There's something remarkable that happens when people are given the space to explore, create, and express themselves freely. For individuals with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities, enrichment programs offer more than structured activities—they provide doorways to discovering hidden talents, building genuine connections, and developing a sense of self that radiates from the inside out. These programs create environments where creativity flourishes naturally, and confidence grows organically through meaningful experiences.

Edmeston, New York, January 9, 2026   Join The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome for its 2026 Lunch and Learn webinars, Design with Dignity: Inclusive Environments for Older Adults with I/DD. The sessions are set for Wednesday, Jan. 21 & Feb. 4, at noon over the Zoom platform.

As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities age, they may develop memory loss and lose mobility. Aging research indicates that environmental modifications to reduce barriers and provide access to outdoor experiences can improve the well-being and sleep patterns of people experiencing cognitive declines and dementia. The webinar series will present evidence-based strategies for inclusive environments to family members, Direct Support Professionals, program administrators, healthcare providers, and others who offer daily support to older persons with I/DD.

 Registration is $20 for both sessions: Attendees must register online at https://pathfindervillage.org/ innovation-kwc/education. The webinar presenters are Dr. Adel Herge, OTD/OTR/L, FAOTA, Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and the Center's Director, Brittany Goodrich. The fee covers all materials and registered attendees will receive the session recordings and a post-webinar toolkit. (Credit card payments are processed through Zeffy, a PCI-compliant platform).

The series will share the planning considerations that were followed by the Center, Jefferson Eldercare, researchers, direct care staff, and building professionals during the construction of Holly’s Path at Chenango House at Pathfinder Village, a residential home that supports older individuals with Down syndrome. Holly’s Path was dedicated in July 2025 and is now yielding data on the beneficial impacts of outdoor therapy spaces and age-friendly environments. For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our Presenters:

Dr. E Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP is a board member of The Kennedy Willis Center. She is a Professor and Director of the BSMS OT Program in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Herge presents at various professional venues on topics related to intellectual disability, aging, dementia, and OT practices.

 Brittany Goodrich, MS is the Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down syndrome. She is a consultant for caregivers and provider agencies, specializing in care planning across the lifespan. Brittany serves as an Affiliated Regional Trainer with the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices and has been a featured panelist at national I/DD conferences and roundtable discussions.

To learn more about The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome and its outreach initiatives, visit kwcdownsyndrome.org. Now in its 30^th year, the Center was established in 1996 at Pathfinder Village with a three-fold mission: to provide education opportunities for families and the community-at-large regarding best practices in developmental disabilities, to serve as an information and life planning resource, and to host and support studies by accredited research organizations related to Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Edmeston, New York, Nov. 7, 2025 ... Get a start on your holiday list and shop local at the Winter Farmers’ Market at Pathfinder Village on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 20 local craftspeople, vendors, and small business owners will offer their wares in a lively atmosphere that celebrates community.

“Shopping local is one of the best ways we can support our community, our neighborhood artisans and small businesses,” said Lori Grace, associate director of the Pathfinder Village Foundation. “Our seasonal markets are filled with unique, specialty crafts and items, and offer a shopping experience that’s one-of-a-kind. There’s something for everyone, and we’re grateful for the creativity and variety our vendors bring to our seasonal market.”

Featured vendors will showcase paintings, drawings, quilling and other paper arts, crocheted gifts and items, beef jerky, maple syrup, handmade wreaths, glass trivets, novelty crayons, tallow products, dog treats, woodwork crafts, rings, socks, fragrance products, lotions, earrings, and baked items.

A snack concession will be available during the market, to benefit the new Pathfinder Village All-Stars team, which is raising funds to participate in adaptive baseball tournaments throughout the country hosted by Casey’s Clubhouse. The Pathfinder team made their debut at this summer’s Casey’s Clubhouse Hall of Fame Tournament at historic Doubleday Field, Cooperstown. Casey's Clubhouse was founded by former MLB All-Star Sean Casey and his wife, Mandy, and provides inclusive sports opportunities for children and athletes with special needs. The organization promotes fitness, teamwork, and the joy of sports, as it works to foster a sense of community and belonging, celebrate abilities, and remove barriers for people of all abilities.

About Pathfinder Village: Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected, livable community in upstate
New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and related disabilities an independent, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. The Village offers highly successful educational and pre-vocational programs, including its post-secondary program, Otsego Academy, and its community-based day services for regional residents. The Village also offers quality services and supports for older persons with intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Pathfinder Village, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the website at pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.