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A big thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, and participants that helped make Buddy Walk a great success again this year! And, a special shout out to the Team Captains that work so hard!
Buddy Walk contributions will still be accepted through the end of this year, so there’s still time. We’ll keep you updated.
Be sure to check out the first of our photos from the 2009 Buddy Walk. It was a beautiful day and these are beautiful photos! These were all taken by photographer Terrie Tavis.
Click here (use password: sunshine) to view 2009 Buddy Walk Photos.
Posted on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 7:13pm
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Jacob Braun (Age 21, Tustin)
The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association generously donated more than $20,000 to DSAOC from a Silent Auction conducted at their Annual OCTLA Top Gun Awards Dinner held at the Balboa Bay Club on Saturday, November 21st. Board President – Gerard Jensen was joined by Jacob Braun in representing DSAOC at the event. Jacob did us proud and received a standing ovation following his comments to the audience.
Thank you to the Officers, Board, and Members of the OCTLA for making this contribution possible.
Posted on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 6:11pm
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Parents filled the room on November 18th for the inaugural session of DSAOC’s new Healthcare Series. Dr. Ira Lott spoke to the group on the topic of Down Syndrome: A Link Between Development and Aging.
Stay tuned for more updates on these informative sessions focused on a wide variety of healthcare issues related to Down syndrome. The next one is scheduled for January 20th.
Posted on Fri, 11/20/2009 - 4:09pm
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The DSAOC Partners in Education program connects educators, therapists, paraprofessionals, and school/district administrators with the training, resources, and support they need to help educate students with Down syndrome. During the past year, the program has been successful in establishing many of these connections at the district and SELPA level throughout Orange County.
We are now recruiting parents to assist in the outreach activities. Would you like to join us, or maybe just learn more about the effort?
Call the Center at 714-540-5794, or email sames@dsaoc.org to find out more.
Posted on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 2:06pm
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Kim Holloway & daughter Olivia
In addition to our headliners – THE ENGLISH BEAT…we’ll also have some other exciting live entertainment for you on Buddy Walk Sunday, including Chelsey Sanchez, and the DagumDragon Band with Kim Holloway.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM – Registration/Field Access Opens
10:00 AM – Live Entertainment: Chelsey Sanchez
11:00 AM – Buddy Walk
12:00 PM – Live Entertainment: DagumDragon Band
1:00 PM – Live Entertainment: The English Beat
2:00 PM – Event Closes
Chelsey Sanchez & brother Bryce
Remember – lunch will be on your own so we invite you to bring a picnic. The stadium will also have a concession stand open near Gate 1 for food purchases. Plus we’ll have lots of your favorite snacks located in booths around the field. Water will also be available for everyone on the field.
We’ll see you on Sunday!
Posted on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 5:44pm
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Even 
if you can’t join us at the Buddy Walk this weekend – here’s the next best thing.
In collaboration with iBN Sports, we are excited to announce that we will be broadcasting live from the DSAOC website.
This will be our first live broadcast and we know it will enhance our efforts to expand visibility and public awareness.
So have your friends and family tune in to watch the festivities and live entertainment on the field, as well as all the teams finishing the walk.
BUDDY WALK LIVE
Posted on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 4:25pm
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Michael Mussallem - Edwards Lifesciences CEO (center), with Tres Heald-DSAOC Bd. Mbr., and Lanny Hardy
The Edwards Lifesciences Fund recognized DSAOC as the recipient of one of it’s 2009 community grants during an Awards Reception held on November 12th at their corporate offices.
Headquartered in Irvine, the company annually provides philanthropic support to local nonprofit organizations in order to advance a variety of worthy projects in the communities where their employees live and work.
The grant will be used to help fund DSAOC’s initiative to provide healthcare programming for parents and outreach activities to medical professionals.
Posted on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 4:07pm
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The Trisomy 21 Translational Research Parity Act of 2009 (“21 Act”) has been introduced in Congress and is aimed at expanding, intensifying, and coordinating Down syndrome translational research across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other Federal agencies.
The NDSS Public Policy Center has issued an Action Alert asking for assistance in identifying and securing more co-sponsors for the legislation. To learn more about the bill and how you can help by contacting your Congressional Representatives: “21 Act” – ACTION ALERT
Posted on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 6:54pm
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DSAOC’s new alliance with CHOC Children’s is highlighted as a featured story in their upcoming fall issue of Kid’s Health.
Announcing the new pediatric Down syndrome healthcare program, the article discusses how it’s designed to provide thorough evaluations, assess each child’s particular medical issues, and coordinate access to a team of medical specialists.
Work on establishing this alliance began more than a year ago and it’s been a top priority for DSAOC. We look forward to this becoming the model “one stop” program in the region, that offers comprehensive care through a weekly outpatient clinic; assists parents in navigating the healthcare system; and educates referring healthcare providers and families to the unique medical needs of children with Down syndrome.
