Throughout November and December, Teaching Artists with Kentucky Shakespeare zoomed into DSL virtual classes to teach on Shakespeare’s life and legacy, and to work through sides of Shakespeare plays and sonnets. The Monday, Wednesday meetings were specialized for individuals with Down syndrome ages 14+. DSL Engagement Director Carly Riggs said of the program, “It is incredible to see some of our most introverted and isolated members blossom through Shakespeare over a zoom screen. They are learning social skills, gaining confidence, and having fun with their friends all through this education service. You can see the spirit and enthusiasm in even the most introverted students!”
DSL members worked in large groups and smaller breakout groups on exciting acting warmups like ‘Compliments and Insults’, a hilarious exercise where students share Shakespearian themed compliments and insults with another individual to warm up their tongues, faces, and bodies, all while learning Shakespearian language. The program culminated in a final performance of the well known Romeo and Juliet balcony scene, where all the gentlemen recited Romeo’s lines and all the ladies responded with Juliet’s. Grant Gupton, a Louisville Kentucky member who participated, said his favorite parts were, “storytelling and using silky voices.” Libby Lohmeyer, a member from Southern Indiana who joined in enjoyed the classes a lot and said the sessions gave her the opportunity to “say lines and express emotions”.
Down Syndrome of Louisville has been partnering with Kentucky Shakespeare for about 6 years, and this special program has been on DSL’s wish list for some time. “We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare. The Kentucky Shakespeare staff is phenomenal and I cannot recommend their virtual programming enough”, says Riggs. 2020 looked very different for many of DSL’s members, and this six-week course was a refreshing end to a very crazy year. This VSA program was provided in 2019-2020 under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and also through continued generous funding from Arts For All Kentucky.
DSL Receives the Meta Data Center Community Action Grant
Thank you to the Jeffersonville Meta Data Center for their generous grant supporting the purchase of new computers and a storage hub for our Southern Indiana Academy. These tools will help create more opportunities for our members to learn, connect, and build valuable digital skills. We are grateful for Meta’s investment in our community as […]
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Shelly Durbin, Director of Waiver Services and Adult Programs at Down Syndrome of Louisville, who was recently nominated by Andy Beshear to serve on a first-of-its-kind state council focused on advancing services and supports for Kentuckians with disabilities. Shelly’s work at DSL has long been rooted in advocacy, thoughtful […]
On Thursday, November 13th, our Moms Night Out gathered close to seventy incredible moms and caregivers for an evening filled with connection, laughter, and genuine joy. Down Syndrome of Louisville was proud to host the event alongside our partners at Barren Heights, FEAT Louisville, and Critically Loved, creating a space that honored the heart of […]
Sacred Heart Students Craft Kindness for DSL Families
Last week, Down Syndrome of Louisville was honored to welcome two talented students from Sacred Heart Model School — Kinley Jones and Lily Page — who generously donated their time and creativity to support our youngest members. As part of their eighth grade community project, Kinley and Lily handmade a collection of beautifully crocheted stuffed […]
The Indianapolis Colts have extended an invitation to DSL for their game vs the Houston Texans on Sunday, November 30th at 1 pm. They’re also allowing DSL families the opportunity to take the field after the game! We have a variety of tickets available at different price points. Section 105 – 20 seats available $172 […]
Hello Indiana DSL Families, I’m reaching out with an update on a topic that’s deeply important to many of you – Medicaid billing. As the new(ish) Executive Director of Down Syndrome of Louisville, I’ve had the privilege of hearing your thoughts and priorities firsthand, and I want you to know that this is a top […]
Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) has named Taylor Ingram the next executive director of the organization, effective May 12, 2025. DSL is a resource for people with Down syndrome and their families, offering opportunities to connect socially as well as through programming that helps each individual identify and work toward achieving goals in education, physical […]
DSL Board Member, Matthew Goodin, joins us for an informational session covering special needs trusts, estate planning, guardianship, and more! CLICK HERE to learn more about Matthew’s practice!
This past weekend was a whirlwind of celebrations for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), but we had to take a moment to reflect on one of the most incredible highlights—our visit to St. Xavier High School on Friday! St. X has truly embraced the Kindness Warrior movement, with every student in the school officially trained […]
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