COVID-19 Resources

The resources below have been compiled to assist DSAWM families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DSAWM COVID-19 Response

The tentative re-open date for the DSAWM office is Monday, July 6th. Until then, staff will continue to be available Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm via email, Facebook messaging, or our online contact form. Virtual programming for members will continue through June and we have a few exciting engagement opportunities in the works for the summer. Thank you all for your patience and flexibility and we navigate the new normal. We can’t wait to come together when safe to do so and celebrate our fantastic community!

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services websites.
National Resources
State and Local Resources

General Information

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Health Departments by Michigan County

Information For Individuals with Down Syndrome and Their Families

Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s “Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 & Down Syndrome” Q&A
Michigan Alliance for Families
LuMind IDSC
Dr. Brian Skotko

Educational Support

Free Virtual Education Resources
Special Education Resources Facebook Group
Virtual Field Trips

Meal Support

Michigan Department of Education Food Service Program (Statewide)
Grab & Go Meal Sites by School District (West MI)
Local Pantries/Food Assistance Programs

Financial/Other Support

Michigan 211

DSAWM Supplemental Program Materials

Book Club

Virtual Meetings

When: Every other Tuesday at 5:30pm (June meetings: June 2, 16, 30)

Who: current Book Club participants only

Join Bobbi for Book Club! This program is currently limited to only those members who have participated in Book Club this year. Nate will email members/parents with the link to the Zoom meeting. If you are interested in participating, contact Nate at nate@dsawm.org.
Cooking Capers

Virtual Classes

When: Thursdays at 6:30pm

Who: current GR Cooking Capers participants only (Group A & B alternate weeks with Group A’s 1st meeting on 4/16 and Group B’s on 4/23)

Check-in with Nate to learn a new recipe and discuss how you’re using your cooking skills at home. This program is currently limited to only those members who have participated in Grand Rapids Cooking Capers this year. Nate will email members/parents with the link to the Zoom meeting. We are working to offer a similar program for the Kalamazoo Cooking Capers group. More details will be shared with those members when we have them.

Activities to Try at Home

Week 1: Stuffed Mini Peppers, Black Bean Tacos, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Yogurt
Week 2: Fiesta Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Hash, and Gluten-free Banana Coffee Cake
Music Classes

Virtual Classes

All ‘Participate’ buttons below link to live Zoom meetings. If you want to attend a virtual program, click the corresponding ‘Participate’ button a few minutes before the program is scheduled to start. If you have questions, check out the tutorial here or email Nate at nate@dsawm.org.

Music Jamboree: Disney-Along

When: Tuesdays at 1pm

Who: members of all ages

Members of all ages are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a sing-along session featuring songs from your favorite Disney movies. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Kids Music & Movement

When: Wednesdays at 10am

Who: members aged 12 and under

Members aged 12 and under are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a music and movement class that will incorporate fun songs with physical activity. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Teens/Adults Music & Movement

When: Wednesdays at 11am

Who: members aged 13 and older

Members aged 13 and older are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a music and movement class that will incorporate popular songs with fun physical activity. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Children’s Songs Sing-Along

When: Thursdays at 10am

Who: members aged 12 and younger

Members aged 12 and under are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a sing-along session featuring engaging, family-friendly songs. Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate

Music Jamboree: Pop Songs Sing-Along

When: Thursdays at 11am

Who: members of all ages

Members of all ages are invited to join our Music Therapist Leah for a sing-along session featuring your favorite Top 40 hits! Please note that this is not a therapy program, but rather focused on fun and socialization.

Participate
Shape Up

Virtual Classes

When: Mondays at 6:30pm thru June 8

Who: current Shape Up participants only

Check-in with Nate, Tabitha, and Abrianne to discuss how you’re staying active and making healthy choices at home. This program is currently limited to only those members who have participated in Shape Up this year. Nate will email members/parents with the link to the Zoom meeting. Depending on attendance, we may open the program up to all members in the coming weeks.

Activities to Try at Home

Week 1: 5 Minutes of Cardio & Strength
Week 2: Exercise Band Workout for Beginners with Coach Tabitha and Healthy Snack Ideas
Week 3: Zumba Playlist