TODAY! 2015 Q2 P2 In the Know— The ABLE Act Part II P4 & 5 Support DSAH & Camp Ability P6 & 7 Education 4 Life & Special Needs seminar P10 &11 Potty Training & Community Groups Meet Ella, our April 2015 DSAH calendar model. She really enjoys reading sight word books and she can recognize over sixty sight words! Her favorite place to go to is the beach and the Kemah Boardwalk. Conoce a Ella, nuestra modelo del calendario de DSAH del mes de Abril. Ella disfruta leer libros con fotos y reconoce mas de 60 palabras! Su lugar favorito de ir es la playa y el Kemah Boardwalk! The Mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Houston is to provide programs and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who serve them; and to create awareness in the community through advocacy, education and medical outreach. We envision a community in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance the quality of their lives, realize their life aspirations, and become accepted as part of our very diverse society. Change Service Requested HOUSTON, TX 77092 7115 W. Tidwell Rd. Bldg. K Suite 106 Down Syndrome Association of Houston PERMIT NO. 2639 HOUSTON, TX PAID NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 2 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act ABLE Act Overview - continued from Q1 3. Am I eligible for an ABLE account? Passage of legislation is a result of a series of compromises. The final version of the ABLE Act limits eligibility to individuals with significant disabilities with an age of onset of disability before turning 26 years of age. If you meet this criteria and are also receiving benefits already under SSI and/or SSDI, you are automatically eligible to establish an ABLE account. If you are not a recipient of SSI and/or SSDI, but still meet the age of onset disability requirement, you would still be eligible to open an ABLE account if you meet SSI criteria regarding significant functional limitations. The regulations to be written in 2015 by the Treasury Department will have to explain further the standard of proof and required medical documentation. You need not be under the age of 26 to be eligible for an ABLE account. You could be over the age of 26, but must have the documentation of disability that indicates age of onset before the age of 26. 4. Are there limits to how much money can be put in an ABLE account? The total annual contributions by all participating individuals, including family and friends, is $14,000. The amount will be adjusted annually for inflation. Under current tax law, $14,000 is the maximum amount that individuals can make as a gift to someone else and not pay taxes (gift tax exclusion). The total limit over time that could be made to an ABLE account will be subject to the individual state and their limit for education-related 529 savings accounts. Many states have set this limit at more than $300,000 per plan. However, for individuals with disabilities who are recipients of SSI and Medicaid, the ABLE Act sets some further limitations. The first $100,000 in ABLE accounts would be exempted from the SSI $2,000 individual resource limit. If and when an ABLE account exceeds $100,000, the beneficiary would be suspended from eligibility for SSI benefits and no longer receive that monthly income. However, the beneficiary would continue to be eligible for Medicaid. States would be able to recoup some expenses through Medicaid upon the death of the beneficiary. 5. Which expenses are allowed by ABLE accounts? A "qualified disability expense" means any expense related to the designated beneficiary as a result of living a life with disabilities. These include education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, health care expenses, financial management and administrative services and other expenses which will be further described in regulations to be developed in 2015 by the Treasury Department. 