Team Macee

Join DSAP ✨THIS Friday, May 17 at 12pm✨ for the second part of our virtual Lunch & Learn Speaker Series. Dr. Jennifer Waters (Attending Pediatric Dentist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Presenter at the NDSC Convention) will present: Adolescent Special Health Care Needs & Dentistry 🦷 This presentation will cover the components of an adolescent dental visit with special considerations for patients with Down syndrome, in addition to treatment, treatment modalities, and behavior guidance. RSVP using the 🔗 link in our bio or the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. You will receive the Zoom meeting link in your confirmation email after registering. Please note this presentation will not be recorded. #dsapgh #LunchandLearn #SpeakerSeries #Healthcare #Dentistry #Downsyndrome

Are you a local parent of a child with Down syndrome ages 5 and under? Would you consider completing a 90-minute training to be a lifeline for a new or expectant parent? DSAP is holding a hybrid First Call Parent Mentor Training on Thursday, June 27 from 6:30-8:00pm. The in-person attendees will meet at COhatch Southside works located at 2681 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The virtual attendees will join via Zoom. The First Call program offers new and expectant parents receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome the opportunity to connect with trained parent mentors who share the same or similar life circumstances. Having a peer to turn to who is just a couple years ahead on this parenting journey is a lifeline! To RSVP for the training click the 🔗 link in our bio or vist DSAP's Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #FirstCallMentor #FirstCallPgh #Training #Support #Connect #Downsyndrome

📣Calling all FAMILIES to join DSAP for an unforgettable evening at PNC Park on Friday, June 21 as the Pittsburgh Pirates face off against the Tampa Bay Rays⚾️! This is a great opportunity to connect with other families in the community while cheering for your favorite baseball team! We have two sections reserved just for DSAP with Upper Level tickets available for $29 and Lower Level tickets available for $47. DSAP will also be the Non-Profit of the Game, receiving a video shoutout on the jumbotron! ✨$2 from each ticket sold will be donated to DSAP✨. By securing your tickets, you're not just set for an exciting game of baseball; you're also supporting DSAP's vital mission to Connect, Educate, and Inspire families and individuals living with Down syndrome in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Get your tickets by 6/14 using the link in our bio and join us in cheering for a cause! When checking out, you can also make a donation of any amount directly to DSAP to support hundreds of families with individuals who are living with Down syndrome across ALL ages & stages right here in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. #dsapgh #FamilyConnection #Community #Baseball #PittsburghPirates #Fundraiser #Downsyndrome

Free photo sessions are available for individuals with Down syndrome and their families for DSAP's 2025 Community Calendar! Thank you to the generous local photographers who are volunteering their time and talent to capture photos of our community to be included in the DSAP Community Calendar and future DSAP marketing materials! Go to www.dsapgh.org/calendar to sign up for a session or to submit your own photo. DSAP's annual Community Calendar is an outreach tool to showcase how amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their families are! DSAP gifts these calendars to new and expectant parents as well as provides them to local healthcare providers. Sales for the calendar cover the printing costs of the free calendars that we gift. #dsapgh #community #outreach #DSAPfamiliesrock #downsyndrome

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there from DSAP! 💐 Today, we celebrate the selfless love, unwavering support, and endless sacrifices you make every day. Your nurturing spirit shapes our world in beautiful ways. Take this day to cherish the love and appreciation you deserve 💙💛 #MothersDay #CelebrateMom #DSAPmomsrock #Downsyndrome

Sharing a resource from the @pealcenter: With end-of-the-school-year IEP meetings in full swing, PEAL's Planning for the Future Transition Checklist is a great resource to help you prepare for your meeting and plan for the future. Download the checklist by visiting www.pealcenter.org/youth-and-young-adults/. #transition #IEP #postsecondary #highschool #IEPhelp #specialeducation

Did you know that in addition to our Family Connection programs for parents, DSAP has a group specifically for adult siblings of individuals who have Down syndrome, their extended family members (such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents), their friends, and community members? ✨Close Connections✨ is for those who have a close connection to an individual with Down syndrome here in Western PA, offering a supportive place to connect and learn from each other! Join us for our next Close Connections Meetup on Thursday, May 30 starting at 6pm at Cinderlands Warehouse in the Strip District. RSVP using the link in our bio or with the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. We can't wait to connect with you! #dsapgh #closeconnection #community #connect #learn #support #downsyndrome

