeking evaluation or treatment should be brought to outpatient appointments during peak
times of illness in the community (i.e. flu/respiratory illness from December to March).
Inpatient Visits
We respect the right of parents/guardians and adult patients to identify who may visit.
Up to 4 primary support persons (i.e. parents, guardians, spouse) may receive 24-hour access. Up to two
may stay overnight.
Up to 6 individuals (i.e. siblings, family members, friends) may be identified to visit.
Additional family and friends can share their support by making a video call, sending a free e-greeting card
or old-fashion mail, following social media or by calling the Gift Shop or concierge service Best Upon
Request.
If the admission is longer than 30 days, you can work with your social worker to substitute names on your
visitor list. Your social worker may also consider changes if you initially identify those unable to visit due to,
for example, illness, or a special situation.
Sleeping arrangements for those with 24-hour access vary from unit to unit. Rooms have a fold-out bed for
at least one person. Please note: No one may sleep on the floor, as this poses a safety risk to you, your
loved one and our staff. For help making sleeping arrangements outside of the hospital, please contact
Guest Services at 513-636-5009 or toll-free at 888-894-1374 for information about lodging at discounted
rates.
Visiting hours are 8:30 am–8:30 pm.
Visitors must:
Check in at a Welcome Desk upon arrival for a photo name badge. Visitors age 16 or older will be asked to
show a photo ID.
Be healthy—free from fever, cough or colds, or stomach virus symptoms and living with persons who are
also healthy. Visitors can unintentionally spread germs if someone in their household is ill.
Wash their hands often, especially before and after visiting a patient. During peak times of illness in the
community, young children (under age 14) are requested not to visit the intensive care units.
For FAQs: click here
To subscribe to receive Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Young and Healthy Newsletter: email us
For information about Urgent Care Online Check-in: Click here
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, Facebook webpages or playgroups.
AREA SPECIFIC GROUPS
B & W Group
Serving families in Butler and Warren counties
BACH Group
Serving families in Brown, Adams, Clinton, Highland and surrounding
counties
Eastside Group
Serving families in the Cincinnati Eastside area and downtown Cincinnati
KIDS Group
“Kentuckian’s Interested in Down Syndrome” serves families in Northern
Kentucky
Westside Group
Serving families in the Cincinnati Westside area and downtown Cincinnati
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
African American Family Network
Serving families by providing information, support and networking
D.A.D.S Group
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
513.490.2834 Marina
DSAGC Teen Group
Serving teens ages 13 - 18 through social opportunities
and networking for parents
Grandparents Group
Networking, sharing and social opportunities for
grandparents of all ages!
BIRTH YEAR
GROUPS serving families of children with Down
syndrome born in specific years
2011
(Extra) Ordinary Friends
2012
12T21 Group
2013
T21QTs
(aka T21 Cuties!)
2014
T21QTs - ‘14
(aka T21 Cuties!)
2015
2016
COMMUNITY GROUPS COORDINATOR
Amy Iten | 513.761.5400 | [email protected]
JANUARY CALENDAR
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
12a DSAGC
Office Closed
2
12a DSAGC
Office Closed
3
12a DSAGC
Office Closed
4 5 6 7
6:30p Butler/
Warren Commu-
nity Group -
Ladies' Annual
White Elephant
Potluck and Ex-
change
8 9
1p Westside
Community
Group - New
Years Party
4p Buddy Up
Tennis (ages 5
& up)
10 11 12
6p D.A.D.S.
Meeting
13 14
6:15p Cheerleadi
ng (ages 6 - 18)
15 16
8:30a Eastside
Mom's Day Out
- Brunch at
Sleepy Bee Cafe
17 18
12a DSAGC
Office Closed
19 20 21
6:15p Cheerleadi
ng (ages 6 - 18)
22 23
10a Physical
Therapy (ages 0-
3)
12p Eastside -
Group Meet Up
4p Buddy Up
Tennis (ages 5
& up)
24
31
1:15p Comm
unity Group
Leaders
Team Build-
ing Work-
shop
4p Westside
Community
Group - Par-
ents Night
Out
25 26 27
6:15p Music
Therapy (ages 3 -
6)
28
6:15p Cheerleadi
ng (ages 6 - 18)
29 30
10a Physical
Therapy (ages 0-
3)
1p Advocates In
Action (ages 18
& up)
