| President’s Message
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We have been fortunate so far this winter from receiving really bad
weather. I want to remind everyone to check the web site or call 748-5656
for meeting cancellation notices during periods of bad weather.
Last year we continued providing the basic services that we feel are
important to communicate that we are an active organization within the
community. While these services are fundamental to the foundation of the
Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa there are other areas of service that
we can expand into. We are in the process of establishing several committees
for the purpose of expanding our areas of service. A 2001 recap and
descriptions of the proposed committees for 2002 are listed later
in this newsletter.
After reviewing the committee descriptions I would ask that you thoughtfully
consider participating in one of these committees that you might feel called
to. I’m sure that something will fit your interest and if not we are welcoming
additional service areas to expand into.
The Mission of the Down Syndrome association of Tulsa has been inserted
on this page, please read it carefully and then consider if the proposed
Vision and Objectives are in support this mission statement. These proposed
Vision statements and Objectives will be discussed at the next meeting
with additional input welcomed and encouraged.
Mission
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The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT) is a non-profit organization
that exists to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, their
families and caregivers. This is accomplished by providing support, encouragement,
current information, education, opportunities for socialization and by
promoting community recognition of the inherent dignity of all people with
developmental disabilities.
Proposed Vision
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For our children to be accepted as contributing members of the community.
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For our children to be educated in all aspects of life.
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For our children to enjoy a safe and as independent life as can be accommodated.
Proposed Objectives
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Continuing to be an active organization through increased involvement and
participation.
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Continue with our flagship project “Sharing Our Joy” calendar for 2003
that provides additional funding and promotes community awareness.
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Distribution of pediatric doctor education packets.
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Creation of a membership profile and directory.
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Establish the feasibility for multiple funding sources.
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Participate and volunteer for activities at Special Olympics.
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Recognize educators as recipients of the Marilyn LaPointe Scholarship Program.
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Establish exploratory committee for the building of a facility for specific
D.S.A.T. use.
Muskogee/Tahlequah
DS Support Group
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February 28th 6:30 to 8:30
Crescent Valley Baptist Church
A group of parents would like to explore forming a local support group
in the Muskogee/Tahlequah area. The first meeting will be a time of fellowship
with our children. The Crescent Valley Baptist Church is located on Hwy
62 nine miles from the Tahlequah Wal-mart and 14 miles from the Muskogee
Wal-mart.
Kelli Bennett 458-5282|Jerri Cook 478-2407|Lynette Lambert 682-6634
February 21st
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Special Olympics Building at 7:00 PM
”Handwriting Without Tears”
A program describing a system
of teaching handwriting.
2001 Recap
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It was a active year for DSAT. Here are just a few of the
highlights. If you haven’t been to a meeting lately, check us out!
2002 promises to be another busy and exciting year.
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In January we started passing out our new and improved new parent packets
to the hospitals. The response was wonderful. New parents loved
the personal stories and the color pictures of our kids. Karen Baker
spent a lot of time getting them put together and up to the hospitals.
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In April we had an easter Egg Hunt and party at Safari Joe’s. Everyone
loved the animals and Chuck Baldridge was our DJ for the day. Kimberly
Myers did a great job putting together this fun day.
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In July, Tracey & Shelley Wilson organized a great outing. Over
175 members had an evening at the ball park. We had hot dogs, laughter
and it was even free t-shirt night at the Tulsa Drillers game!
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In September, we had the unveiling of our third calendar, the 2002 Sharing
Our Joy. Members sold calendars all over the state and beyond.
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In October, our sister organization(DSACO) held a Buddy Walk that many
of our members attended. This was also Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Members all over Northeastern Oklahoma put articles in their local newspaper.
There were pictures of cute kids, stories about Down syndrome and always
a plug for our great calendar!
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In December we had our annual Christmas Party sponsored yet again by the
Junior League of Tulsa. Kimberly Myers & Lori Blankenship outdid
themselves getting fabulous door prizes. Lori made wonderful wreaths
that were then given as door prizes as well.There was also a visit from
Santa and Mrs. Santa. This year they had a elf to help them.
Family Voices
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Family Voices is a newsletter for families and friends of children
with special needs. For a free subscription contact Lyn Thoreson Land at
800/766-2223.The Family Voices in Oklahoma website is
Down Syndrome Quarterly
Down Syndrome Quarterly is a journal devoted to advancing knowledge
on Down syndrome covering all areas of medical, behavioral and social scientific
research. The cost is $24 for the 4 yearly publications.Orders should be
addressed to Down Syndrome Quarterly, Samuel J. Thios, Ph.D., Editor, Denison
University, Granville, OH 43023. The Internet homepage address
2002 Calendar Update
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Please turn in all money and calendars by the February 21st meeting.
