Adult Matters Program

“Adult Matters has helped me be a better person. My life is better now because I have more friends.”
Patrice McHale, Self-Advocate

Adult male The Adult Matters program is especially designed for adults with Down syndrome and their families. Adult Matters is focused on enhancing the lives of adults with Down syndrome by offering a variety of social and educational events that connect the adult to his or her community.

The following is a comprehensive listing of Adult Matters services and supports:

Seminars and Workshops

Networking and educational opportunities are offered to parents, families, and self-advocates throughout the year as requested by adults with Down syndrome and their families. Past events have included: “Lifelong Wellbeing: Promoting Good Health in Adults with Down syndrome,” “Truths about Self-Determination,” “Relationships & Dating,” “Communication”, “Sensory Issues in Adults with Down syndrome”, and “Moving Out”.

Social Events

Adult male Events in the community hosted by parents and staff allow adults with Down syndrome to come together to share common interests and establish relationships. Past events have included pool parties, Ballroom dance lessons, Coney Island Moonlight Dances, Mainstrasse Village coffee shop outings, movies, and art receptions.

AIM (Advocates in Motion)

Adults with Down syndrome provide valuable in-kind volunteer hours the third Friday of each month by processing DSAGC mailings, writing Get Well cards, submitting articles for the D.S. Press, and supporting DSAGC events.

Adult Matters Email Network

Information about upcoming activities, local resources, and interesting opportunities is circulated by email several times a month. Families can also use the network to send out questions to other families for additional support and information.

Friendship Network

This unique, community website gives adults with Down syndrome a safe venue to chat, visit and learn about each other’s interests so peer relationships can develop online and in person. The primary goal of the website is to increase social support and inclusion in the community in order to decrease the social isolation identified by adults with Down syndrome.

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Cooking Classes

These classes are held on a Saturday every other month in order to provide adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking experience. Participants focus on gaining knowledge in the areas of meal planning/preparation, kitchen safety, and general cooking skills.

Speaker’s Bureau

Six hours of training in public speaking, speech writing, and Power Point presentations allow self-advocates to speak out about their lives, interests, and abilities to a variety of groups in the community.

Independent Living Retreat

Adults with Down syndrome are able to participate in practical sessions that will enable them to develop the skills necessary to become more independent. Sessions may include areas such as kitchen safety/cooking, home management, healthy living, personal safety and money management. The value of increasing one’s level of independence is also emphasized.

Aging Issues Group for Caregivers

This quarterly group is designed for parents and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome over the age of 25. It was created in order to provide them with the opportunity to network with one another, share resources, and discuss pertinent issues that may affect aging adults with Down syndrome. Topics may include legal issues, caregiver stress, dementia, health concerns, etc.