To read the article: Kid’s Health Fall-2009
Posted on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 1:49pm
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Tyler Orbaker, age 6
Thanks go to Kevin Orbaker and his family for organizing an event this past weekend at Rudy’s Pub & Grill in Foothill Ranch to help support DSAOC and raise Down syndrome awareness.
With help from KROQ and DJ Lighting, the event included a free concert by the U2 tribute band, The Joshua Tree. The event also raised funds with donations going to DSAOC. Great work Kevin and thanks to all involved – it’s much appreciated!
The OC Register ran an article about the event on Saturday that includes an interview with Kevin: OC Register Article 10/17/09
Posted on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 4:45pm
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The Buddy Walk has always been more than just a walk and this year it’s a concert too, with the announcement that the ENGLISH BEAT will be joining us to perform a musical set on Sunday, November 8th at Angel Stadium. The band has agreed to take part in our biggest event of the year to help celebrate and demonstrate the value of our friends and family members with Down syndrome.
You don’t want to miss this. If you haven’t already done it – register today!
Click: Buddy Walk Registration Site
Posted on Fri, 10/16/2009 - 8:00pm
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We had a full room of parents attend our seminar on Wednesday, October 14th at the DSAOC Center on the subject of estate planning. The session was led by Xavier Zatizabal, MBA, a financial planner with MetDESK. Thanks Xavier!
Be sure to watch the DSAOC calendar for other upcoming workshops on important financial and estate planning topics.
Posted on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 1:14pm
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DSAOC is initiating an ongoing series of parent healthcare seminars to be held at the DSAOC Center. Designed to address a wide range of important health topics related to Down syndrome, the presenters will include physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
The first seminar will be conducted on Wednesday, November 18th from 6:30-8:00 PM. Ira T. Lott, MD will be presenting on the topic of Down Syndrome: A Link Between Development and Aging.
Dr. Lott is the Division Chief of Pediatric Neurology and the Medical Director of Neurology at CHOC Children’s. He is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.
Be sure to sign up early for this presentation by calling the Center at 714-540-5794, or online by clicking here.
Posted on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 7:17pm
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We had more than 100 people attend DSAOC’s Annual Trick or Trunk event on Saturday at Mile Square Regional Park. Thanks to everyone that helped make it a great success!
REMINDER: For teens with Down syndrome ages 12 to 17. This Friday, October 16th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM there’s a Halloween Bash scheduled at the DSAOC Center. Come dressed in costume and join your friends for an evening of fun and games. RSVP by calling the Center at 714-540-5794, or online by clicking here.
Posted on Mon, 10/12/2009 - 7:51pm
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iBN Sports announced today that it will become the official internet broadcast provider of the DSAOC.
The new relationship will allow DSAOC to take a big step forward in telling its story – including the ability to archive videos, produce documentaries, and live-stream events and presentations. These opportunities will greatly enhance our public awareness efforts, as well as allow us to develop a broad library of valuable online tools and resources for our families.
Be sure to watch for iBN Sports at the Buddy Walk on November 8th. To read the press release issued today, click here: iBN Sports Press Release 10/5/09
Posted on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 5:09pm
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One of the new features on our website is an exciting and unique online auction and shopping site, powered by Dubli. And, DSAOC can receive up to 30% in commissions every time you use it. Here’s a chance to find some amazing deals and help DSAOC at the same time.
Registration is free and everyone that signs up by November 9th will get free credits to get started. Shop for Change to learn more about the site and find out how to get your free credits!
Posted on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 4:57pm
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NDSS and NDSC are jointly requesting parents to complete a survey regarding the extent to which restraints. seclusion, and aversive procedures have been used with students with disabilities and special needs in public or private schools, or in residential facilities. The survey is available for completion until October 12th. For more info and survey click here: NDSS/NDSC SURVEY
Posted on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 5:55pm
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…to the growing list of organizations, foundations, and corporations supporting DSAOC programs.
This week, the Allergan Foundation awarded DSAOC with a grant to help in our healthcare education and pediatric clinic campaign. Others will be announced soon. Among those already committed to the clinic campaign: OC Children & Families Commission, Ingram Micro Corporation, Valero Energy, Team Up Foundation, and Clipped Wings Foundation. And let’s not forget all the individual donations to support the clinic campaign – THANK YOU!
Posted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 5:42pm
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Ryan & Blake Sessler
DSAOC is featured in the October issue of the OC Gazette which reaches more than 100,000 homes in Orange County. The article includes a really nice interview with Ryan Sessler about his son Blake. And, it gave us another chance to promote the 2009 Buddy Walk. Nice way to start out Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
To read the article online: October Issue – OC Gazette
Posted on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 4:46pm
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Mano a Mano – Juntos Podemos – that’s the name of a new DSAOC program designed specifically for our spanish speaking families. With funding support from the OC Children & Families Commission this ten week course is focused on enhancing early literacy skills for children 3-6 years of age, while helping parents to better understand the IEP process, as well as improve their own language skills. Initially the program, which already has a wait list, is limited to 15 families with planning under way for expanded sessions in the Spring. Sessions are being conducted each Saturday at the DSA
OC Center.
Posted on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 6:41pm
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