President's
Message:
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Last month we used a post card to remind everyone of the meeting and
about our featured speaker, Dr. David Jelley. The newsletter is a
time consuming and costly part of our operation. We are experimenting
with using the post card to control costs and provide some additional time
assembling information about what is going on in the organization without
producing too much stress for those involved. We are committed to
producing the newsletter every other month and then supplement it with
the post card as a reminder of the upcoming meeting. We do want the
community to know we are an active organization and meet on a regular basis.
Remember, this is an experiment and we welcome your input on alternative
methods of communication.
Additionally, you can help us control postage and mailing cost if you
have access to the Internet or have an e-mail address. We keep the
DSAT home page updated with meeting notices and current information on
what is going on in the organization. We can send you notice of the
newsletter being posted on the Internet if you provide us with your e-mail
address.
I can not believe it is already May and soon our kids will be out of
school for the summer. We are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.
I’ll let you know how it goes in the next newsletter. I will leave
the Year 2000 calendar update for later in the newsletter.
In baseball, when a runner gets to first base, he always talks with
the first base coach. I cannot tell you exactly what is being said,
but I know the gist of the conversation. The coach isn’t trying to
come up with something the runner has never heard before. Novelty
is irrelevant. The coach is not being insightful or intelligent.
His job is to repeat the obvious, making sure the runner knows what should
be done if certain things happen. Good baseball teams communicate
with one another, checking to be sure that everyone is concentrating on
the basic issues.
Success in business, family, marriage and friendship happens with good
communication. Frequently, this is sharing basic information, nothing
brilliant. Don’t just assume others know. Be sure you tell
them. And while you’re at it, learn to listen, too. You will
eliminate some of life’s unhappy surprises if you do this well.
(This story is reprinted from “Perceptions – Observations on Everyday
Life” by Dr. Tom Harrison, Senior Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church,
Tulsa, OK.)
DHS INFO TOPIC FOR
MAY 20 MEETING
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Thursday, May20 at 7:00pm. Special Olympics
Building 6835 S. Canton, Tulsa OK.
Special
Olympics Building (click here for map)
The array of state-supported services for people with disabilities
(and how to access them) can be a bewildering one for parents and guardians
trying to plan the future for their relative or loved one with a disability.
Our May meeting will address that issue. Linda Broerse, social services
supervisor at Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) will talk about
the Waivered Services waiting list and the Family Assistance Program.
If you already have received an application, you can turn it in at the
meeting. If you have not yet signed up you will be able to get the
information to do so at the meeting. Linda will be explaining both
programs as well as answering questions. (Editor's note: Don’t
miss this one if you have questions about special services. Having
a DHS official to talk to face-to-face is a great opportunity. And
if you haven’t applied for services yet, this is the ideal time.)
A NOTE OF THANKS
FOR AN “EGGCELLENT” PARTY… Top
of Page
Thanks to the Junior League of Tulsa for their generosity and support
of our Easter party in April. They not contributed funds for the
treats but also helped set up the party. And a HUGE thank you to
Kimberly Myers for organizing a great event. The kids loved it all.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t thank the Easter Bunny (you know who
you are!). Be sure and check out the party pics by going to our website
and choosing “Misc. Links.”
I LOVE, I LOVE,
I LOVE MY LITTLE CALENDAR GIRL (AND BOY)
As noted in the president’s message, our Year 2000 DSAT calendar is
underway. Several members are putting a lot of time and effort into
this project, and the results are looking promising. We’re planning
(at this point) to have it ready for distribution in July. This will
not only be a fundraiser, but a wonderful public relations tool for our
group. The photos for each month will feature children and youth
with Down syndrome in typical activities and settings to let people know
that our kids are just like any others when it comes to enjoying life and
family.
The calendars will sell for $10-$12, with proceeds going to support
DSAT and its services and programs. They’ll make great gifts, so
you’ll want several. Be on the lookout for more info in upcoming
newsletters.
