|
|
| (click here to go to FKDSET web stie) |
Laila Yasmine Jones is how FKDSET
began. 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 Ambers 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.
| FKDSET funds applicant, Aylisa Lopez |
|
| swims at FKCC in Key West |
DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ACTIVITY & EXPERIENCE" THE FLORIDA KEYS DOWN SYNDROME
EDUCATIONAL TRUST, (FKDSET) depends entirely on donations and is an extra-curricular activities fund for children with Down Syndrome located in the Florida Keys at 382 Mahogany Drive, Key Largo,
Florida, 33037, USA.
|