6. Where do I go to open an ABLE account? Each state is responsible for establishing and operating an ABLE program. If a state should choose not to establish its own program, the state may choose to contract with another state to still offer its eligible individuals with significant disabilities the opportunity to open an ABLE account. After President Obama signs the ABLE Act, the Secretary of the Department of Treasury will begin to develop regulations that will guide the states in terms of a) the information required to be presented to open an ABLE account; b) the documentation needed to meet the requirements of ABLE account eligibility for a person with a disability; and c) the definition details of "qualified disability expenses" and the documentation that will be needed for tax reporting. No accounts can be established until the regulations are finalized following a public comment period on proposed rules for program implementation. States will begin to accept applications to establish ABLE accounts before the end of 2015. From NDSS. To be continued on Q3 Newsletter or visit www.DSAH.org for full article 3 One of the best gifts you can give your child is a great foundation for kindergarten. DSAH invites you to attend Smart Start – four sessions that will help you prepare for entering kindergarten. Smart Start is for you if you have asked yourself any of the following questions: Will my child be safe? Will my child succeed? Will my child be included? Will my child have friends? You can sign up for our Smart Start session on-line at www.dsah.org or via E-mail to [email protected] ,or call 713-682-7237 x201. Parents who complete all four sessions will receive a backpack and gift card for school supplies! Session 1: Student Readiness - high expectations, following rules and directions, handling schedule changes, insistence on compliance Session 2: Parent/School Relations - communicating effectively, common mistakes, addressing concerns, what your teacher needs to know Session 3: Placements & IEP's - IQ testing, inclusion, Individual Education Plans and meetings, creating IEP goals Session 4: Fostering Friendships -social skills for success, creating social opportunities, successful play dates, community activities, peer presentations Childcare and refreshments provided. Advance registration is required. Registration for childcare must be made by: April 6 for the Spring session and by July 8 for the summer session FREE TO UP TO DATE DSAH MEMBERS $40 to non-members Take this opportunity to ask questions, learn about local resources, and meet other parents whose children are also preparing to enter kindergarten. Session Session Saturdays, April 11 May 16 June 27 July 18 Wednesdays, July 15 Aug. 12 Sept. 23 Time: 9:30a – 11:30a Time: 7:00p – 8:30p Our spring sessions will have a Gymboree and Music Party for the kids!!! Our summer sessions will have a pajama pizza party for the kids!!! All sessions will be held at the DS Resource Center, 7115 W. Tidwell Rd., Bldg. K, Suite 106, Houston, TX 77092 www.DSAH.org 4 Abuso en las Escuelas? Haga la Diferencia! Abuse in Schools? Make A Difference! Every parent fears for the safety of their child with Ds or with any other special need. Most of the time, schools are places of love and learning, but, sometimes something bad happens. Todos los padres temen por la seguridad de nuestros niños con síndrome de Down o cualquier otra necesidad. La mayoría del tiempo, las escuelas son lugares de enseñanza y amor pero a veces algo malo pasa. Recently, one member’s family received a call that their child was physically abused by a paraprofessional. For more information see http:// www.myfoxhouston.com/story/28204902/videoreveals-abuse-of-spring-branch-special-needsstudent . At press time, the school reports evidence of abuse on a hallway surveillance camera but has denied the family access to the record. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family as they handle the terrible circumstances. Recientemente, la familia de uno de nuestros miembros recibió la llamada que todos tememos de que su hijo fue abusado físicamente por un paraprofesional. Para mas información vea http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/28204902/ video-reveals-abuse-of-spring-branch-special-needsstudent . La escuela reporta evidencia de abuso físico en uno de sus pasillos a través de una de las cámaras pero le han negado a la familia acceso a esta video. Nuestros pensamientos y apoyo va a esta familia y a muchas otras que han o estén pasando por un momento tan difícil como este. The Texas Legislature is in the 84th Session this year. You can make a difference by contacting your State Representative and State Senator and expressing