FAMILY SUPPORT
GROUP OFFERED
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Tulsa Advocates for the Rights of Citizens with Disabilities (Tulsa
ARC) is sponsoring a support group for parents of high school students
and young adults with disabilities. “Exploring Transition Issues”
is the focus of the group, which meets monthly at the ARC offices.
Lively discussions are promised, as well as information sharing, handouts
and a monthly profile of a child. The next meeting is scheduled for
Sat., May 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Tulsa ARC offices, 16 East 16th, Suite 405
(That’s at 16th and Main on the southern edge of downtown Tulsa.)
For more information, contact Sherilyn Walton at 582-8272.
And Speaking of Support Groups…
Asbury United Methodist Church has started a “Friends in Christ” class
for senior high students and young adults with disabilities. The
class will offer an introduction to the Bible, as well as singing and music.
Interested? Contact Judy Wright at 252-7372 or Linda Petty at 481-3434.
YOU DESERVE A BREAK
TODAY…
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but that’s not always easy to come by. Every caregiver for a
person with a disability needs a little time away now and then, but finding
someone to take a shift can be difficult. So take heart and take
note:
Kim Wofford reports that she has someone interested in providing an
informal Mother’s Day Out for children with special needs and their sibs
this summer. Give Kim a call
at 622-6906 for more details.
Tulsa ARC is looking for people interested in a respite care co-op.
By joining in, you can trade child care with another parent of a child
with special needs and help each other out when it’s time for a little
time off. Contact the ARC at 582-8272 for more information.
DSAT YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE
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It’s a fast-paced world we live in, so it helps to plan ahead.
Following is a list of DSAT meeting times and topics, so get out that daytimer
and mark away. (Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month
unless otherwise noted.)
May 20 – Linda Broerse, Social Services
Supervisor at DHS (see story on page 1)
June 17 – Sherilyn Walton, Family
Support Coordinator for Tulsa ARC will give a brief overview of ARC programs
and also discuss sibling issues (an oft-requested topic).
July 31 (new date – Saturday) Year
2000 Calendar unveiling and distribution with a PARTY to celebrate!
Aug. 20 – Challenger League Secretary
Molly Faucault will share about this T-ball/softball league for kids with
disabilities.
Sep. 16 – Dr. Carol Sweet is a
Tulsa optometrist who treats several kids with DS. She’ll be talking
about vision issues.
Oct. 21 – Fall Festival
Nov. 18 – TBA
Dec. 5 – Christmas Party
NEED A TAX
DEDUCTION?
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Yeah, we know you just paid your 1998 taxes, but that might get you
thinking about 1999. A contribution to DSAT is tax deductible, as
well as keeping our programs (including this newsletter) up and running.
So consider a gift to a worthy cause and support other families with a
member with Down syndrome. You’ll help keep the information flowing.
GENTLEMEN, START
YOUR ENGINES
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Enjoy car racing? Want to get a good deal on tickets and help
DSAT at the same time? Here’s your chance.
The owners of MidAmerica Raceway in South Coffeyville, OK, have generously
donated 250 tickets to DSAT. We’re selling them for $7 each or a
book of 10 for $50, with all proceeds going DSAT. One ticket is good
for any one race during the 1999 season. So if you love the roar
of engines, put the pedal to the metal and contact Wil LaPointe at
371-2279.
FAMILY PROFILE…
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Should be included here, but we don’t have one this month. WE
NEED YOUR INPUT!
Most folks enjoy the Good News Roundup and Family Profiles column,
but that takes information from our members, so please consider submitting
a family profile or some good news about your child or family member.
Contact Marilyn LaPointe at 371-2279. It’s your newsletter!
APRIL MEETING RECAP
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Our guest speaker for April was Dr. David Jelley, a Tulsa endocrinologist.
Dr. Jelley discussed some of the challenges people with DS face concerning
their endocrine and secretion systems, including a disposition to hypothyroidism
and diabetes. He presented and interesting program and fielded a
variety of questions. Thanks to Dr. Jelley, as well as all the professionals
who donate their time and expertise to DSAT.
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