Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is THIS SATURDAY, Oct. 22nd!

In a few days, we will come together to elevate and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome at Arrowhead Stadium! Here are a few things to note:

• Online Registration is open until 5 pm THIS FRIDAY, Oct. 21st, so get those last-minute registrations/donations in ASAP!
• T-shirt pick up is this week, ask your Team Captain for more details!

We can't wait to STEP UP with you!

Registration Now Open for Winter Playgroups!

Our Winter Playgroups begin November 16th! Playgroups are designed to promote development and learning for children with Down syndrome. Created by our Pathways Therapy Team, our Playgroups feature activities that help children learn through play and exploration!

Winter Schedule:

*Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm*
Sessions: 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1

*Fridays from 8:30 – 9:30 am*
Sessions: 11/18, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 2/3

Playgroups also offer parents a unique opportunity to build connections with one another! When multiple families participate, parents often exchange numbers and stay connected! It’s a space for parents to connect and kids to play!

Please note: Playgroups are complimentary/free for our families due to the generous support of our donors and grantors.

Limited Spots Available for Special Olympics: Young Athletes!

In partnership with Special Olympics, we are hosting Winter Young Athletes that takes place on Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:00 pm.

Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children between the ages of 4 and 7. Participants will engage in a variety of activities and games alongside their peers targeted towards gross motor and social skill development. The first and final sessions are required.

We will host 8 Sessions for Winter 2022-2023: November 17, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and January 5, 12, 19.

NOTE: please sign up to indicate that you are interested in the Young Athletes program. There are limited spots available in order for every child to receive sufficient support and instruction, and there will be a maximum of 8 children per class this season. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times and meeting of age and documentation criteria. 

Please note: Young Athletes is complimentary/free for our families due to the generous support of our donors and grantors.

“SeeInMe” Technology for Trusted Care
~Caregiver Education Series~

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Virtual Event: 6:00 - 6:45 pm
(Zoom link will be provided to registered participants)
On-Site Event: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
(For hands-on experience with technology)

Down Syndrome Innovations invites you to learn about SeeInMe, a newly created technology tool for families, featuring:

• Easy tap or scan technology
• Instant Familiarity
• Instant Advocacy
• Supports safety and effective transitions

In this Caregiver Education Seminar, you will have the opportunity to learn more from founder, Risa Stein, clinical psychologist, mother of a neurodivergent son, and community champion for people with Down syndrome. She created SeeinMe so those who love, serve, and work with vulnerable individuals could advocate for and relate to them on a personal level across all environments of their daily life.

Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, this event is complimentary/free for our families.

October is the nationally recognized month to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome by creating awareness about Down syndrome, while also uplifting our community by sharing the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome from all over the world!

Be sure to like/follow our social media channels to see (and share!) our posts throughout this month!

Get to Know Our Talented Staff! 

During #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth our focus is to elevate and celebrate people with Down syndrome! We hope you will take a moment to get to know Mandy Vandever!

Mandy has worked for us since July and does a tremendous job as our Administrative Assistant, who keeps our organization running smoothly while also working at our Front Desk!

Thank you, Mandy, for your incredible work ethic and positive attitude that contribute to our progress and wonderful work culture - we appreciate your talents!

Family Holiday Parties at Down Syndrome Innovations!

‘Tis the Season! Pack up your sleigh and your immediate family and join us at Down Syndrome Innovations for a celebration of the ages! Enjoy festive snacks, activities, pictures with Santa, and connecting with other families!!

NEW THIS YEAR! For your family’s convenience, we have three event options to make scheduling this busy time of year a bit easier! We are also hosting the Family Holiday Parties at our new office in Mission, KS!

Option 1: Thursday, Dec. 8th from 5-7 pm

Option 2: Friday, Dec. 9th from 3 - 5 pm

Option 3: Saturday, Dec. 10th from 9 - 11 am

Registration COMING SOON! Stay updated by visiting the event page!

Please note: due to the generous support of our donors and grantors, these events are complimentary/free for our participants.

Community Connection Event in Manhattan, Kansas!

Shout out to community mobilizer, Briana Goff, a parent leader in Manhattan, who organized a wonderful event for families in the Flint Hills area! Briana reserved the Alma Pumpkin patch and hosted 82 people at this community connection event!

Thank you, Briana, for bringing everyone together — we appreciate your leadership!