Last night, DSAP moms enjoyed a night of respite and relaxation at @wearerevbeauty while connecting over the common bond of parenting an individual with Down syndrome. Thank you to REV for donating your space and time to pamper our extraordinary moms as we head into this weekend and celebrate all of the amazing moms out there on Mother's Day 💙💛 Next month, join us for a Family Connection Night at PNC Park on 6/21, with two sections reserved just for DSAP families! $2 from every ticket sold will be donated to DSAP and as the non-profit of the game you'll see DSAP on the jumbotron! To purchase tickets click the link in our bio or visit the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #DSAPmomsrock #connection #community #Downsyndrome

📣 Are you a dad, stepdad, or dad-to-be and want to meet other dads in the community? Join the next DSAP Dad's Night on Wednesday, May 22 at Burgatory Waterfront (located at 299 West Bridge St, Homestead, PA 15120). We have reserved seats together, so join us when you can to connect with other dads over the common bond of parenting a child with Down syndrome! RSVP using the link in our bio or the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #DSAPdadsrock #FamilyConnection #community #downsyndrome

Join DSAP for our upcoming virtual Lunch & Learn Speaker Series to learn about topics related to Down syndrome. Read more and RSVP using the links in our bio or the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. 🔵 THIS Friday, May 10 from 12-1pm, Dr. Waters will present: Pediatric Special Health Care Needs & Dentistry. She will cover the components of a pediatric dental visit with special considerations for patients with Down syndrome, in addition to treatment, treatment modalities, and behavior guidance. 🟡 On Wednesday, May 29 from 12-1pm Dr. Filipink will present: History, Evaluation, and Treatment of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder. She is the Director of the Movement Disorders clinic, the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, and the Director of the Fragile X Center. In her work with the UPMC CHP Down Syndrome Center, she also evaluates and directs treatment for Down Syndrome Regression Disorder, which she will discuss in her presentation. #dsapgh #DSAPlunchandlearn #Resources #Dentistry #RegressionDisorder #Downsyndrome

📣 Registration is open for ✨DSAP's 2025 Community Calendar✨ photo sessions and photo submissions! Read below to learn more about the annual Community Calendar and how to be part of it. DSAP's annual Community Calendar is an outreach tool to showcase how amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their families are! DSAP gifts these calendars to new and expectant parents as well as provides them to local healthcare providers. Sales for the calendar cover the printing costs of the free calendars that we gift. We want to thank the generous local photographers who are volunteering their time and talents to capture photos of our community to be included in the 2025 DSAP Community Calendar and future DSAP marketing materials. Along with the opportunity of having local photographers offering FREE photo sessions, we are also accepting photo submissions directly from our families. Click the link in our bio or visit www.dsapgh.org/calendar for more information about available sessions and how to submit your own photos! Be sure to check back soon as more sessions will be added. #dsapgh #community #outreach #DSAPfamiliesrock #downsyndrome

Today DSAP is cheering for Megan as she runs the Pittsburgh Half Marathon and exceeds her fundraising goal for DSAP with Jogging for Jordy 🏃‍♀️👟! Read Megan's story below to learn more: If you don’t know me, my name is Megan and I am running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 5, 2024. I am a wife, a mother to two wild boys, a full time hair stylist, and there are many other hats I wear. One of them is being an aunt to my nephew Jordan who has Down syndrome. Jordan is almost two years old, and he has brought so much joy, laughter, and new journeys to our family in just two years. He loves music (especially Taylor Swift of course), playing with his dog, being adventurous with his cousins, and he loves his parents, Michaela and Zach. With all the happiness Jordan brings to our lives, there do come times of struggle. Jordan requires continuous therapy sessions, specialty doctors and appointments, and a tremendous amount of patience. Thanks to associations, such as DSAP, Jordan and his family have continued support and advocacy through the highs and lows. DSAP goes above and beyond for Jordan and other individuals with Down syndrome. Please join me in supporting Jordan and the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh by donating to the association here through my fundraiser: t.ly/F1-1r. My goal is $2,100 to represent the 21st chromosome, where individuals with Down syndrome have three copies. Whether you are able to donate $1 or $10, every bit helps and supports families and individuals like Jordan and his amazing parents. Thank you for your love and support. Congrats Megan and everyone who is participating in today's Marathon and thank you for supporting DSAP 💙💛 #dsapgh #PghMarathon #Comunity #Support #Fundraiser #Downsyndrome