your concern about the safety of our children in Special Needs Classrooms. There are two bills addressing Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms: Senate Bill (SB) 507 and House Bill (HB) 1033. The Senate version specifically prohibits using cameras to evaluate teachers. La legistura de Texas No. 84 esta en sesión este año. Usted puede hacer la diferencia comunicándose con su Representante Estatal y Senador Estatal y expresando sus preocupaciones sobre la seguridad de nuestros niños en Salones de Necesidades Especiales. En este momento tenemos dos artículos de circulación en el senado la cual hablan de cámaras en los salones: Senate Bill (SB) 507 y House Bill (HB) 1033. La versión del senado específicamente prohíbe el usar cámaras para evaluar a los profesores. The Senate’s Education Committee has officials from Greater Houston. Senator Larry Taylor (Pearland) is Chair of the Senate Education Committee, serving with Senators Sylvia Garcia and Paul Bettencourt from Houston. HB 1033 is in the House Committee on Public Education Co-Chaired by Rep. Alma Allen of Houston. She serves with Reps. Dwayne Bohac and Harold V. Dutton, Jr., from Houston, as well as Rep. Dan Huberty from Kingwood. El Comité de Educación del Senado tiene oficiales del área de Houston. El Senador Larry Taylor (Pearland) es el Director del Comité de Educación del Senado, sirviendo junto con los Senadores Sylvia Garcia y Paul Bettencourt de Houston. What action can you take? 1. Contact your own Senator and Representative as well as Education Committee Members to express support for protecting our children through Cameras in Special Needs Classrooms. All contact information can be found at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ Home.aspx . Don’t know who represents you? You can find out at the site. If you need help call us at DSAH 713-682-7237. You can also read both bills through that site. 2. Go to Austin personally to talk to officials. 3. Go to the local offices of elected officials and talk to the staff. 4. Educate others about HB 1033 and SB 507 and the need for cameras due to the abuse of our children and their inability to communicate the abuse to us. Together, we can make schools safer for all children! HB 1033 esta en el Comité de la Casa de Educación Publica Co-Dirigida por la Representante Alma Allen de Houston. Ella sirve junto con los Representantes Dwayne Bohac y Harold V. Dutton, Jr., de Houston, al igual que el Representante Dan Huberty de Kingwood. Que acción puede usted tomar? 1. Comuníquese con su Senador y Representantes al igual que con los miembros del Comité de Educación para expresar su apoyo al proteger nuestros niños a través de las Cámaras en los Salones de Necesidades Especiales. Toda la información mas el nombre de sus representantes puede ser encontrada en http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Home.aspx . Si necesita ayuda puede también llamarnos al DSAH 713-6827237. Usted también puede leer los dos artículos en esa pagina web. 2. Vaya a Austin personalmente para hablar con los oficiales. 3. Vaya a las oficinas locales de los oficiales elegidos para hablar con ellos. 4. Eduque a otros sobre HB 1033 y SB 507 y sobre la necesidad de las cámaras debido al abuso de nuestros niños y su inhabilidad de comunicar su abuso a nosotros. Juntos podemos hacer de nuestras escuelas un lugar mas seguro para nuestros niños! Register TODAY 5 WILL YOU JOIN ME AT THIS YEAR’S CAMP ABILITY? Camp Ability is a summer day camp for children/teens with Down syndrome and their siblings ages 3-17 years at our Resource Center. We’ll have crafts, music, games, reading, writing, movement, a snack, and most of all-fun! We will arrange to have siblings together if desired, even if they are in different age groups. Our theme is Dinosaurs! COST: $60 for the entire week (all day) 9 AM-4 PM $30 for half day which is 3 hours either morning 9 AM-Noon or 1-4 PM. DATES: July 6 to July 10, 2015 ALL AGES Helo REGISTRATION: To register for the summer camp, visit www.DSAH.org or call us at 713.682.7237 X201 or x206. You can mail the payment (check or money order) to 7115 W. Tidwell Rd. Bldg. K #106 Houston, TX 77092 or you can pay the first day of camp. JULY 6 TO JULY 10 all age groups Meet Helo, our May 2015 DSAH calendar model. He loves playing the