1. Adult Educational Programming Research Project: Methods Dr. Deborah Fidler Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Colorado State University Dr. Karen Riley Dean Morgridge College of Education University of Denver

2. Goals  To develop and implement a series of adult education courses specifically targeted for individuals with Down syndrome.  To evaluate the effectiveness of said courses in content knowledge acquisition.  To evaluate the effectiveness of said courses on changes in cognitive skills.  To document the development and implementation process for possible replication.

3. Research Study  Evaluate the effectiveness of a series of education courses for adults with Down syndrome  No preparation by parents or caregivers  No certificate or credit  Collaborative effort between DU and CSU

4. What do we want to do?  Inform practices to improve cognitive functioning for individuals with DS  Explore impact of post secondary education and cognitive growth on Alzheimer’s disease.  Create best practices for adapting existing curriculum for inclusive populations and course offerings.

5. What is the format?  4 courses delivered over a two year period. The courses will be delivered at the University of Denver in Katherine Ruffatto Hall  Social communication/Pragmatics  Wellness: Dance and Physical Activity  Wellness II: Nutrition and Healthy Choices  Personal safety

6. Inclusionary CriteriaExclusionary Criteria Must have Down syndrome-trisomy 21 Cannot have comorbid disabilities beyond those associated with the phenotypic profile for Down syndrome Must be over 21 years of ageCannot be over 45 years of age Must have useable hearing; not beyond 40db loss Must exhibit functional verbal communication skills Cannot be an English language learners (ELL) Vision must have been screened Must be functionally ambulatory Who can participate?

7. Thanks to….. Our Team  Dr. Tanya Talapatra –Assistant Professor Teaching and Learning Sciences Department, School Psychology DU  Brianne Gerlach,-McDonald, MA, PhD candidate CSU  Kristin Hultgren, MA – PhD candidate DU  Paige Riley, MA – Teacher DPS  Ryan Davison – Personal Trainer  Peter Z Gladstone – PhD candidate DU  Abby Clements – Volunteer St. Mary’s Academy Community Partners  All of the parents and caregivers  All of the self advocates who have participated thus far  Global Down Syndrome team  Global Down Syndrome Foundation with support from The Salah Foundation