Quality One celebrates its 10th year fighting for Down Syndrome awareness and inclusion in Central Florida

Quality One is excited to be celebrating it’s 10th year in supporting the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida by participating in the organization’s “Bowl-A-Thon Tournament of Champions”.

This Sunday, February 16th, Quality One will be fielding two teams that are individually competing to raise money in support of Down Syndrome awareness and inclusion in Central Florida.

A primarily volunteer-run organization with no physical overhead, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida is a non-profit organization started by a group of visionary parents who wanted to have a direct impact on children, families and the community. The Foundation’s goal is centered on promoting inclusion, understanding and acceptance by expanding opportunities for individuals, families and communities touched by Down syndrome.  Last year, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida awarded over $150,000 in scholarships, and fully funded a variety of programs designed to create support the inclusion of Down Syndrome affected individuals and families, including:

• College & Career Prep Program
  Held in conjunction with the University of Central Florida College of Education and Human Performance provides the opportunity for young adults to experience a taste of college life, learn some of the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood and discover some of the many choices open to them.
• iCan! Work
  A work program which helps our members have meaningful, paid on-the-job-training experience in the community.
• iCan! Bike
  Bike camp for 40 individuals with various abilities, to teach them to ride a two-wheeled bicycle.
• iCan! Learn
  A research based program teaching effective strategies and providing customized materials to support parents, teachers and children in the educational process.
• iCan! Communicate
  A comprehensive language program to help people learn to communicate with peers, family and teachers using an iPad as an augmentative tool.
• Partners in Education
  Provides training and resources specifically geared toward educational excellence for individuals with Down syndrome to facilitate student and professional success in the classroom / school.

“We are THRILLED to continue our relationship with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, and do whatever we can to raise money to support these integral programs inside of our community” said John Chiorando, President of Q1.

“The efforts of organizations like Quality One are invaluable to our efforts, and we couldn’t appreciate their support more” continued Camille Gardiner, Co-Founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida.

You can participate and join Q1 in supporting inclusion for Down syndrome afflicted families by donating here.