Welcome to this edition of the DS Support Newsletter!

How's everyone doing? I know my family has been busy, busy, busy...and it's not even the holiday season yet. I wanted to send out a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended the '06 Chicagoland Buddy Walk. We broke all records! There were over 1200 in attendance and we have raised over $95,000...and we are still receiving donations. The funds will be used to support area support groups, GiGi Playhouse, NADS and NDSS. NDSS uses the funding for national education, scholarships, and funding research grants. We are starting up our general meetings again. The next one will be on November 11, 2006, see you then! Jennifer AKA Brandon and Ella's Mom

November Meeting

Upcoming Event: Parents Night Out - Bowling. Details in the next newsletter.

Awareness Project

DS Support has purchased 50 copies of the teachers edition of the book My Friend Isabelle We want to distribute them to area schools and need your help. Please pick up a copy and give it to your child's teacher. Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down syndrome. Charlie doesn't.

PRESS RELEASE:
Contact: Jennifer Paganessi, 815-439-8693
Date: September 20, 2006

GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH SIGNS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS PROCLAMATION
GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH today signed a proclamation marking October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois.

The text of the Governor’s proclamation is as follows:
Whereas, approximately one in every 733 children are born with Down syndrome, representing approximately 5,000 births per year in United States; and

Whereas, while research and early intervention have resulted in dramatic improvements in the lifespan and potential of those who are affected, more investigation is needed in the causes and treatment of Down syndrome; and

Whereas, people with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities, and are active participants in educational, occupational, social, and recreational circles of the community; and

Whereas, developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, the Buddy Walk is an annual event in cities across Illinois and the nation celebrating the accomplishments of children and adults with Down syndrome; and

Whereas, DS Support has supported families who have children with disabilities, and special healthcare needs for 6 years in Illinois and desires to increase the support network and support groups of those with Down syndrome across our state; and

Whereas, the goal of the Buddy Walk is to promote increased understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome, while raising funds for scientific research into the causes and treatment.

Therefore, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 2006 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to work together to promote awareness of Down syndrome and to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals and their families

New Opportunity for Uninsured Children
URL: http://www.allkidscovered.com or 1 (866) 255-5437.
All Kids Health Insurance is a new health insurance plan for all uninsured children under eighteen in our state and began July 1, 2006. This insurance will be especially helpful to families of children with special needs who are now uninsured or who may lose insurance coverage in the future due to changes in parent's employment. All Kids provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to all children in Illinois covering:

• Doctors visits
• Vision & Dental benefits
• Hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• Mental Health Services

Children can go to almost any hospital or pharmacy in Illinois, as well as community health centers or health departments. Families will choose a primary care physician who they will see for regular doctor visits and for referrals.

Payment and billing will work like private insurance, with the family paying the co-pay at the time of service and then the health provider billing the state for the service. Parents will pay monthly premiums for their children, plus affordable co-payments for doctors' visits and prescriptions. Monthly premiums for a family of four will start at $40 per child and increase depending on family income. Higher-income families will pay market-based rates but may need All Kids to insure children with pre-existing health conditions that prevent them from enrolling in private insurance.
For questions about health care and health insurance for children with special needs, including questions about All Kids, contact Faye Manaster, Director of the Family-to-Family Health Information & Education Center, 1 (866) 931-1110 or E-mail: FamilytoFamily@TheArcofIL.org

2006 Chicago Area Calendar

NADS Conference
Rosemont
November 4, 2006
www.nads.org

If you are attending, look for the DS Support Table and pick up your free can coolie.

National Events

National Inclusive Schools Week
December 4-8, 2006
Once again, the NDSC is a partner in presenting National Inclusive Schools Week. This year's theme is "Charting an Inclusive Journey through School, Work and Life: Successful Transition Planning for All Students". For ideas on how to celebrate the Week in your community, visit www.inclusiveschools.org.

THE 35th NDSC NATIONAL CONVENTION
August 3-5, 2007
Kansas City, MO

DS Support Planning Meeting - If you are interested in helping out with the planning of DS Support events please contant us. Our next meeting will be in November.