GENERAL and ONGOING PROGRAMS

CMDSS 2009 Calendar
If you are interested in having your child in the 2009 calendar, fill out the participation agreement.  Preference will be made for selection of children who have not been in the calendar in the last 5 years.  Click here to download participation agreement

CMDSS Training Grants for Teachers
Scholarships are available for teachers and other educational professionals who have direct supervision of a person with Down syndrome. Funds may be used in the classroom to further educational goals or to attend workshops, conferences, classes or training which will benefit the children with Down syndrome in their classroom.  Click here to download grant

CMDSS Training Grants for Direct Support Professionals
Scholarships up to $500 will be awarded for qualified applicants that can be used to cover general costs of training, conferences, institutes, and other learning venues.  Click here to download grant

CMDSS Summer FunD Program
Let’s have some fun!  Funds are available for individuals with Down syndrome to attend organized social, educational, sports, arts, dance, or general activity camps, classes, events or activities.  These are not need-based, but rather fun-based grants.  Click here to download grant

Summer Camp Info
Here is some info on summer camps for special needs kids as collected by Mary Parks.  Click here to download list

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 12, 2008 (tentative)
CMDSS at the Braves Game (more details to come) Click here to download flyer

July 10-11, 2008
The Arc of Mississippi Conference.  CMDSS will have a limited number of registration fee assistance scholarships available for CMDSS families.  (Check our website later for an assistance form). To learn more about the conference, go to www.arcms.org

October 11, 2008
Buddy Walk at Winner’s Circle Park, Flowood, MS (more details to come)

General Information
Following the success of the first Buddy Walk, CMDSS volunteers hit the ground running with several programs that include:

• New Parent Resource Guide

• Educational Programs

• Family social events

• Resource Library for Families

• Annual Buddy Walk

Our educational seminars have covered a wide variety of topics ranging from occupational therapy issues to an often overlooked topic, Legal and Estate Planning for Families with a Special Needs Child. CMDSS plans to continue hosting educational seminars on important family issues featuring experts on behavioral issues, getting starting in your school district, and transition from school to adulthood. 

In addition to these established programs, CMDSS will be establishing a teen/young adult group which would be primarily a social and educational program. Group activities would include field trips to water parks, museums, sporting events, bowling, movies, social events, etc., as well as educational programs pertinent to this age group.