Central Fl Down Syndrome Assoc Inc D/B/A Down Syndrome Assoc of Central Fl

“The 990 will first be reviewed by the finance committee for accuracy and then finance provides a recommendation to the board of directors to approve the 990. The board of directors will then review and approve the 990 prior to filing.”

“All conflict of interest statements are reviewed and any possible conflicts are identified. Any potential conflict of interest would go to the governance committee for review and decision. All documentation and records of decision would be retained for disclosure.”

“If an existing or interim executive director is in place, that person would pull compensation for similar positions in central florida and provide this to the board of directors. If no interim or existing executive director is in place at the time of the search, a member of the hiring committee would pull this data for review by the board of directors. Board of directors established an agreed upon salary range, however, salary is then negotiated at the time of a job offer and any subsequent raises, bonus, or annual increases are also approved by the board of directors. The board deliberation is recorded in the minutes of meeting.”

“The organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available to the public via sunbiz.org, guidestar.org, and central florida foundation nonprofit search. Also, the audited financial statements are posted in the organization's website.”

“Advocacy/outreach: 1. Low down on law: in partnership with the law firm of catherine e davey, p.a., the down syndrome association of central florida is able to provide two low down on law day workshops each year. Expert lawyers, judges, and officials in the central florida community come together to break down the legal complexities families with special needs must navigate for their loved ones. 2. Step up for down syndrome walk: a day of community celebration, families get together and celebrate their loved one with down syndrome. Families set up walk teams, raise funds, for the organization, and on the day of the walk, come out to walk and celebrate the abilities of their loved one. Community members learn about down syndrome and community partners can showcase their services, wares, etc. 3. #ashotattheshot campaign: engaged in advocacy efforts to get adults with ds the opportunity to get the vaccine. Dsacf partnered with dsa's across florida to maximize our efforts. We were able to get news interviews, interactions with representatives, and articles in the orlando sentinel. 4. Family fun day: in partnership with our local theme parks, dsacf is periodically able to provide complimentary tickets to theme parks so that families can enjoy a day of camaraderie and pampering, while celebrating their family members with down syndrome. Tickets are reserved for members who have an active, paid membership and capacity limits are dictated by each theme park.”

“1. New parent kit and welcome celebration: dsacf welcomes any new parents, who've recently received a down syndrome diagnosis or delivered a child with down syndrome, to our community by bringing them a welcome basket and new baby kit. Baskets include both baby basics items, items procured from our adult entrepreneurs, and valuable resources on down syndrome. At new family celebrations, families will have the opportunity to meet other new parents of a baby with down syndrome, parents a little further down the road, and get lots of information about down syndrome. 2. Virtual programs: dsacf has offered a variety of virtual programs throughout the covid-19 pandemic. Virtual programs include basic sign language courses, a teen social club, watercolor classes, and acting classes. 3. Preschool readiness camp: this three-week long camp provides an authentic school experience for children (ages 3-5) with down syndrome during the month of july in a supportive and fun environment. This is especially important for children who may be going to a new school in the fall or going to preschool for the very first time, so that they are better prepared and excited to learn. 4. Summer smiles camp: this six-week long camp was offered in partnership with the orlando science center, central florida community arts, and orlando fringe for kids with ds in grades k-3. The summer smiles camp provides a safe, equipped environment that allows for social skills development while also implementing education and preventing a "summer slide" in academics. This program ensures kids with down syndrome do not regress during the summer and are prepared to re-enter school in august. 5. Start with hello: six-week program in which teens will learn and practice communication skills, appropriate social interactions, boundaries, and more that will help them build friendships, succeed in school, and prepare for future employment. 6: iep webinar series: in partnership with family network on disabilities (fnd), dsacf provided 12 week webinar series on all things related to ieps. 7. Supersibs: hollywood actor and sibling, brian donovan, leads supersibs to get siblings talking about their feelings and struggles they may face as siblings. This program allows siblings to form friendships and have support. 8. Whizkids: whizkids boxes are designed to keep our loved ones with down syndrome engaged in creating, celebrating and exploring all kinds of activities, topics and themes from the safety of their home. Each kit will contain items that help individuals to not only discover and enjoy new interests, but will also provide therapeutic-like opportunities including sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and stem exercises.”