Sharing an advocacy webinar from @achieva: Join us for this webinar on Thursday, May 9 from 6-7pm to learn about the details of Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget to serve and support people with intellectual disabilities and autism. We’ll cover the impact this may have on the waiver waiting list, Direct Support Professional wages, and ways you can help make this proposal a reality! We are not crying wolf! This landmark budget Governor Shapiro proposed stands to serve and support more people with intellectual disabilities and autism than ever before. This will make a dent in the waiver waiting list and give direct support professionals (DSPs) a much needed wage increase. We need you and your help in reaching out to legislators to make sure the money proposed by the governor remains intact. Presenters: Mary Hartley and Melissa Skiffen Discussion Points - Governor's Budget Details - The Why, This is THE Year - How to Reach Your Representatives and Raise Your Voice - Call to Action: Share your Story To RSVP visit www.achieva.info/events. #Achieva #AdvocacyWebinar #Support #RaiseYourVoice #CalltoAction #ShareYourStory

🏉 Calling all football enthusiasts! We're thrilled to announce that registration for Giana’s Field of Dreams Football Camp hosted by Seneca Valley Student Mimi S. is now OPEN! Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, or just have fun playing the game you love, this is the place for you. 📅 Dates: Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 10am-12pm 📍 Location: Nextier Stadium (128 Seneca School Rd Harmony, PA 16037) 👟 Ages: 14+ 👕 Free camp T-shirt if you register by 5/10 Spots are limited, so join us for this incredible FREE opportunity. Bring your game face and let’s make this summer unforgettable! Sign up today by clicking the link in our bio or using the link on DSAP's Event Calendar on www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #FieldofDreams #FootballCamp #Football #Downsyndrome

Today on May 1, we celebrate ✨Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day (#IPSEDay)📚✨. This is a day to raise awareness and spread the word about postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disability. Can people with intellectual disability go to college? YES, they can! Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) refers to college and university programs that enroll people with intellectual disability. Inclusive postsecondary education programs create opportunities for students with and without intellectual disability go to college together. Why is IPSE important? College offers students with intellectual disability: • Access to inclusive adult learning options • Access to employment preparation via internships and work-based learning experiences • Access to campus living opportunities • Opportunities to plan for their future like other college students • Opportunities for better employment and independent living outcomes For resources that explain more about inclusive postsecondary education visit the "Think Higher. Think College." website: http://www.thinkhighered.net. To learn more about planning for college, check out DSAP's Speaker Series recording where we partnered with @achieva to discuss college programs for students with intellectual disabilities, along with available resources to help plan and pay for college, available at www.youtube.com/@dsapgh. Join us in spreading the word about #IPSEDay2024 with graphics, sample social media posts, and Zoom backgrounds found at https://thinkcollege.net/. #THTC #ThinkHigher #ThinkCollege #ChangingExpectations #IncreasingOpportunities

If you're a mom, stepmom, or mom-to-be, join DSAP next Wednesday, May 8 from 6-8pm for a night of connection, pampering and relaxation at @wearerevbeauty's salon located in Wexford. REV Beauty Co. has graciously offered to provide moms with a night of respite where you'll also have the opportunity to meet other moms in the community. By purchasing a $10 ticket here, you will reserve your spot to get access to Rev's sauna, an express massage, an express facial, and a 20% off voucher to use next time you visit Rev Beauty Collective. To learn more and purchase a ticket, click the event link in our bio or use the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #DSAPmomsrock #community #connection #FamilyConnection #Relaxation #downsyndrome.