If for any reason you are unable to be at the meeting or you haven’t mailed
your money to the post office box please contact Lynette Lambert
918-682-6634 or glaaal@emptychair.net. We did not have enough
calendars for the new parents packets, so get those calendars to us you
haven’t sold. THANKS for the great job everyone did selling calendars!
2003 Calendar Update
Photo shoots for the 2003 calendar will continue. If you
have any comments, questions or ideas, please direct them to Rebecca Reifsteck,
calendar coordinator. (918)683-6919(Muskogee)
Good News
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Rueben Weant(age 19) and his employer, Classic Chevrolet received
the Governor’s Disability Employment Award. Rueben began working
as a custodian for Classic Chevrolet in high school. After high school
, he was hired as a permanent employee. Over the past year, Reuben
has had a great attendance record and always plans other activities around
his work schedule.
Rueben is continuing his education after high school by attending
math and reading classes at Tulsa Community College. Reuben is proud
of his ability to work and be a contributing member of his community.
Way to go Rueben!!!
More Good News
Erin Paul, mother of Taylor, will be our new Party Planner.
She is also interested in getting a group for new mom’s started.
There is no better resource than other moms! If you are the mother
of a child with Down syndrome 9 months or under call Erin to get involved
in a play group. This will be an informal time for moms to visit
and babies to start new friendships that can last a lifetime. Erin
Paul 355-0913
Newsletter Deadlines
Share with us your stories, good news and interesting facts.
Have your announcements, stories and information to Kim Wofford by March
28 for the April, 2002 newsletter. It is our hope to provide the most current
information.
Thank You!
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Thank you to the following contributors. We
couldn’t do it without you:
Caregivers for
January meeting
Hannah Edgmon
Sara Roberson
Ann Margaret
Christmas Door Prizes
We say thank you to the following business for making
our Christmas Party extra special!!
Holiday Inn
Courtyard by Marriott
Blankenship Family
California Nails
Herberts in the Plaza
Hampton Inn
All American Fitness
Arbys
Arizona Mexican Restaurant
Fun House
Fairfield Inn
Wild Oats
Sun Gallery
Upcoming Events:
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February 21st
DSAT - Handwriting Without Tears
February 28th
Down Syndrome Support Group
Muskogee/Tahlequah Area
Crescent Valley Baptist Church
See Front Page Of This Newsletter
March 6th
People With Disabilities Awareness Day
State Capital Building
March 21st
DSAT - Parent Profiles - Personal stories
From parents of children of all ages
April
DSAT - No Meeting - Happy Easter!
May 4th
DSAT - Spring Celebration - Zoo Outing
DSAT will sponsor a day at the Tulsa Zoo.
Details in the April Newsletter. Don’t miss it!
May 15th - 17th
State Summer Special Olympics
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Make plans to attend and support the
Special Olympics by volunteering or
taking your children to celebrate this event.
July 5th - 7th
2002 National Down Syndrome
Society Conference
Nashville, Tennessee
Opryland Hotel
August 23rd - 25th
National Down Syndrome
Congress Convention
Denver, Colorado
Denver Hyatt Tech Center
Committees!
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Please consider becoming involved in a D.S.A.T. committee.
Your talents, input and involvement are greatly appreciated.
Social Committee
Chairperson Erin Paul 355-0913
Provide small refreshments for regularly scheduled meetings.
Assist in preparing for special events where fellowship and social activities
are the focus.
Program Committee
Chairperson Tracey Wilson 288-7719
Provide ideas for regularly scheduled meetings. Provide
names of presenters and assist in scheduling. Assist in short and
long term planning of the regularly scheduled meetings.
Sharing Our Joy Calendar Committee
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Chairperson Rebecca Reifsteck 683-6919
Assist in scheduling and production of calendar photographs.
Help establish and distribute full sponsorship covering cost of production.
Provide assistance in marketing and distribution.
Building Committee
Chairperson Daughn Baker 343-2988
Establish the feasibility of purchasing or building a facility for
the specific use by D.S.A.T. Determine interest within the
community, funding source options, purpose of facility
and management of facility.
New Parent Packet/Video Committee
Chairperson Karen Baker 343-2988
Assist in assembling family profiles and stories. Providing
design and creative work for cover. Help in distribution to
new parents or other family members as appropriate. Maintain current
information of contents, reproduction and inventories.
Young Adult Program Committee
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Chairperson Keni Boland 663-7246
Develop programs for young adults. Provide information
concerning young adult programs to newsletter committee and program committee.
Encourage opportunities for fellowship and socialization for the young
adults with Down syndrome.
