2017 July Newsletter

 

April newsletter highlights:

  • AngelSense
  • Swim Safety
  • Dry and Secondary Drowning
  • Come see us in Sacramento!
  • IDSC Spotlight
  • Adoption Grant Program

AngelSense Partnership

Angel Sense Runner

AngelSense is a wearable GPS Tracker with an app for parents.  The product was designed specifically for children with special needs to help give them peace of mind.  The IDSC has several members who use this product and we were very excited to partner with them to bring you a special offer.  

If you use this link to purchase AngelSense through the IDSC, you will receive a $50 discount and the IDSC will receive a $50 donation.  

Water Safety

It is that time of year when the sun is shining everyone wants to cool off in the water - but what do we need to know about playing in the water with our kids?  What do we have to let others know who may be watching our kids?  

 

Included in this newsletter are some water safety tips for working with children with special needs as well as facts and resources on Dry Drowning and Secondary Drowning.

 

Water Safety

Drowning Infographic

Dry Drowning vs. Secondary Drowning

 In Dry Drowning, the water never reaches the lungs, but, instead, causes the vocal cords to spasm and close up after leaving the water.  This shuts off the airway, making breathing difficult.  Dry drowning symptoms usually happen immediately after the incident.

 

Secondary Drowning happens when water fills the lungs, causing pulmonary edema leading to breathing difficulties.  Secondary Drowning issues can begin 1-24 hours after the incident. 

Symptoms of Dry and Secondary Drowning

Both Dry Drowning and Secondary Drowning have the same symptoms:

Coughing

Chest pain

Trouble breathing

Feeling extremely tired

Change in behavior (irritability) - meaning the brain is not getting enough oxygen

What to do if you suspect Dry Drowning or Secondary Drowning?

 

Seek medical help.  Although these symptoms normally clear up on their own, it is still important to get them checked out.  Always keep an eye on your child for 24 hours after they've been in the water.

Resources

WebMD - Dry Drowning & Secondary Drowning

Pool & Water safety for children with special needs

Water safety resources for children with special needs

 

Come see us

in

Sacramento!

 The IDSC will have a table at the NDSC Convention in Sacramento!  Please come by and say hello! We will have information, drawings, and giveaways available!  We hope to see you there.

IDSC Spotlight

Learn about the people who run the IDSC.  We will feature someone new each month!

Shannon French

IDSC Board Chair

Shannon French

Shannon French is mother to Ruby who is 8 and Grady who is 5. She found the IDSC at a critical time, right after Ruby's diagnosis of Down syndrome at birth. Shannon found comfort and friendship with others in the IDSC Babies and Toddlers group and has continued to find support through the IDSC. She has worked over the last four years as an IDSC Board Member, Treasurer and most recently, President. Shannon also started a local support group in Pierce County, WA where Ruby was born and served as a Helping Parent Volunteer through PAVE. Shannon's future goals for the IDSC are to remain an important resource in the Down syndrome community by continuing to grow the services and types of support we offer families, caregivers and friends.

 

Kim Roe

Executive Director

Kim Roe

Kim has 3 children, Christopher (13), Maggie (10), and Phoebe (6).  Phoebe has Down syndrome.  Kim has been involved with the Down syndrome community through a local organization since before Phoebe was even born.  She started a local group called Lancaster Down Syndrome Advocates in 2012, which focuses specifically on inclusion in the community and she joined the IDSC in 2013.  Kim has served with the IDSC as a volunteer, a board member, treasurer, and currently Executive Director.  While there are many things that the IDSC does that Kim loves, her favorite is probably the photo campaign, as it was such a help to her when she was pregnant, and shortly after Phoebe was born, to see pictures and read stories of other families. She wants to see the IDSC FB groups continue to thrive and support families as they have done for almost 10 years! 

Adoption Grant Program

In September 2014, we began offering adoption grants to families adopting children with Down syndrome within the United States. To date, 19 families have received an IDSC adoption grant.

This program would not be possible without the assistance of donors. If you would like to help by donating to our Adoption Grant Program, please visit our website.

 

 

 

 

                

    www.theidsc.org