April is ✨National Volunteer Month✨! DSAP would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who donate their time and make our programs & events such a success! We appreciate you and all that you do for the DSAP community! If you're interested in volunteering with DSAP, visit www.dsapgh.org/volunteer to join our volunteer database and to check out the latest volunteer opportunities available! #dsapgh #volunteersrock #volunteermonth #community #appreciation #downsyndrome

Sharing a resource from @thearcpa: Includi-Con is a 3-day, virtual event designed to provide opportunities for school personnel and parents to build their inclusion skills. Life in schools and their respective communities has been difficult and more challenging than ever, as the impact of the pandemic for students, families and schools was fully understood and felt. We’ve put together a program and speakers that we believe can help all to remember our “why”, to forge positive pathways for students and ourselves; learn new strategies; and expand our circles of connection with others who embrace inclusive education. And we will also have some fun! We hope that Includi-Con will inspire and energize you as you continue your work to support all students learning together in general education classrooms, find new connections, and feel supported in your efforts. To learn more and register visit https://thearcpa.org/includicon/. #ArcofPA #IncludiCon2024 #IncludeMe #Inclusion #Accessibility

Sharing a resource from the @robertmorrisuniversity Trees Network: Join us on Monday, May 6 for our virtual family/parent support group meeting to discuss the various high school completion considerations. We will meet from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm and there will be time for questions from families. We hope to see you there! To register email Deanna at hiltzd@rmu.edu. #RMU #RMUTreesNetwork #Graduation #Diplomas #Resource

📢 The results are in! Over ✨$12,000✨ was raised at DSAP's 4th Annual Topgolf Fundraiser held this past Sunday, April 21. With these funds, the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh can continue to: -Provide free resources to new and expectant parents -Host free Speaker Series providing educational opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, caregivers, parents, and community members -Host Family Connection programs and meet-ups -Subsidize family events and fitness programs Because of your generosity and support, DSAP can continue its mission to support, connect, educate, and inspire individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan in the Greater Pittsburgh Region! #Thankful #Community #TopgolfPittsburgh #Resources #DSAPFamilyConnection #dsapgh

As DSAP continues to spotlight our new Board of Directors, please join us in welcoming them to the DSAP community and celebrating their passions and inspirations for joining DSAP's Board! Today's spotlight features Stephanie Zagrocki, who is a licensed PA attorney and works for Mitsubishi Electric Power Products in Warrendale. A former registered nurse and graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Stephanie came to Pittsburgh in 1995 to attend law school at Duquesne University. She now resides in Wexford with her husband, Eric, and their six children. Her oldest is a college senior while her youngest is ten-year old Madeline (Madi), who opened her eyes to the needs of a person with Down syndrome. As Madi’s primary advocate, Stephanie has utilized many of the athletic and social opportunities offered in our local community that promote a healthy and fulfilling life for Madi. Seeing the impact of these opportunities firsthand, Stephanie wants to support the mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh and believes that all individuals with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to participate in activities of interest and to otherwise benefit from the support the Association offers. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, whether it is being outdoors hiking, skiing, or swimming; or indoors at a concert, show or movie. Welcome Stephanie! #dsapgh #dsapboardofdirectors #advocate #community #volunteersrock #downsyndrome

DSAP is hosting a ✨Young Adults' Connection✨ NEXT Wednesday, May 1, starting at 6pm at Coop de Ville located in the Strip District! DSAP has reserved the VIP lounge and duckpin bowling 🎳 lanes for young adults ages 18+ to connect with new and old friends! Each individual with Down syndrome will also receive 1 drink ticket to use on any beverage. To RSVP, click on the link in our bio or the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #Connection #Community #Friendship #BowlingFun #VIP #Downsyndrome

"It was a small group which made it easy to connect and share experiences. We got along so well that we exchanged numbers to get together again," shared one mom who joined last month's DSAP Mom's Connection event! Join us for this month's Mom's Connection Night THIS Thursday, April 25, starting at 6:30pm at Primanti Bros. Waterfront (located at 152 East Bridge Street Homestead, PA 15120). We have reserved seats together, so join us when you can to meet other moms, stepmoms, and moms-to-be while connecting over the common bond of parenting a child with Down syndrome. RSVP using the link in our bio or the Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org. #dsapgh #FamilyConnection #community #DSAPmomsRock #downsyndrome

This morning's winner drawn from all the registered Team Captains for the 30th Annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk® is.....Tanya Lewis! She will receive four tickets to a Pittsburgh Steelers preseason game. Congratulations! To see how you can be involved in the Buddy Walk on 10/19, visit www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk. Volunteer, Walk, Donate, or Sponsor! #dsapgh #pghbuddywalk #TeamCaptainsRock #community #downsyndrome