drums, listening to music and meeting new friends. He enjoys going to the park and riding on the swings. Conoce a Helo, nuestro modelo del mes de Mayo del calendario de DSAH del 2015. A el le encanta tocar los tambores, escuchar música y conocer nuevos amigos. El disfruta ir al parque y columpiarse. TODAY! Is going DIGITAL subscribe today at www.dsah.org DSAH Today will be an E-Newsletter for the months of May and June. Don’t miss a beat and sign up to receive your E-Newsletter today! www.DSAH.org 6 Education for Life Huge thanks to all the parents and supporters of our Education for Life February and March drive! We have markers, pens, highlighters and pencils to last us the entire year!!!! Gracias a todos los padres y las personas que apoyaron la donación de lápices, marcadores y resaltadores durante los meses de Febrero y Marzo para el Programa de Educación para Toda La Vida! Tenemos suficientes donaciones para todo el año! Dinner and Fashion Show Fundraiser Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015 Time: 6:00pm—9:00pm Location: Noah’s of Katy April is clean up the earth month! Please consider donating trash bags to our E4L program! We need 32 gallon & 13 gallon bags. Abril es el mes para limpiar la tierra! Considere donar bolsas de basura para el programa. Necesitamos bolsas de 32 y 13 galones. Help us prepare for our Evening with the STARS dinner and Fashion show. Consider donating c6/12pks of soda (coke, diet coke, sprite and water)! Ayúdenos a prepararnos para nuestro evento! Considere donar un paquete de 6/12 sodas (coke, coke de dieta, sprite o agua)! Silent Auction Dinner Fashion Show Pantomime Troupe Performance Cash Bar Tickets: $35 Tables and Sponsorships Available More information alima@ dsah.org DSAH HOUSTON @DSAHouston www.DSAH.org www.DSAH.org @DSA_Houston DSAH 7 Special Needs Financial Orientation Come and learn how to provide your loved ones with DS a good quality of life in the future! Brendan Scott was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Baylor University with a double major in Economics and Marketing and started working in the financial industry as a teller at a bank his last semester at Baylor. After graduation, he found his way over to financial advising. He has been working in the financial services industry for 5 years. Currently, Brendan is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones Investments. He has a passion for volunteering and giving back to his community. He also loves Baylor sports, playing golf, and his dog Dempsey. Feel free to give him a call if you ever need anything, or have any questions. Date: Thursday April 23, 2015 Time: 7pm Location: DSRC 7115 W. Tidwell Bldg. K Suite 106 Houston, TX 77092 RSVP to [email protected] or at 713.682.7237 Brendan Scott Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 21707 Kingsland Blvd, Suite 102 Katy, TX 77450 O: 281-829-1428 C: 713-725-4839 [email protected] www.edwardjones.com Light refreshments and babysitting will be provided. Please RSVP Emma Meet Emma !!! Our June 2015 DSAH Calendar Model!! She likes playing with friends and neighbours. She walked at fifteen months and is working on learning new words. She loves going to the park and to her Nana’s house! She also invites you to join us at our DSAH Pool party on July 19 at Splashtown! Conoce a Emma!!! Nuestra modelo del mes de Junio del calendario de DSAH. A ella le gusta jugar con sus amiguitos y vecinos. Emma camino a los 15 meses y ahora esta aprendiendo nuevas palabras. A ella le gusta ir al parque y a la casa de Nana! Emma les extiende la invitación a nuestra fiesta de piscina de DSAH el 19 de Julio en Splashtown! www.DSAH.org 8 April 25, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm May 16, 2015 from 2pm to 5pm @ Bowlmor @ Tinseltown Address: 12920 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040 Address: 925 Bunker Hill Rd, Houston, TX 77024 Spaces is limited to the first 20 people with Down syndrome! All expenses will be paid for the first 20 people w/DS that RSVP!! Spaces is limited to the first 15 people with Down syndrome! All expenses will be paid for the first 15 people w/DS that RSVP!! DSAH will NOT be having transportation available. Parents are required to drop off & pick up their loved ones. For any ADDITIONAL Guest or Individuals with DS that