Netball All Stars group for players with an intellectual disability: seeking players

Hills District Netball Association will be running a Netball All Stars group for players with an intellectual disability in 2017.

Who: Players aged 8 or above

Where: Netball Complex, Pennant Hills Park (Sydney) 

When: Friday nights May – August, 5.15pm – 6.30pm each week

Sessions: Sessions will be made up of warm up activities, skills practice and some game play. It is anticipated that the group will enter at least one carnival throughout the season. 

Cost: $50. This covers player registration and insurance in addition to carnival entry fees. 

To register for the program, download the registration form by clicking this link

Send your completed form to: hdnaallstars@gmail.com

New musical theatre class: St Ives

Image: Applause Musical Theatre Academy logo 

 Image: Becky (a young blonde woman who has Down syndrome), a character from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. 

Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Text of the poster (available as an image on the Applause Musical Theatre Academy Facebook page):

Applause Musical Theatre Academy

Build confident, creative kids through performance.

Applause Musical Theatre Academy is starting a new class in Term 2 for teens with special meeds on 

Thursdays from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm in St Ives.

This class will provide your teen (from Year 6 to 12) with an avenue to express him/herself creatively and freely, and build confidence not just in performing.

Your teen will learn to song, dance and act songs from popular musicals such as High School Musical, The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music.

Drama is also taught through fun acting exercises.

With two music-qualified, industry experienced professionals teaching the class and love piano accompaniment, this is the real deal.

There are performance opportunities so your teen will get moments toshine performing on the stage in front of an audience.

Image: Becky from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Register for our free trial class on Thursday 4 May here: 

www.applausemta.com.au/enrol-now.html

• If you are sure your teen will love this class, then pay the $25 registration fee and your teen will get a free Academy T shirt worth $25.

For more information call Ingrid on  0405 495 099 or email ingrid@applausemta.com.au

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 7: 30 September - 2 October

Scrapheap is back for it's roughest toughest year yet!

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is back for it's seventh great journey through the Aussie outback.

To the many people who supported scrapheap in the past we wanted to say a huge 

Thank You!

We would love your support again this year.

Help us reach our target of $100,000, to enable people with 

Down Syndrome reach their full potential.

  Sponsor a Scrapper  

Make a Donation

This year that destination is Kallara Station, Tilpa, in western New South Wales, where all ‘Scrappers’ plus family, friends and supporters will meet for a weekend of fun and entertainment at a campsite from 30 September 30 to 2 October .

That's over 900km from Sydney!

We have 60 riders registered and have raised of $15,000 so far! The aim is to raise $100,000!

Over the past 6 years Scrapheap has raised over $400,000 for 

Down Syndrome NSW which has had a huge impact on people 

with Down syndrome and their families.

Arts news (2): dance workshops; Irish film

The Right Foot workshops for 2016 are open for registration

DirtyFeet is a Sydney-based, not-for-profit contemporary dance organisation supporting independent dance artists- particularly young emerging artists looking for opportunities to cultivate their creative potential and gain industry experience.

Throughout September, DirtyFeet is presenting 'The Right Foot' - FREE creative dance workshops for people with and without disability between the ages of 14 and 26 years, providing a creative activity for those who may otherwise not have access to dance. The workshops will be facilitated by Brianna Kell and Margot Politis.

The Right Foot workshops for 2016 are open for registration (booking essential):  

September 3, 10, 17, 24Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

• DirtyFeet on Facebook

Let's hope we can get to see this movie in Australia. Check out the trailers embedded in the news story:

Award-winning Irish film starring cast who have intellectual disabilities hopes to go global

The Journal, 24 July 2016
An Irish film starring nine young actors who have intellectual disabilities is hoping to go global and be shown at international film festivals.

Sanctuary, directed by Len Collins, is an adaptation of the theatre play of the same name by Christian O’Reilly about a group of young people with intellectual disabilities who go on a day trip to Galway. Two of the gang are a couple, and plan some alone time in a local hotel.

... The film was premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh earlier this month, where it won the Best Irish First Feature award ...

People with disabilities are welcome at Mardi Gras

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is on Saturday 5 March 2016.

The full program of events, starting on 19 February is here.

People with disabilities are welcome at Mardi Gras
Matt Akersten, Same Same, 8 February 2016

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade isn’t just about having some fun while covered in glitter, it’s an opportunity for people to feel connected and included, say the team at not-for-profit disability service provider Northcott. 

People with Disability Australia, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Northcott are joining forces for a Disability Pride parade float and will be active at Fair Day too. 

“In 2016 we’d like to invite people with disability from far and wide to join us,” say the Northcott crew ...

Rainbow Bridge Social Club launching in Sydney

From My Choice Matters - The NSW Consumer Development Fund 3 February 2016:

Rainbow Bridge Social Club is a social club for same-sex attracted young people with intellectual disability. Charitha and his mum are launching it as part of their Run Project, working with Twenty10 to make it happen. 

They're launching the club on February 14 in Chippendale, Sydney and want to extend the invite.  

If you're interested in attending or want more info please get in touch on rainbowbridgesocialclub@gmail.com

(Image description: A circular logo with a rainbow flag in the background and the club name as a bridge image in the centre.)

