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 A Key Largo mother of four noticed her Down Syndrome
daughters low muscle tone improve and saw her develop unusual levels of
independence and self help as a result of regular dolphin swims, dance,
gymnastics, boat rides, ocean swims, martial arts classes and one-on-one speech therapy.
She felt regular dynamic activities such as these could be
beneficial to other children with DS, but were cost prohibitive.
From families
of DS children around the state she found this to be true, although families
still saw the potential benefit of these activities and services, they cost a
fortune.
Following this evidence the Florida Keys Down Syndrome
Educational Trust Inc (FKDSET) came to be in March 2009, five local volunteer
professionals were picked to govern and ensure that whether through therapy,
exercise, vocational or academic programs, all of FKDSET funds would go to pay
for services that would support DS childrens’ immediate development, self-care
skills and independence in later years.
Alyisa Lopez of Key West, started swim classes with the help
of the FKDSET at the Florida Keys Community College pool in Key West. Last year
Lopez completed her first amazing 50 meter independent swim at the end of the
summer. Sporting new muscle tone, Lopez asks her Mum daily to go swimming. When
temperatures increase and if FKDSET can come up with the $390 to pay for the
next 3 months, she will be among the first people in the pool.
Amber
Russell of Key West needs individual speech therapy most. When her parents
heard FKDSET would cover the insurance out-of-pocket and co-pay for Amber's
personal therapy services they immediately enrolled her in her first one-on-one
sessions since August 2008. With donor help Russell’s speech will continue to
improve rapidly.
HOW FKDSET WORKS Down Syndrome children receive the funds through the completed application on our funding page. They receive funded extra-curricular activities such as workshops in art, scuba, cooking, practical life, music, speech, physical, occupational therapy, drama, swim,dance, gym, horse riding, dolphin-swim and private school education, as well any vocational course that suits the child and qualifies for FKDSET funds.
Check the Fundraising pages for more details.
The NDSS Website
Easter Seals Florida Website
Florida School Choice Website |
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