F.R.I.E.N.D.S. serves individuals and their families with disabilities or with special health care needs.

We want to live in a world where everyone is:

• valued and treated with respect, fairness and equality
• included in their communities
• given opportunities to dream, achieve success and change the world.

We believe that the FRIENDS SELF-ADVOCATES CLUB (F.S.C.) provides opportunities to:

• share new and diverse ideas
• inspire and strengthen our individual capacity
• form a strong team to change the world together

Ages 15 & Up

FRIENDS SELF-ADVOCATES CLUB is an awesome group of friends. We provide a safe, supervised way for young adults with Down syndrome and other special needs to meet and enjoy each other’s company while participating in a range of activities. The purpose of this group is to provide socialization within the community and opportunities for friendships to develop. Join us to make friends, develop confidence and self-esteem, practice social skills and, most of all, have fun! F.S.C. meets monthly in Hillsborough (Brandon) & Pinellas (Seminole) for a fun dance. See website calendar and Facebook events page for more details. 

HEALTH CARE GUIDELINES 

The Down Syndrome Health Care Guidelines are based on our present level of knowledge and should be modified as new information becomes available. Modern primary health care includes educational and developmental concerns within its domain, and therefore we have included information and recommendations specific to these needs of individuals with Down syndrome.

You can count on F.R.I.E.N.D.S.to be supportive, informative and there for your family. As we grow as a community, we are striving to provide timely information and support in transition planning for our adults with Down syndrome. Link to the adult services on these pages

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

NDSS Adults

http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/

SEXUALITY

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality – A healthy, proactive approach to educating children with Down syndrome about their bodies and sexuality is a book that is available through our resource lending library.

Sexuality Across the Lifespan – An instructional guide for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Sexuality & Down Syndrome – information on the NDSS website

Sexual Health (1)

DOWN SYNDROME AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The idea that Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease are connected is very concerning to families. This link will take you to an archived webinar called Dementia Among Adults with Down Syndrome: Individual Differences in Risk and Progression. It was originally presented on January 20, 2010 by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Other health information can be found on the national organization websites:

National Down Syndrome Society
National Down Syndrome Congress

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome – A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges
Bienestar mental en los adultos con síndrome de Down – Una guía para comprender y evaluar sus cualidades y problemas emocionales y conductuales

Down Syndrome & Alzheimer's Dementia Capable Support

Jadene Ransdell, Family Advocate (727)543-4174
Down syndrome & Alzheimer's Dementia Capable Support - A Facebook support group for families, caregivers and those who support individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DS & ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT GROUP

For those of you brave caregivers who take care of someone with DS and Alzheimer's Disease, we cannot imagine the hardships you are facing and going through.  We can offer you a place to meet others who share your experiences and knowledge. Come gain strength and support from each other.
Oakhurst Methodist Church - 13400 Park Blvd. Seminole FL 33776, 4th Friday of each month, 7pm.