Support for enjoyment and safety of the beach and other water activities

We are so lucky to have a beautiful climate, the best beaches, and lots of opportunities for swimming and other water activities. Many people with Down syndrome love the beach and other swimming activities just like anyone else, and need little or no support to stay safe. Others need a bit of support to develop skills and confidence, and some need much more. 

In addition to community swimming and water safety activities that might be your first port of call, here are some places to try that aim to help you make the most of summer (and much of autumn and spring, or all year round), whatever support you or your child might need ...

Little Heroes Swim Academy is based in Sydney's eastern suburbs, offering classes and other activities in a number of locations there, and at Putney (Ryde). They are very experienced in teaching people with all kinds of disabilities, and include a program to 'bring the beach to people with disabilities because everyone has a right to be included'.

• Little Heroes Swim Academy on Facebook (see the 6 January post about the beach program)

Rainbow Club - fifteen clubs in NSW provide swimming lessons for children with a disability. They operate during the four school terms.

• Rainbow Club on Facebook

Down Syndrome Swimming Australia - 'DSSA encourages individuals with Down syndrome to actively participate in the great sport of swimming at all levels of competency. Our aim is to give people with Down syndrome the opportunity to swim competitively against other athletes and to provide a pathway to local, national and international competition.' DSSA has selected a team to compete in the World Trimsome Games in Florence, Italy in 2016.

• Down Syndrome Swimming Australia on Facebook

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia 'is uniquely Australian having ambitions to go global, whilst setting world’s best practice for the sport of Disabled Surfing. Initially set up for injured surfers, within a short time the DSA had dramatically widened its target group to cater for all disabilities that is anyone willing to have a go.' The website and Facbook page have the best photos!

• Disabled Surfers Australia on Facebook

Sailors with Disabilities 'provides free sailing and training programs for people with a disability, disadvantaged children and adults, and their carers.'

• Sailors with Disabilities on Facebook

Special Olympics Australia offers recreational and competitive Aquatics programs. You need to check into your local region's page on the website to see what activities are available. Some regions have their own Facebook pages.

• Special Olympics Australia on Facebook
• Special Olympics ACT and NSW on Facebook

Swimming Australia 'recognises the great potential for people with disability to participate in all aspects of the sport and we have been committed for many years to making inclusion simply part of what we do. Swimming Australia believes in taking a social approach to disability inclusion by putting the swimmer first, adapting to individual need and addressing both physical and attitudinal barriers to participation.' Links to State associations, clubs, classification, competitions and other disability/swimming organisations.

• Swimming NSW on Facebook

Camp Willing and Able: 28th - 29th November

Camp Willing and Able is a special needs camp for adults with a physical and/or intellectual disability,  organised by NSW Sport and Recreation.

Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre, Lennox Head 

28th - 29th November 2015

The residential camp gives participants the chance to experience all the fun of a traditional residential camp. From canoeing to bike activities, archery and more, make new friends and have fun.

Activities program listed in flyer

Asmall group of volunteer carers available for participants with low support needs. Those with high needs must be accompanied by a carer. Carers are sourced from the community, universities and our volunteer database.

To enrol please click here or for further information contact 02 6618 0400

Mini Murmurs: for parents and newborns to 5 yrs

Mini Murmurs is a new initiative of Murmuration Dance Theatre:

• Free weekly trial classes for parents and their newborns to 5 yr olds, with or without a disability, throughout November, in Marrickville.

A fun and creative movement class, combining a series of exercises that aim to improve physical and mental well-being of parents/caregivers and their children. This class will be combined with free time in the space to allow everyone to chat and play ..

Our aim is to provide an opportunity for children and their parents and caregivers to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a structured, creative and inclusive environment ...

For more information please contact via email ana@murmuration.com.au or phone 02 9569 4580 Wednesday – Friday.

• Registration is essential, no commitment necessary, casual attendance welcome - link on website

Let's go surfing - Bondi

Huge thanks to Hayden, Danielle, the Haydenshapes Surfboards crew, Shaun and all the instructors at LETS GO SURFING,  (where you'll fins another fabulous photo), on Sunday at Bondi. More photos on the Down Syndrome NSW Facebook page.

Free 'Learn to Surf' morning

Down Syndrome NSW is proud to be partnering with Hayden Cox and the Haydenshapes team for a 

'Learn To Surf' morning at Bondi Beach

FREE!

Sunday 31st May

Meet at 10am at Lets Go Surfing Bondi to be fitted with a wet-suit and board. The lesson will run from 10:30am - 12:00pm.

Your instructors for the morning will be Hayden Cox, Pama Davies and other Haydenshapes volunteers.

Please RSVP for this event via email: events@dsansw.org.au

You can share this event on Facebook with your friends.

• Haydenshapes on Facebook
• Haydenshapes website

Hayden Cox is arguably the most well-known up and coming young surfboard designer on the planet. At 31 years old, Hayden's innovative high performance shortboards are being ridden by some of the best surfers in the world, and his designs are drastically helping advance the riding of everyday surfers.

