Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities

03/31/2026

Welcome back to Tip Tuesday! Today we are going to focus on healthy habits and why they are good for us. Comment below one daily habit that has improved your life!

03/26/2026

Everyone meet our terrific staff member, Tiffany Waldner!

I am a Clinical Research Assistant and new to the team!

I started my career as a registered dietitian and got so much fulfillment from educating others and helping them feel their healthiest selves. I wanted to continue doing that but also wanted to contribute to figuring out the "why" behind things, which is what this position in research will allow me to do. Working with individuals in the IDD community is a bonus of the job, and I am excited to continue learning more about my role!

For a workday snack, I am a big fan of apple slices dipped in cottage cheese!

03/21/2026

03/21/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is THIS SATURDAY! We're hosting a celebration at Browne's Irish Marketplace in Kansas City on March 21st from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. We're expecting awesome weather! For more information, and to register, visit: https://kcdsi.coursestorm.com/course/world-down-syndrome-day-celebration-kansas-city

03/16/2026

The KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's Weekly Webinar presenter for March 19, 2026 is our own Katie Morrison!

Katie will share her journey working in research to advocate for others, along with her goals and dreams for her future career.

Join us Thursday at 2:00 PM CT as we also recognize World Down Syndrome Day.

We would love to have you join the conversation!

🔗 Join the webinar here:
https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/95653092644

03/06/2026

Our community truly shined at the BE BOLDl Talent Showcase! 🎤✨
Partnering with Down Syndrome Innovations, the event brought together talented performers and amazing vendors. Thank you for sharing your creativity, confidence, and joy with us all! 💙

Looking forward to next year! Check out some action shots from the show!

03/05/2026

Everyone meet our wonderful staff member, Makaila Pelter!

What is your position? I am a Research Assistant
How many years have you been working here? 1 year
What led you to this career path? I have always loved learning new things and helping people. This job allows me to do both!
What's your favorite workday snack? A Honeycrisp apple with cheddar cheese.

03/04/2026

Caregiver Connection: DS – ASD is a virtual gathering of caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to a child or adult’s current or potential dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. For more information, and to register, visit: https://kcdsi.org/class/ds-asd-caregiver-connection-group-virtual/

03/04/2026

Check out this awesome research opportunity for children ages 5-18 with IDD. You can participate from anywhere, no need to leave your home!

Researchers at the University of South Carolina are conducting the Better Health for All study examining sleep, physical activity, screen time, diet, and growth patterns in children ages 5–18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).
Participation is completed entirely at home. Children will wear a small activity belt for 14 days, and parents will complete brief surveys by phone. Families can earn up to $270 for participating.
To learn more or sign up, visit: https://bit.ly/BHAsignup
Questions? Contact Dr. Keagan Kiely at KKiely@mailbox.sc.edu or 678-314-5496.