Edmeston, New York, January 9, 2026   Join The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome for its 2026 Lunch and Learn webinars, Design with Dignity: Inclusive Environments for Older Adults with I/DD. The sessions are set for Wednesday, Jan. 21 & Feb. 4, at noon over the Zoom platform.

As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities age, they may develop memory loss and lose mobility. Aging research indicates that environmental modifications to reduce barriers and provide access to outdoor experiences can improve the well-being and sleep patterns of people experiencing cognitive declines and dementia. The webinar series will present evidence-based strategies for inclusive environments to family members, Direct Support Professionals, program administrators, healthcare providers, and others who offer daily support to older persons with I/DD.

 Registration is $20 for both sessions: Attendees must register online at / innovation-kwc/education. The webinar presenters are Dr. Adel Herge, OTD/OTR/L, FAOTA, Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and the Center's Director, Brittany Goodrich. The fee covers all materials and registered attendees will receive the session recordings and a post-webinar toolkit. (Credit card payments are processed through Zeffy, a PCI-compliant platform).

The series will share the planning considerations that were followed by the Center, Jefferson Eldercare, researchers, direct care staff, and building professionals during the construction of Holly’s Path at Chenango House at ������Ƶ, a residential home that supports older individuals with Down syndrome. Holly’s Path was dedicated in July 2025 and is now yielding data on the beneficial impacts of outdoor therapy spaces and age-friendly environments. For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Edmeston, New York, February 27, 2024 … ������Ƶ will host a flurry of community events in March as a lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21. These activities are focused on neighborly engagement and connecting globally in celebration of the talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome.

March 21 – “3-21” – is observed as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) as the numerical date represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the human genotype, the genetic cause of 95% of occurrences of Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. WDSD has been observed since 2006; it first received recognition by the United Nations in 2012.

“We invite our friends and neighbors to participate in our 3-21 activities to show their support for those with Down syndrome,” said Monica Clark, Pathfinder’s Manager of Fund Development and People Engagement. “Many of us have enjoyed friendships and meaningful moments with individuals with Down syndrome, who color our lives in lasting ways. This is a fun way to show support, boost spirits, and celebrate locally.”

Details of all events may be found on ������Ƶ’s Facebook events pages. The events include:

Friday, March 1, 21 Day Challenge!  ������Ƶ kicks off the month through its annual 21 Day Challenge, a series of fun, low-cost activities to complete with friends and family; details are found on Pathfinder’s social media pages. In addition, the ������Ƶ Foundation will kick off its $21 Challenge as a WDSD fundraiser through its online donations page. This year’s goal is for 321 $21 donations and peer-to-peer sharing to highlight Down syndrome awareness.

Edmeston, NY, October 5, 2023 … The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome at ������Ƶ is hosting a four-part Lunch and Learn webinar series this autumn, Nurturing Your Best Self through Music, Art, Movement & Mindfulness. The noontime series will share useful strategies for families and direct support staff who care for older adults with Down syndrome, dementia, and other disabilities.

The series is part of the Center’s and ������Ƶ’s observance of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. October was first designated as a national observance by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and has been recognized every year since. The month is focused on celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with Trisomy 21.

Series registration is $30 per attendee; online information and a registration link are at . The series will be facilitated by E. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA of Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and Brittany Goodrich, Director of the Kennedy Willis Center, the research and advocacy arm of ������Ƶ. For over four years, Jefferson Elder Care and the Kennedy Willis Center have collaborated on creating staff training modules, online content, and outreach programs to present best practices in aging for older adults with Down syndrome.

“People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before, and the changes associated with aging may affect a person’s participation in activities that are important to them,” said Dr. Herge. “The cognitive and physical changes with aging and the onset of dementia make it particularly challenging for individuals to stay active and engaged.”

“Our noontime Lunch and Learn webinar series will explore the relationship of participating in meaningful activities with health and well-being,” added Director Goodrich. “Our knowledgeable presenters will discuss ways you may use music, art, movement and mindfulness to help the people you support stay active, involved in activities, and experience joy.”