DSI Self-Advocate Reaches for the Sky -- and Grabs It!

In 2007, self-advocate Angie Cain performed her first tandem skydive in the sunny skies over Florida, exemplifying the "more alike than different" campaign. Angie's father, Scott, is an experienced skydiver. Check out Angie and Scott in this video, courtesy of Skydive Tampa Bay.

DSI Volunteers Receive Golden Horseshoe Award

During halftime of their first pre-season game on Sunday, August 15, the Indianapolis Colts will recognize twenty-four outstanding volunteers and philanthropists by presenting them with the Golden Horseshoe Award. These individuals represent twelve charitable organizations in the Central Indiana community who are working to make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers.

Down Syndrome Indiana is proud to be one of the twelve charitable organization’s honored at this Sunday’s game. Down Syndrome Indiana chose to recognize the following volunteer and philanthropist for the award:

Angie Cain is a 26-year-old with Down syndrome and has volunteered more than 400 hours with Down Syndrome Indiana. Angie participated in the “Our Voice…Our Vision…Our Future” conference that was put on by the Arc of Indiana and the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. While there she shared her voice and opinion on critical issues impacting people with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition, she has represented Down Syndrome Indiana on television encouraging others to attend and support the local Buddy Walk ®.

The dedicated owners and staff of Montgomery Aviation take pride in fund raising for Down Syndrome Indiana each year. For the past three years, Montgomery Aviation has hosted a Fly-in and Fundraiser that have generated more than $36,000 to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana making it the largest single donor to the organization.

This is the first year for the Golden Horseshoe Award, which was created by the Colts to raise awareness for local charities and their volunteers and philanthropists who are making a significant impact in our community.

Meet Our Self-Advocates

What is a Self Advocate?

Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) considers a self advocate to be any individual with Down syndrome, or any disability for that matter, that is actively involved in the Down syndrome community, either through DSI or some other avenue. Active involvement not only entails attendance to social events, but also includes volunteering at the DSI office or one of the many community service-oriented events. Although there is currently no age restriction, self advocates are generally 14 years of age or older for social events and 18 years or older for the business meetings.