RSVP after the deadline will have a 15.00 cost that will include: 1 Movie Ticket (We will have reserved seating) - Pizza & Drinks in our Club 21 Private Party Room Movie Pack for the Movies (Popcorn, Candy, & Small Drink) RSVP No Later than April 17, 2015! To RSVP Via Phone call 713-682-7237 or Email [email protected] In order to attend you must have an active Club 21 membership! Go Hawaiian Dance June 27, 2015 From 6pm - 9pm at Strake Jesuit High School 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77036 For any ADDITION Guest or Individuals with DS there will be charged of $25.00 that will include: Shoe Rental, 3 Games of Bowling, Food and Drinks. DSAH will NOT be having transportation available. Parents are required to drop off & pick up their loved ones. RSVP No Later than May 12, 2015! To RSVP Via Phone call 713-682-7237 or Email - [email protected] In order to attend you must have an active Club 21 membership! Visit www.DSAH.org for more info Baile Hawaiano Junio 27, 2015 de 6pm - 9pm en Strake Jesuit High School 8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77036 Dress Hawaiian to Enter our Hula Hoop and Limbo Contests!!!! Vista hawaiano y participe en nuestros concursos de Hula Hoop y Limbo!! For questions contact us at: [email protected] or (713) 682-7237 Preguntas? Contáctenos al 713.682.7237 x201 o [email protected] 9 Come Sail the Summer Away! Celebremos en altamar este verano! Come join DSAH as we sail the summer away aboard the Blue Marlin with Capt. Dave McCabe and the Sailing Angels Foundation. The Blue Marlin departs from the Portofino Marina (across from Kemah) and the adventure is approximate two hours long! Make sure to bring your camera, you might spot some dolphins!!!! Acompaña a DSAH a celebrar en altamar este verano en el bote Blue Marlin con el Capitán Dave McCabe y la Fundación de Sailing Angels. El Blue Marlin sale de la Marina de Portofino (cerca a Kemah) y la Aventura dura aproximadamente dos horas! No te olvides de traer tu camera ya que pueden ver algunos delfines!!!! Reserve your spot at www.DSAH.org or at 713.682.7237. Children over 5 years of age please and please be sure to show your support to The Sailing Angels Foundation. Reserve su espacio en www.DSAH.org o al 713.682.7237. Niños mayores de 5 años solamente y no se olvide de demostrar su apoyo a la fundación con su donación. Summer Sailing Dates: May 21 June 18 July 16 Aug. 20 Max of 5 people per family please. Fechas para el Verano: Mayo 21 Junio 18 Julio 16 Ago. 20 Max de 5 personas por familia Adaptive Ballet Summer Registration opens in May Join the Houston Ballet as they open their doors to our adaptive Ballet Dance classes every Saturday during the Summer! Classes are 45 minutes long and the main focus is to teach the students about discipline, their body, rhythm and music but above all have fun! Space is limited, register at www.DSAH.org or at 713.682.7237 starting in May for the Summer session (June, July & August) A program sponsored by the Houston Ballet and is for children between 5 and 12 years old with DS. 10 Saturday, June 20 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. @ the DS Resource Center Recommended for parents of children two years-old or older Time! Learn a tried and tested program for teaching your child with Down syndrome (and their typical siblings) to use the toilet. Developed by a mother of a child with Down syndrome, this program has been successfully used by parents all over the country. You will learn how to get your child out of diapers and using the toilet in four days, how to handle distractions and trips out in the real world, and how to deal with relapses. Potty training is essential before your child starts kindergarten. Children who are not potty trained before starting kindergarten are limited in the classroom settings available to them and may not be fully included with their typical peers. RSVP by June 10 for FREE childcare to [email protected] or at 713.682.7237 Join us for fun and bubbles at this month’s Gymboree session! Saturday, Apr. 18 , May 2 & 16 and June 6 & 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join The Down Syndrome Association of Houston at various Kroger locations throughout the city on Sunday May 3, 2015 for Lemonade Day! Come help us sell an ice cold cup of lemonade as we