President Ronald Reagan declared the first National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November 1983 and today The Arc Wisconsin recognizes the need to increase awareness of this disease in the I/DD community. To raise awareness of and educate about Alzheimer’s disease, the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW), The Arc Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Upside Down (WIUSD) have partnered on new aging initiatives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.
Almost all individuals with Down syndrome show signs of dementia by age 40. These organizations value education and early intervention and have collaborated to provide up-to-date resources to families across the state.
To develop these resources, partners hosted a focus group and disseminated a statewide survey to evaluate the needs and desires of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. Efforts include a webinar about Preparing for Aging & Dementia: Supporting Your Loved One with Down Syndrome, an updated online resource library, and fact sheets designed for family members, disability professionals, and self-advocates.
Access these resources at https://www.dsaw.org/down-syndrome-alzheimers.
ABOUT The Arc Wisconsin:
The Arc Wisconsin promotes and protects the human rights of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
ABOUT DSAW:
DSAW is a non-profit organization that supports people with Down syndrome with programs, services, resources, and fraternal support. DSAW touches the lives of more than 5,500 individuals with Down syndrome and their families each year through its eight chapters around Wisconsin.
ABOUT WIUSD:
The mission of Wisconsin Upside Down is to offer life-long support for people with Down syndrome by providing advocacy, education and awareness programs for them and their communities.
Contact information:
The Arc Wisconsin
Wisconsin Upside Down
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, Inc.
Rachel Reit, Marketing & Development Manager
Phone: (414) 327-3729 ext. 104
Email: rachel@dsaw.org
Web: www.dsaw.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsawisconsin/
###