Soccer for kids aged 5 - 12: Carlingford

Summer

DanceAbility = Happy

On a 'happier' note, Dance Ability's rendition is a joyful way to prepare for a break ...

'DanceAbility Australia Ltd aims to enrich the lives of children and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities through dance and music in a safe, fun and caring environment. A diverse group of students ranging in age from 6 to 48, they have the opportunity to learn Hip Hop, Jazz, Line and Ballroom dancing.'

Based in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Dance in 2015 - southern suburbs Sydney

Image: pixabay.com

Tamara Gordon is the principal of TK Dance Stars at Ramsgate in Sydney's south. Her school is looking to hold accessible classes in 2015, including tap, jazz and ballet. She is a member of the Australian Dance Asssociation.

Interested families should contact Tamara so that she can schedule classes.

Contact: Tamara Gordon
M: 0403 899 924
E: tkdancestars@gmail.com
  

The benefits of colouring - not just for kids

We know that many people enjoy colouring long past childhood, and that includes many adults who have Down syndrome. Elena Santos recently wrote about  a study on the psychology of coloring for adults, in the Huffington Post. She also writes about the growing popularity of colouring books designed for adults in Europe.

Until fairly recently, finding colouring books that were not obviously designed for young children was something of a challenge, but they are a little easier to find now.  Here are just a few online sources that might give hours of enjoyment:

Image: Pixabay.com

• Jenean Morrison colouring books 
• CT Publishing colouring books 
• Art is Fun - there is a free sample page you can download
• Color Pages for Mom - lots of free pages here

Try googling 'colouring books for adults' for titles ... you might find more than you expect, and give you some ideas for age-appropriate gifts.

Let us know of you have found good sources locally in Australia, or have a favourite publisher you would like to recommend, at blogeditor@dsansw.org.au

Bike riding clinic - Strathfield

Learning to ride a bike can be challenging for both children and adults with Down syndrome, but the benefits are clear from both research and families' reports - local clinics are becoming more available, like this welcome new initiative from Strathfield Council:

• LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE CLINICS – FLYER and PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM
• Venue: Dutton Centre, 40 Augusta Street, Strathfield 

The bike riding clinic is being offered by Strathfield Council - but you do not have to live in the Strathfield LGA to participate. For further enquiries please call Strathfield Council on 9748 9999. 

Thank you Scrappers!

Scrapheap Adventure 2014 - group photo from Saturday afternoon,
20th September, in Nymboida

See all the photos at Scrapheap Adventure 2014 on Facebook

This is what founder and organiser, Perry Gilsenan had to say immediately after getting back from last weekend's Scrapheap Adventure Ride:

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2014 was one of our best. A great venue and a great bunch of people raising close to $70,000 for Down Syndrome NSW!!!

There was lots of laughter on arrival and the feedback was everyone had a great ride getting to Nymboida!

Friday night there were 3 different stews and a beef Curry to feed close to 100 people. No complaints and ample available. The big shed was great at meal times.

On Saturday morning Dave Ramsay lead a ride, with a lot of laughs too with the Milan 50cc scooter getting the most air on some of the jumps.

Saturday night was our biggest night ever with about 150 people sitting down together for a good dinner, trophies awarded, charity auction and then the raffle prizes! Looks like we will hit $70,000 in funds raised this year! A Great Effort by one and all.

Best Scrapper - Chris Schneider - Milan 50cc Scooter
Best Engineered Scrapper - Charley Loomis - FZWhy 250
Best Vinduro - Demus Tintner - XT500
Best Sidecar - Dak Dak Dave Kawasaki 750 Sidecar
Most Raised Individual was Andrew Hunter who raised over $6,000, Graeme Girdler $4,136, Mike Case $3,076
Most Raised Teams was Team Inverell who raised over $10,000, closely followed by Toowoomba Scrappers $7,400 then Team DT with $4,075
Longest Distance was Graeme Girdler who rode up from the South Coast, only getting his licence 8 weeks prior. Matty Brumby had come up from Melbourne but only rode from Sydney.
Hard Luck Award went to Adam Wurr, who ran an old IT175, restored over 12 months. His bike broke down about 45 minutes after we left Dural and was shedding parts consistently whilst on the trailer the rest of the way to Nymboida.

Once again a big THANK YOU to all who have attended or supported riders on this year's Scrapheap Adventure Ride.

Best Sidecar - David Scharf,  Kawasaki 750 Sidecar

And thank you, Perry!

• Parks boss riding for Down Syndrome, Gloucester Advocate, 23rd September 2014

Dance: Chatswood

'Learn to Ride' clinic for children with special needs: Caringbah

David Chan is Acting Senior Physiotherapist with Ageing, Disability and Homecare in Sydney's southern suburbs. He is running a weekly drop in clinic during the school term for teaching kids to ride bikes:

For advice, tips and practice on learning to ride a standard two wheel bicycle.

Thursdays during the school term, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
You can drop in anytime between 3:30pm and 5pm.

Caringbah High School, CARINGBAH

Cost: free

If you don’t have a bike, we have a small number of bikes that may be suitable.

For more info please email David Chan at david.chan3@facs.nsw.gov.au