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World Down Syndrome Day – March 21st

By BGCDSO Families, Community Events, Community Resource, Events, Fundraising
Down syndrome community across the world will join together on March 21st to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).  Together we raise awareness, advocate for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.  One way that you can get involved is by joining the #LotsOfSocks campaign. Take a look into your socks drawer for those mismatched, craziest, or most colorful socks. Get your family and friends to join in the fun
We have limited edition socks for sale, especially designed for Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization.  Rock our awesome socks with us for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), presale order is starting now!
Check out matching Pins, T-Shirt, along with WDSD wristbands.  Take a look at each photo for more details.
Go to our website at https://bgcdownsyndrome.org/shop/ Don’t forget to select your size.
You can stop by our office in Coral Springs pickup your order, or we can mail it to you.  It’s first come first serve basis on the shirt sizes.
Thanks in advance for supporting our organization and help spread awareness.

Covid-19 vaccine for people with Down syndrome

By BGCDSO Families, Community Events, Community Resource, Events, News

Today is the day to make our voice heard! Please contact Governor DeSantis and your local legislators to make people with Down syndrome on a priority list of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. You can call the Governor’s Office at (850) 717-9337.

Use #AShotAtTheShot to help make your voice heard on social media, and on Twitter @flgovRonDeSantis @MarcoRubio @scottforflorida @repbartleman

We respect the right of every family to make their own health decisions. We are not recommending the vaccine; we are simply advocating to ensure our community has access to all the valuable resources and services available.

Thank you for your support!

#AShotAtTheShot

By BGCDSO Families, Community Events, Community Resource, Events, News

ACT NOW: CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TODAY TO ASK THEM TO ADD PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE PRIORITY LIST. 

WE HAVE ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT FOR STATEWIDE CALL-IN, MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! 

Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization along with several Down syndrome support groups across the state of Florida are hosting a Down syndrome statewide call in; text; and post on social media, on Thursday, January 28th regarding COVID-19 vaccines and people with Down syndrome.  Please join us in our efforts by contacting your elected officials today.

Use #AShotAtTheShot to help make your voice heard!  @RonDeSantisFlorida @MarcoRubio @scottforflorida

The CDC has added Down syndrome to the list of high risk medical conditions and recommends priority in vaccination for COVID-19.

We respect the right of every family to make their own health decisions.  We are not recommending the vaccine; we are simply advocating to ensure our community has access to all the valuable resources and services available.

Thank you for your support!

Greetings from Broward Gold Coast Executive Director, Bach Todaro

By BGCDSO Families, Community Events, Community Resource, New Parents Resource, News
Dear Friends,
2020 has been a different kind of year for all of us, it’s been such a whirlwind of ups & downs with so much that we have learned from. We can now start to see light at the end of the tunnel as we are starting a new year with hope and health in 2021.
Here are a few important reminders and updates:
– Expectant/New Parent: If you are expectant or new parent of a baby with Down syndrome, congratulations!????? Contact us at www.bgcdownsyndrome.org for your New Parent package. We have “Babies with Down syndrome” books in English and Spanish, along with medical resources waiting for your family. You don’t have to sail this journey alone; we are here to help.
– Med Waiver: If your child with Down syndrome is 3 years old or older and is not on the Medicaid Waiver, make sure to apply for his/her as soon as possible as there is a long wait list at the Agency of Persons with Disabilities (APD). Florida Medicaid waiver will provide services to those with intellectual disabilities. Many people who quality is not even aware of eligibility. The waiver is applicable to all ages. Go to https://www.apd.myflorida.com for more details and to apply.
– Guardianship: By law, parents of an adult child with special needs can no longer make medical or financial decisions for them once they turned 18 years old. Therefore, preparing for their transition is crucial. You can contact Stephanie Schneider at https://www.fl-elderlaw.com/ for more detail.
– Social Security: If your son/daughter is 18 years old, they are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that provide assistance to eligible children and adults with disabilities. https://www.socialsecurityoffices.info/co/fl-broward
– Broward Gold Coast Membership: Our membership for 2021 will be available soon for your renewal at www.bgcdownsyndrome.org, stay tuned for our email of any changes in the membership. As always, your membership has to be current before you RSVP to any social events, or request for the scholarship.
– SU4DS Walk & 5K Run 2021: As you are aware, our 2020 SU4DS Walk & 5K Run has been postponed to March 20, 2021 at Markham Park. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are subjected to many restrictions such as: 50% of capacity, no shelter, no electrical outlets available, 6ft social distancing, marks requirements, etc. Markham Park is also one of the testing sites for COVID-19. We as the board have decided to delay our event to October 10th, 2021. We are hoping and praying by then we can all be safely getting together in person.
We wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
Sincerely,
Bach Todaro, Executive Director

ETC’s 4th Annual Heroes Gala – November 14th!

By Community Events, Fundraising
ETC has moved the date and location of the Heroes Gala to November 14, 2020 via Zoom! Due to Covid-19 we believe it’s safer for our ETC community to meet virtually, celebrate our heroes, learn more about our program and continue supporting our mission!
Join ETC for its 4th Annual Heroes Gala to recognize as heroes some of South Florida’s contributors to the special needs community, as well as the heroes among its own actors!
ETC’s Heroes Gala continues to be the most significant fundraiser of the year! Now, more than ever, the support of our community will allow for ETC to welcome back its’ actors, families, volunteers and audience. Sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Daniela Roeder at [email protected]
2020 Virtual Gala Tickets: $50 donation per person
www.eventbrite.com/e/etcs-4th-annual-heroes-gala-tickets-126487209649

i EXTRA love you Facebook Live-October 27th

By BGCDSO Families, Community Events, Events, Fundraising

If you missed the virtual exhibition, we will be going live on Facebook this Tuesday, October 27 at 2pm ✨ we will talk about the project, Down syndrome awareness, an update on Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Org. and share the beautiful 2020 portraits!

5 Must Know Reasons Parents Should Create a Plan for Their 18 Year Old & Minor Children!

By Community Events
Join us Friday, October 30 at 12:30 PM
5 Must Know Reasons
Parents Should Create a Plan for Their 18 Year Old
(Healthy or Special Needs) & Minor Children
  • Learn why parents of an adult child can no longer make medical or financial decisions for them at age 18.
  • Receive valuable tips on how to protect your adult child from a guardianship if they become incapacitated due to an accident or illness.
  • Gain valuable insight on designating a guardian and healthcare surrogate for your minor age child.
  • Discover the tools of guardian advocate and guardianship so you can make decisions for your child with special needs.
Register today at www.fl-elderlaw.com   
Presenter: Stephanie Schneider
sls photo
Stephanie Schneider is board certified by The Florida Bar and a former Chair of The Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section. During her many years of service on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law Section, Stephanie was instrumental in advocating and educating legislators about elder issues. She was the 110th attorney to be certified nationally by the National Elder Law Foundation in 1997. She became board certified in Elder Law by the Florida Bar in 1998.