GHFEDS upcoming events

Special Strong Bounce Class - August (August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Special Strong Classes

Bounce Class

August 4th & 18th
6-7pm
Jumping World - 100 Gulf Frwy N in League City

The class is open for individuals with Ds ages 13 and up.

Your child must be able to participate with the group, no roaming the facility.

You must purchase Jumping World socks which you can keep and bring to every class.

You must sign the Jumping World Waiver and Special Strong Waiver.

**If your child has Atlantoaxial Instability, neck or back problems please Do Not register for this class.

*If your child already attends Special Strong Bounce classes Do Not register for this class so it will give others a chance to attend.

*Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

*Annual Membership Required

PT Exercise Class (August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

PT Exercise Class

Saturday August 8th at Hometown Heroes in League City

Infant & Toddlers Class will be from 9-945am
All other ages will be from 10-11am

These classes are designed to meet participants at their individual levels of development and motor skills, and to promote inclusion and fun.

These classes are designed and led by doctor of physical therapy students and supported by Dr. Laurie Farroni, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Pediatric Clinical Specialist.

Parent Educational Meeting - Socialization Skills for Youth (August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Parent Educational Meeting

Socialization Skills for Youth

Saturday August 8th from 1-230pm

Dickinson Public Library
4411 Hwy 3

Lunch provided - serving sandwiches, chips and water

Join us for a special discussion on the importance of socialization for children with Down syndrome. Using the library's Family Place model, we'll explore how social experiences support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of child development and help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Families are encouraged to bring their child and participate in this welcoming opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn about resources that promote inclusion, growth, and success for children of all abilities.

Behavior Workshop presented by the Eva Marie House Grant (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Behavior Workshop presented by the Eva Marie House Grant

Saturday September 19th from 10am-1pm

The Gilruth Center at Nasa
18600 Space Center Blvd
Meeting will be held in the Inspiration Room

This workshop is for parents only, no childcare available.

Serving Jason's Deli for lunch.

*Annual Membership Required

Joanie Garro, MA, BCBA, LBA with Garro Behavior Consulting will be presenting

Helping or Hovering? Does Distance Make A Difference When Launching Independence?

One of the most important goals for any parent or educator is to promote independence of a child and to help launch them into a world that accepts them and promotes their abilities and interests. During times of teaching and training of skills at home, school, or in the community, the adult 'teacher' usually maintains a proximal distance (within an arm's length) of the learner. Without realizing it, this close distance could delay independence by decreasing the interaction of the young adult with his/her peers, co-workers, and community helpers. It is vital to learn how to fade proximity or distance while teaching independence. This not only will increase the rate of social interaction for the young adult, it will increase the rate of learning, improve confidence in skills, and improve relations with the community and the young adult. Applications of evidenced based research and hands on experience will be discussed and demonstrated.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• To discuss and demonstrate the effects of proximity of a parent, job coach, instructor, or paraprofessional on a person with disabilities during teaching at home, school, job site, or other community settings.

• To discuss the effects of proximity on social interaction with others: peers, co-workers, community workers.

• To demonstrate use of technology (bug-in-ear, video chat) during proximity fading to promote independence when teaching a new skill.

• To discuss and demonstrate proximity fading techniques, the use of video-modeling, behavior skills training, scripts (script fading).