Florida Keys Down Syndrome Educational Trust 501 (c)(3)

08/21/2020

Published by A Princess Inspired, woooo hooo..Laila and Mira plus the friend group making the halloween time a magical moment..these girls are inspiring

Posted on August 21, 2020 by aprincessinspired A Spooktacular Halloween Party in the Florida Keys Sky Born Visual brings us a day of fun and Halloween! It’s also a birthday party for sweet Mira, and with a beautiful mix of flowers, cakes, dogs, and pumpkin decor, it’s one spooktacular event! Joi...

07/30/2020

Math for our down syndrome 13 year old. Her calculator in hand. She definitely gets the concept of $5 for each stick person. To get Wendys. She is brushing her hair and getting dressed and rounding up her sisters. So we can go buy lunch! But Wait! I hear her. She got distracted. She is dancing and singing to her play list in my bedroom!

06/08/2020

Laila has begun to talk about High School!! If we move her back up to her age group - she was held back - she will be one step closer and since she is challenging herself in so many solid academic and life skills ways we think getting her back with her original class mates would be the BEST thing for her. Anyone else? Opinions are welcome. She asked for it. And - we discovered we can actually do this. According to the brains at CSHS. Which is fab. Because she cant wait !!! We are excited for her high school life. And plan to make the very best of it!!

10/01/2019

Welcome October - It is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the USA! We love our uniquely abled friends and family members - in particular this super special photo shoot at Largo Resort

Photo collection by Nada Khalaf-Jones Photography

09/02/2019

Publix Key Largo - Laila will be by there on her 15th birthday. She actually wants to start her own smoothie shop. She LOVES to make smoothies!

08/22/2019

Congratulations to Laila and the Team! Treasure Village Montessori well done to you!! Let’s keep it going!!! Laila is practicing twice a week to stay in shape for the next championship!!!

08/22/2019

Laila is a swimmer! And also, now, a champion! She won first in three of her three races! Thanks to the work and determination of the most amazing team! Kelly Mangel, Savannah Mangel and the rest of Team Laila. Not to forget her most amazing sister Mira! Who swam the days her other coach couldn’t make it! Way to go! Treasure Village Montessori and WWW.Specialolympicsflo.

03/12/2019

13yrs old Laila is managing to read ‘How I Became A Pirate’ by Melinda Long and David Shannon. She is actually very good at reading. We love the work she does at school. Thank you Treasure Village Montessori teachers and staff we LOVE YOU!

01/10/2019

FLORIDA KEYS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS see this post!

01/10/2019

Laila is home! She is a rock. She is a heartbeat. As we walk through days we sometimes feel lonely or lost. Sometimes. But people with Laila’s unique genetic makeup have an incredible bond with their surroundings, the universe and the people. Seriously. She makes a moment an adventure. Even if it’s to the bathroom. She says hello to everyone she meets. Waves and smiles. She isn’t future or past. She is NOW. Drives us all batty....hurry up Laila.

01/10/2019

Breakfast Trip and Hair Today! So if she can’t be an up and coming Down Syndrome Model for Target then she can be one for the hair studio. Mom says so. And she totally supports the

01/10/2019

It is so hard being a parent of four girls. In any country on earth. It’s really tough when one is Down Syndrome. And you just don’t think it’s right to ‘pamper’ the special one coz she was born w an extra chromosome piece. So. You try your damndest to level the playing field and expose everyone to the same chances. And so far....I think it’s working. Her sister doesn’t give her ‘special’ treatment. And her school Treasure Village Montessori is pushing her towards successes in vocational learning. She loves to sing OUT LOUD and dance and model. But She is NEVER going to handle the age typical math curriculum - maybe if we spent thousands of hours with her on it....I don’t know..but she definitely can learn to handle money and makes herself presentable. But what about how to discern liars and cheats from honest people...? She is the most wonderful human being. She trusts everyone. She dreams of having children one day. How the ......... does a mother handle that and all the steps that go along with it. I mean....🤯