Now that summer is in full-swing, we wanted to put our finger on the pulse of some wonderful places that serve those with Down Syndrome. Who better to consult than an incredible PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, nanny, filmmaker, and advocate for those with Down- Taylor Singmaster. Read her piece, here, about her experiences with local organizations that many of you may find really inspirational and helpful. Enjoy!
In 2009, 4-years-old Jack Gage came into my life and change everything. A few months prior, my father had unexpectedly passed away. I was lost – going from a hardworking and dedicated freshman in college to a girl who couldn’t find purpose or beauty anywhere. Until I met Jack. I started babysitting for the Gages during winter break the year after my dad died. Jack is their second born. The oldest son of four awesome kids. He has blonde hair, blue eyes and an extra copy of his 21st chromosome.
Jack is athletic, hilarious, smart and the most charming little boy you would ever hope to meet. He attends school where he is integrated among his peers and siblings. Jack scores touchdowns for his flag football team, he learned to ice-skate a few winters ago and has a horse named Boston that he loves to ride. Down syndrome is a defining factor in my story, but it is certainly not important to his. Jack was somehow able to bring beauty back into my everyday. He showed me a perspective that I didn’t know existed; a world where kindness trumps all, and the amazing is found in the ordinary. Because of Jack I began getting involved in the disability community.
As a Brooklynite living in Greenpoint, I became a lover of some amazing organizations. Brooklyn is such a progressive, integrated and vibrant community. Within it are so many resources for our loved ones with disabilities. PALS Programs: Camp PAL New York & The Congratulations Project. My number one resource for the Down syndrome community is PALS.
PALS was the first organization I worked with after meeting Jack. PALS provides summer camp and other inclusive experiences for for young adults (12-30) with Down syndrome and their peers. These week-long sleep-away camps pair a camper with Down syndrome, and an age-appropriate peer together for a week to have fun, grow as individuals, and build transformative friendships, in some of the most incredible cities around the country.
One of those amazing locations happens to be Iona College where this July 40 campers, 40 counselors and staff will be welcomed to experience “the best week of summer.” There, they will hang out on campus, live together in dorms, take day trips to sites nearby, and immerse themselves in a week of fun and friendship. PALS also offers Adventures, which are shorter weekend PALS getaways with a similar format. These adventure are open to PALS regulars as well as new campers that want to give PALS a try.
Another amazing PALS initiative I have to mention is The Congratulations Project. At Camp PALS our campers write letters of hope, encouragement and most importantly, congratulations to new parents of babies with Down syndrome. These letters are mailed with a small gift to hospitals where parents receive the letters as they are welcoming their new babies.
Too often a Down syndrome diagnosis is not met with the same sort of appreciation and excitement as the birth of another baby. We are working to change that stereotype. The Congrats Project was featured on The Meredith Vieira Show, and has received some high-profile partnerships such as with Babies R’ Us. To learn more about The Congratulations Project, and to see real life transformative Camp PALS friendships.
Gigis Playhouse is another valuable resource for people with Down syndrome, their families and peers. Gigi’s offers many different opportunities for children and adults with Down syndrome at their year-round, nationwide achievement centers, while also having a comprehensive volunteer base, continued education and support for parents and anyone interested in this community. “All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential.” Even better, these educational, therapeutic and fun services are accessible without costs to the families. Recently, GiGi’s founder Nancy Gianni was recognized as one of 2016 CNN’s Heroes.
GallopNYC: Therapeutic Riding. In the city, there is an amazing organization called GallopNYC; this is where I began my quest to become a PATH Certified Instructor. Gallop serves the greater New York City area by providing horseback riding lessons and Hippotherapy to students with a variety of cognitive, physical and mental challenges. Gallop currently provides lessons at five locations from the Bronx to Coney Island and all in-between. They are working to build their own center in Brooklyn. This program serves individuals of all ages, has a growing program for Veterans, and provides horse education in the inner city. “We (GallopNYC) helps riders walk, talk, and learn, encouraging each one to live life as fully, productively, and independently as possible.” Therapeutic riding is an absolutely amazing and but sometimes overlooked resource. I have experienced so many transformations as kids and adults become motivated by riding, confident from the experience, engaged with their peers, and receive therapeutic and healing benefits from the movement, physicality and personality of the horse. I hope this piece has helped anyone who may be looking for activities and the positive organizations for the enrichment of the lives for those with Down Syndrome.
Taylor Singmaster is a 26 year old living in Burlingame, CA. She attended the University of South Carolina where she studied Photography, Art History and was on their NCAA Equestrian Team. Her graduate degree is from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Her passions continue to be within the disability community and horses. Currently Taylor is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at BOK Ranch and the Director of Marketing and Development at UP Academy. She is thrilled to be able to make a difference in the communities she loves, and is so grateful to be constantly influenced by her students, friends and family. Taylor’s NSBA World and AQHA Congress Champion Quarter Horse, Bentley, currently lives at a small therapy farm, Charis Stables in Elverson, PA.