CCDSN

CCDSN Building a network of friends & families in Champaign County & East-Central Illinois We hope you will join us!

The DSN partners with families, educators, therapists and local agencies to create an environment in which individuals with Down syndrome are welcomed with fairness, enthusiasm, and encouragement in the community. We embrace inclusion at all levels of community life: schools, workplace, neighborhoods and places of worship. We envision a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportu

nity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Through our various community outreach programs, educational workshops, support groups & fun member activities, we hope to build a diverse, thriving network of friends & families sharing deep relationships while working together to achieve success for those in our world with Down syndrome.

08/28/2026

▶️ New Webinar Recording ➡ Understanding Men's Health in Down Syndrome ▶️

The recording of the webinar on men's health in Down syndrome that Dr. Brian Chicoine presented on Wednesday is now available in our Resource Library. Dr. Chicoine covered a range of topics including fertility, testosterone, undescended testicle, cancer screening, and recommendations for medical care (exams, screenings, blood tests, etc.). He also shared resources with additional information on the unique health needs of males with Down syndrome.

Access the recording, slides, and resources for free at the link below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/mens-health-webinar-recording/

Now that school has started and things are getting back to "normal" it is time to Build Your Team for the Buddy Walk on ...
08/25/2026

Now that school has started and things are getting back to "normal" it is time to Build Your Team for the Buddy Walk on October 10. Deadline for building teams, soliciting sponsors, and ordering t-shirts is September 15.

Build Your Team or Register at https://www.champaigndsn.org/buddywalk

08/25/2026

🐕 We know that many people with and without Down syndrome grieve when a beloved pet dies. 🐈

Our Resource Library has a visual story about:
🐾 what happens when a pet dies,
🐾 how it might make us feel, and
🐾 what we can do to feel better.

This free story is available in our Resource Library at the link below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/when-a-pet-dies-story/

08/22/2026

Join Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for “Understand Your Child’s IEP,” a virtual presentation designed to help parents and caregivers better understand their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This session will provide families with helpful information to better understand the IEP process and feel more prepared to participate in conversations and decisions about their child’s education.

Thursday, August 27
5:00–6:00 PM
Virtual via Zoom

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85716122050

Families, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about IEPs are encouraged to attend.

08/19/2026

🫀 Many people with Down syndrome have blood pressures on the lower side of normal or lower than normal. Normal, or ideal, blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80 mm Hg. Many people with Down syndrome have a blood pressure that is closer to 90/60 or below 90/60. Differences in how the autonomic nervous system functions in people with Down syndrome may contribute to these lower blood pressure readings.

Even with blood pressures that are on the lower side of normal or even lower than normal, many people with Down syndrome don’t have symptoms associated with low blood pressures. Typical blood pressure for each person with Down syndrome is unique to that individual. Similarly, the pressure that is “too low” and results in symptoms varies from person to person. It is important to check blood pressure periodically (such as at doctor's appointments) to determine what a person's typical blood pressure is. If an individual becomes ill, it is helpful to be able to compare their blood pressure to their typical blood pressure.

Additional information on blood pressure in people with Down syndrome is available in the article by Brian Chicoine, MD linked below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/blood-pressure/

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08/10/2026

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08/10/2026

Illinois is launching the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to help eligible Illinoisans who lost SNAP benefits due to recent federal work requirement changes.

Beginning August 1, eligible individuals can automatically receive a one-time $400 benefit per eligible household member – no application required.

Learn more about eligibility, benefit timing, and available resources in this press release: https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/governor-pritzker-launches-fresh-program-to-support-up-to-175000-illinoisans-the-trump-administration-kicked-off-snap

08/07/2026

We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. We may feel anxious about an exam at school, new job, medical appointment, disagreement with a friend, or other similar situations. This is typical. However, if anxiety interferes with our day-to-day lives on a long-term basis, an anxiety disorder may have developed.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Some that we see most commonly at the Adult Down Syndrome Center are generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and selective mutism. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was previously classified as an anxiety disorder but now is classified separately. However, many people with OCD also have an anxiety disorder. That appears to be the case for people with Down syndrome who have OCD, too.

In the article linked below, Brian Chicoine, MD, discusses generalized anxiety disorder in individuals with Down syndrome, provides resources for supporting individuals with Down syndrome who are experiencing anxiety, and shares a link to information about other types of anxiety disorders.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/generalized-anxiety-disorder/

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Champaign, IL

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+12177786702

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