DSI Self Advocates

Join us on Friday, June 4th, 2010
for the 8th Annual D.A.D.S. Golf Outing.
Full details, including registration form are available here.

Mission

To enhance the lives and personal growth for 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 restrictions, self advocates are generally sixteen years of age or older.

Self Advocates Meetings

Monthly Self Advocate Informational Meetings

We meet every other month on the first Tuesday of each month at the DSI to discuss important issues, and we bring in speakers to touch on topics of interest (February, April, June, August, October, December).

Monthly Self Advocate Activities

Every other month when there is not a “Monthly Meeting” there is a monthly activity. During these events we conduct a variety of different activities depending on what our Self Advocates are interested in doing that particular month. It is a great opportunity for everyone to get together and have a fun night socializing! (January, March, May, July, September, November) The following are the activities from our 2009 meetings:
Bowling

Movies
Max and Erma's
Dave and Busters
Outback Steakhouse
Horseback Riding

To find out when our next Self Advocates Meeting is please visit our online calendar of events

R.S.V.P. for this self advocates online or by e-mail or phone (317) 925-7617.

For more information contact Rachel Wood, Outreach Coordinator, by e-mail or by phone at (317) 925-7617.

Self Advocate Tools

Volunteer Program – Adults with Down syndrome are encouraged to volunteer their time in the DSI. Ultimately our goal behind this is to provide a “win-win situation” for both, the organization and the advocates. The office gains valuable volunteers that provide us with many additional hours of help each year. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, our volunteers gain valuable skills that can be carried with them into community employment, and a solid reference to include on their resume.

Self Advocates Blog – DSI has a self advocates’ blog where our self advocates post a new entries on a weekly basis. Click here to visit the blog.

Email Loop – This listserve provides self advocates a secure place to voice their concerns, opinions, likes & dislikes and to talk about upcoming events. Click here to join the group.

Self Advocates Packet - This packet shares many of the same similarities with our “new parent packets;” however, these are designed to be sent to adults who are transitioning from high school into the work force.

Ups & Downs Newsletter- This is a newsletter that is written, edited, designed, and distributed by DSI self advocates. We invite all self advocates to submit items to be placed in Up with Downs by DSI self advocates. The newsletter is distributed quarterly and was developed by a self advocate! The newsletter includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Poems      • Stories
• Photos      • Self Advocacy Topics
• Art work   • Favorite links

For more information about becoming a Down Syndrome Indiana Self Advocate, or about Self Advocacy contact our Outreach Coordinator Rachel Wood by e-mail at info@dsindiana.org or phone (317) 925-7617 or DSI Board Member Jessica Green at selfadvocates@dsindiana.org.

Not sure what it means to have Down syndrome?

Down Syndrome and You is a great booklet made by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society that will help you understand what it means to have Down syndrome.

Notable Individuals with Down Syndrome

Read a Time Magazine article about the wedding of Sujeet Desai and Carrie Bergeron who both have Down syndrome.

	Annie Forts The Annie Forts "UP" Syndrome Fund, Inc. was created to assist and encourage young people with Down syndrome.
	The Brad Hennefer Golf for Life Foundation
	Bernadette Resha
	Chris Burke Chris Burke is one of America's favorite personalities. Through his work he has single-handedly transformed America's image of the mentally and physically handicapped. Chris is also a spokesperson for the National Down Syndrome Society.
	The Karen Gaffney Foundation Karen Gaffney received her high school diploma from St. Mary's Academy in Portland, Oregon in 1997. Having completed all of the Oregon State requirements for a regular high school diploma. She completed requirements for an AS degree and a certificate to be a teacher's aide at Portland Community College in March 2001. Read an inspiring story about Karen's latest swim across Lake Tahoe!
	Michael Jurogue Johnson Michael is a full-time artist. Art is his job. He paints almost every day and he also works in the cottage industry that has developed from his talent. Michael was born with Down syndrome, but he was also born with a sense of wonder, an ability to appreciate simple things, a good sense of humor, and the determination to communicate with others. Art opened up Michael's world.
	Rachel Roberts has had an overwhelming desire to produce a coloring book with large, easy to color drawings, for children with special needs, such as herself, so they too could begin learning to read the way she did.. with sight words. Rachel was born with Down syndrome, however with her self motivation, encouragement and guidance of her family, some dedicated teachers... and God, she is striving to reach her potential.
	Raymond Hu
	Sujeet Dasai graduated with honors from high school, has been accepted to a music academy, plays violin, piano, clarinet and bass clarinet, has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, rides his jet ski, and much, much more. Oh yeah, he just happens to have Down syndrome.

Watch a cool video

Meet a young man named Johnny with Down Syndrome. See the video online.

Best Buddies

Are you a student? Does your school have a Best Buddies chapter? Click here to learn more about Best Buddies.

CYACC: Center for Youth and Adults with Conditions of Childhood

Are you a youth with special health care needs, like a chronic condition, illness or disability? Do you have questions about how to prepare for your adult life?If you answered yes, then you may benefit from the services offered by CYACC