continue to build a brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome one cup at a time! Visit www.DSAH.org for exact times and locations. Acompaña a la Asociación de Síndrome de Down de Houston en diferentes Krogers en la ciudad el Domingo 3 de Mayo del 2015 para celebrar el día de la Limonada! Venga ayúdenos a vender un vaso frio de limonada mientras seguimos construyendo un futuro inclusivo para personas con síndrome de Down! Visite www.DSAH.org para los lugares y horas exactas. Stay for social time from 12p to 1p. At DSAH 7115 W. Tidwell Bldg. K Suite 106 Houston, TX 77092 Por el verano también lo estaremos ofreciendo en... Sábados, Junio 6 & Agosto 1 de 1:00 p.m. a 2:00 p.m. Pero llegue a las 12 y comparta la hora social con nosotros! Las clases de Gymboree serán ofrecidas en Español para nuestras familias! Vengan a disfrutar de música y burbujas con los niños! Pequeñines con sD, sus hermanos(as), primos(as) y amigos(as) también son bienvenidos a acompañarnos a divertirnos y a jugar con burbujas en la sesión de Gymboree en Ingles de estos próximos meses! Sábado, Abril 18 , Mayo 2 & 16 y Junio 6 & 20 de 11:00 a.m a 12:00 p.m. (En Ingles) Luego quédese para una hora social de 12p a 1p. En el DSRC en el 7115 W. Tidwell, Edificio K oficina 106 Houston, TX 77092 11 DSAH’s Woodlands Community Group at Bouncing Bears Dates: Tuesday Apr. 21, May. 19 and June 16, 2015 Time: 6:00-8:00 pm. Location: 6526 FM 2920 Spring, TX 77379 Gymboree at the DSAH Fort Bend Community Group Date: Tuesday Apr 14, May 12 and June 9, 2015 Time: 6:00-6:45 pm. Location: 5201 Texas 6 #300 Missouri City, TX 77459 Recommended for children with Ds and siblings under 10 years old. Recommended for children with Ds and siblings under 10 years old. For more information [email protected] or 713.682.7237 x201 For more information [email protected] or 713.682.7237 x201 Bouncing Bears will be closed to the general public. Fort Bend Community Group is looking for Group Leaders! Do you have a few hours a month you can dedicate to planning small socials for the community? Then we need YOU! Contact us at [email protected] Fecha: Martes Abr. 21, Mayo 19 y Jun. 16 del 2015 Hora: 6:00-8:00 pm. Lugar: 6526 FM 2920 Spring, TX 77379 Recomendado para niños con sD y hermanitos (as) menores de 10 años Para mas información [email protected] 713.682.7237 x201 Bouncing Bears esta cerrado al publico en general. DSAH’s Katy Community Group at Rockology Fecha: Martes Abril 14, Mayo 12 y Junio 9 del 2015 Hora: 6:00-6:45 pm. Lugar: 5201 Texas 6 #300 Missouri City, TX 77459 Recomendado para niños con sD y hermanitos (as) menores de 10 años Para mas información [email protected] o 713.682.7237 x201 El Grupo de Fort Bend esta en búsqueda de Lideres para este grupo! Si usted tiene unas cuantas horas al mes que pueda dedicar a planear eventos sociales para la comunidad, entonces este es el momento para ayudarnos! comuníquese a [email protected] Dates: Every Monday in April, May and June 2015 Time: 6:30 pm. Location: 550 S Katy Fort Bend Rd, Ste 500, Katy, TX 77494 Recommended for children with Ds and siblings under 10 years old. For more information [email protected] or 713.682.7237 x201 Fecha: Todos los lunes en Abril, Mayo y Junio en el 2015 Hora: 6:30 pm. Lugar: 550 S Katy Fort Bend Rd, Ste 500, Katy, TX 77494 Recomendado para niños con sD y hermanitos (as) menores de 10 años Para mas información [email protected] o 713.682.7237 x201 DSAH’s Spring Community Group Coming in April !!!! Spring Community Group is going to the Matt Family Orchard in Tomball April date TBD Friend the DSAH Spring Community Group on Facebook for updated information! Próximamente en Abril!!!! El Grupo Comunitario de Spring estará visitando La Matt Family Orchard en Tomball. Fecha en Abril estará por anunciarse Hágase amigo del grupo de Spring en Facebook para estar informado! www.DSAH.org See what’s happening in our 12 UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON PARENT EDUCATION PROJECT FAMILIES CAN PROGRAM SAVE THE DATE TRANSITION FAMILY EDUCATION EVENT Thursday, July 16, 2015 From: 6:00 pm—8:00 pm Shriners Hospital 6977 Main Street, 6th Floor Foyer DSAH will be at the Scouting Fair talking about the Disability Awareness patch! Registration is still open! www.DSAH.org
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