DSABV Halloween Party
Ben and Wendy Erdman
Erdman first got involved in the DSABV in 2003 through his wife’s parents. His wife Wendy also has Down syndrome. Together, they have spoken in conferences all over the country to bring awareness to Down syndrome as self-advocates. Erdman was also a keynote speaker for the opening of a new Down Syndrome Association in Spring Lake, Michigan.
The first time Erdman was on the board, he used it as an opportunity to communicate with friends and go on trips either to connect with fellow board members or spread awareness as a self-advocate. He is currently setting out to get more funding for the association and re-establish Fun for Adults with Down Syndrome, or FADS, an event that last took place in 2010.
For many parents of children with Down syndrome, the DSABV is the only service that bridges the gaps within the Texas education system. By providing children with additional therapy and offering education classes that cater to their individual abilities, the DSABV is an important resource for parents. Texas is the lowest-funded state for special needs, and the state legislature recently made cuts to Medicaid programs aimed towards therapists who do pediatric work, such as language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
Parents like Katy Foley, DSABV board secretary, are frustrated with the cuts made by the Texas legislature. “We still are able to get therapy twice a week, but whereas two years ago we got an hour, now we get 35 minutes,” she says. “One of the reasons the DSABV exists is to fill the gaps that the Medicaid cuts create.”
The DSABV believes in bridging the education gap for children with special needs while providing support for the parents of these extraordinary individuals through their programs. Funds are raised for their programs through their Down Syndrome Awareness Gala in March and their Buddy Walk in October, which will be at the Millican Reserve this year and will introduce a 5K option for participants. The DSABV also offers classes throughout the year to teach children, teens, and adults the necessary skills to become better self-advocates.
For more information on their programs and upcoming classes, visit www.dsabv.org.
A Ministry in Motion In January, Suzanne’s Studio of Dance began offering free dance classes for children with special needs.
“I believe dance is such a gift, and it’s not just for certain people,” says Bethany Sleebos, co-owner of Suzanne’s Studio of Dance. “It’s a way to communicate without words and just enjoy getting to move.”
The classes are bi-weekly from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., though the kids often arrive early to socialize with their peers. The class was formed from the understanding that families with special needs children are not often able to spend money on dance classes and as a way to give back to the community in a positive, impactful way.
For more information on these and other classes, visit www.suzannesdancestudio.com.