Newsletter Committee
Co-Chairpersons Kim Wofford 622-6906
Tracey Wilson 288-7719
Assist in assembling information for newsletter. Help maintain
current mailing database. Provide labels for newsletters and meeting
notice post cards. Assist in labeling and postage for newsletters
and post cards as needed. Ensure articles and stories for publication
are routed to the editor in time for newsletter publication.
i am sam
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i am sam is a compelling drama and, for the first time in film history,
it puts an accurate face, voice and presence on what is the most forgotten
segment of our global society-people with mental retardation, ” said Timothy
P. Shriver, President and CEO of Special Olympics. “It brings us face-to-face
with the daily challenges people with mental retardation encounter and
enables us to experience Sam’s hopes and dreams.”
The benefit premiere screening was established to raise awareness of
the capabilities of individuals with mental retardation. It is estimated
that 170 million individuals in the world have mental retardation, and
for more than 30 years, Special Olympics has focused on the abilities of
these individuals and their participation in sports and fitness. Hundreds
of guests arrived for the evening benefit screening, including several
actors and filmmakers involved in the film, among them Michelle Pfeiffer,
Dakota Fanning, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Richard Solomon, Kristine
Johnson, Brad Silverman and Joseph Rosenberg.
Special Olympics also hosted a youth screening of i am sam for nearly
500 Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., students both with and without
mental retardation, on the morning of 22 January. Following the movie,
there was an open discussion about the rewards of embracing differences
and ways to incorporate the ideals of acceptance, respect, dignity, and
understanding into the students’ daily lives. They also addressed steps
schools and communities can take to dispel the stigma that surrounds people
with mental retardation. Special Olympics is encouraging students to see
the difference, accept the difference and make a difference.
Starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer Dianne Wiest, Laura Dern, Richard
Schiff, Loretta Devine, Doug Hutchinson and Stanley DeSantis, i am sam
is directed by Jessie Nelson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kristine
Johnson. The film is produced by Nelson, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz
and Richard Solomon.
People with Disabilities
Awareness Day
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March 6
Mark your calendars please!!
People with Disabilities Awareness Day at the State Capitol will be
Wednesday, March 6. The Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department
of Human Services Developmental Disability Services Division and People
First are co-sponsors. (We won’t have exhibits this year due to Capitol
dome construction.) Because the theme is “Public Transportation: Every
Face In Our Community Belongs,” we’re planning a rally on the south steps
(including tranportation issue testimonials), entertainment, a very fun
short walk for public transportation, refreshments and time to visit with
legislators about issues that are important to you. The event begins at
10:00 a.m. on the south plaza steps.
— Jody Harlan, DRS Public Information Administrator
Call Kimberly Myers at 266-3214 for more information.
A Line Across His Hand
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By Deborah L. Sardone
Copyright 2000
alineacross@aol.com
In memory of Rene and Rita Marcott
The day my son was born the sun shone in the sky
My life would change forever and here’s the reason why
You see my son is different, things did not go as we planned
For my son was born with a line across his hand
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
Things did not go as we planned
Because of the line across his hand.
They said that he would be slow too learn and never read or write.
But when he took his first steps it was a special night.
They said he’d never be a man and always be a burden
But he’d show them wrong, it was the one thing I was certain
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
When his hand’s held in mine
I can’t see that line across his hand
Oh how very hard it was to learn to tie his shoe
There were days we thought it was something he’d never ever do
But then one day he made the bow up right and neat
Oh, his life ain’t always easy but his victories are sweet
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
That shoe lace didn’t care
there was a line across his hand
I always dreamed we’d play with a baseball and a bat
but in our life together we jog the High School track.
There are many things that he can do and things that he can not.
He’s much more than the sum total of the syndrome that he’s got.
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
Don’t judge who he is by
that line across his hand.
If I had the power to change his life I’m not sure what I’d do
But his life has been a blessing ‘tho I’ve shed a tear or two
I love my son more then I believed all those years ago
I guess in this life we do reap what we do sow
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
Doesn’t change the love you feel inside
that line across his hand
Now my son is grown and holds a job and has a lady friend
He is proud and kind this message I will send
A line across his hand
A line across his hand
They were wrong, I know that now
this boy of mine’s a man
Bad
Weather Policy
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DSAT has now established a policy regarding inclement weather.
If there is any question about whether or not we will have a meeting or
other event, there are two options available. Our website, www.DSAT.org,
will be updated immediately to show a cancellation and our information
line 748-5656 will have a brief message as well.
FOR SALE
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DSAT now has many items for sale. Items will be available at
all meetings and parties or by contacting any officer. The items available
are:
White polo shirts with DSAT logo $20
White canvas hats with DSAT logo $10
“Far Different Places” (inspirational music) CD $10
Tape $6
Songbook $6
Video tape of all calendar pictures set to music $10
DSAT CALENDARS! $12
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DISCLAIMER: The Down Syndrome
Association Of Tulsa does not promote, recommend or endorse any service,
professional or organization. Decisions regarding the use of any
service, professional or organization are the sole responsibility of the
family or guardian.
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