Music and Fun
September 27
DSAMT has long partnered with ABA therapist Julie Mayer, and Belmont University College of Education, Music Education, and Music Therapy Programs to offer a fun time of music, movement & friendship for children with Down syndrome ages 5 to 12.
In addition to being a lot of fun for participants, Music and Fun impacts students with Down syndrome in the classroom, by providing hands-on education to current and future teachers about how to support those with DS in the classroom, especially in an inclusive classroom. Plus, parents get a 2 hour break!
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Time2Groove
FREE Sessions are Tuesdays, 4:00pm-5:30pm
What Impact Does Drumming Have on Individuals with Down Syndrome? Research shows drumming and drum circles, such as Time2Groove, provide benefits such as enhanced communication; emotional processing and tension reduction; group cohesion and connectedness; concentration, psychomotor coordination, posture making it a good, purposeful activity for those with DS.
DSAMT's Time2Groove Inclusive Drum Circle provides sensory input in a fun & welcoming environment, which not only gives them a sense of accomplishment but can reduce anxiety and stress. It provides the opportunity to practice expressing emotions, following directions, taking turns, social skills and communication.
Led by professional percussionist and counselor, Bobby Kent, and his extraordinary daughter, Bella.
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Kramer Davis Health
Kramer Davis Health, one of the few clinics in Tennessee serving adults who have complex intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), lost its funding and is closing by month’s end. This means that 650 individuals will lose health, dental, and behavioral care, as well as needed speech, physical, and occupational therapies as a result. The clinic also provides nutritional and psychiatric health services.
Currently, Kramer Davis serves individuals from 52 Tennessee counties, which is 55% of the Volunteer state’s counties. Until recently, many Tennesseans with IDD had very few options for dental care, even with some disabilities having exacerbated dental issues.
Clinic co-founder Dr. Matt Holder, MD, MBA, is hopeful that with citizen input and state governmental intervention from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, that funding for the next two years will enable the unique facility to become self-sustaining.
Holder is asking Governor Lee for temporary financial assistance. “We would greatly appreciate if Gov. Lee would step in to use shared savings with discretionary dollars to help us out one time to make it through the next couple of years to get enough additional patients and become self-sustaining. That way everyone wins—the individuals with IDD, their families, and the state.”
If you’re in Tennessee or have Tennessee connections, will you share this post through email or Substack and on your personal and group social media platforms? (Use the hashtag: #SaveKramerDavis) Will you call or email your state representative and senator and Gov. Bill Lee and ask them to save healthcare for 650 individuals with IDD who desperately need KramerDavis to remain in operation? #SaveKramerDavis
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The Extra Mile is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in TN and is DSAMT's primary source of funding... but you do not have to fundraise to participate! Whether you know someone who has Down syndrome or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word; everyone is is welcome to our day of celebration! If you need assistance with The Extra Mile please contact Tanya Chavez at Tanya@somethingextra.org
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Start your bidding beginning TODAY, September 5 on DSAMT's Facebook Auction page! Your support will help our extraordinary friends reach their goals and see their photos along the walk route on November 8th! All Extra Mile teams will get credited for any items they get donated to the auction. If you have any items to donate, please contact Abby Chandler at Abby@somethingextra.org
Deadline to donate auction items is September 15, 2025.
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New and Expecting Family Celebration
In August, DSAMT welcomed a total of 8 familes.
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Global Down Syndrome Foundation Interview
Alecia Talbott, DSAMT Executive Director, was interviewed by Global Staff regarding her impact both locally and nationally, her family and her passion for quilting.
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National Down Syndrome Congress Conference
In July, several people from Middle Tennessee attended the NDSC Conference in Dallas, TX where Program Director, Tanya Chavez delivered an impactful lecture on legislative advoacy.
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Body Smart and Art Camp
This summer DSAMT launched the first Body Smart classes in which attendees learned about healthy relationships, self-care, growing up, and safety. DSAMT also held our annual Creative Club Art Camp for two weeks in July and so much fun was had!
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Fundraisers
DSAMT has received generous donations from the "We Cruised Rivergate Mall” one last time, Murfreesboro Penn Station give back, and Soulshine Pizza give back.
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Community
DSAMT representatives have participated in local community health and wellness fairs, coordinated special hospital visits (with Character Visits 4 U), and DSAMT county events.
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