Registration Now Open for Summer Playgroups!

Join us for our playgroups that take place on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, beginning June 14th!
 
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!
 
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!.
 
Sessions take place on 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26.

Please note: this service is donor-funded / free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors, grantors, and community partners!

Join Us for Our Next Playgroup
at Wonderscope!

Tuesday, May 23rd
10:00 am – 11:30 am*

Down Syndrome Innovations is partnering with Wonderscope to offer play time for young children with Down syndrome (ages 2-6 year olds) in a dynamic and inclusive environment, where the mission is to spark a lifelong love of learning through the universal and uniting power of play.
 
Families will have the opportunity to participate in a playgroup class and explore the museum exhibits. The play time is a great opportunity for children to learn and develop play skills, and for parents to create special memories with their children and meaningful connections with one another.

There is a cap for this event of 50 people: 25 adults and 25 children. The fee is donor-funded/free for one parent and a child with Down syndrome.

*PLEASE NOTE: As Wonderscope doesn’t offer group events in the evenings or on weekends, we are in the process of exploring other venues to accommodate families with availability only in the evenings and on weekends! Stay tuned!

Please note: this service is donor-funded / free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors, grantors, and community partners!

Registration Now Open for Summer Young Athletes!

(Ages 4 - 7)

In partnership with Special Olympics, Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children. Self-advocates 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.

Schedule:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays (9:00 - 10:00 am)
• 8 Sessions: 6/6, 6/8, 6/13, 6/15, 6/20, 6/22, 6/27, 6/29

 
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 6 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.

Join Us for TWO Opportunities to Learn About Potty Training this Summer!

Join the Down Syndrome Innovations Therapy Team to learn how the developmental domains and learning characteristics of Down syndrome can influence potty training.

Our Therapy Team will identify general evidence-based potty-training strategies and discuss alternative strategies that can be individualized to meet each family’s needs. 

Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!
Join Us for Our Summer "Potty Parties!"

7/15, 7/18 & 7/20
9:00 – 11:00 am

Whether you have just started the potty-training journey or if you have experienced a few bumps in the road, you are invited to join the Pathways team for our very first Potty Party! The team will create natural opportunities for promoting skills needed for toileting success including dressing skills, language concepts, recognizing body sensations, and wiping.
 
Families are welcome to attend just one party or join us for all three parties. The content will be the same for each party. The Pathways team will also be available to help your family create individualized strategies and supports to promote potty-training success.
 
There will also be opportunities for parent connection and self-care

Have You Scheduled Your Complimentary Therapeutic Consultations?

WE HEARD YOU, so we are launching a dual-diagnosis support group!

The DS-ASD Connection is a virtual gathering of caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to a child or adult’s current or potential dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This group is facilitated by Down Syndrome Innovations staff, and we will occasionally invite special guests with expertise in this area.  This is a complimentary caregiver education opportunity, provided in addition to the individualized services we provide directly for individuals with DS-ASD for the purpose of skill-development, improving self-regulation and behavior, and increasing independence.
 
We are providing this group virtually to ensure we are being inclusive of families throughout the region and those who are not able to access transportation, as we understand that facing a dual-diagnosis can already feel isolating in and of itself.  We understand this is a subgroup of the entire population we serve, with unique challenges and experiences, and we hear how important it is for you all to feel connected. We hope that meeting one another in this group will organically open up opportunities for you all to spend time together face to face as you develop meaningful connections with one another.

Please note: these support groups are donor-funded / free for our families, due to the generous support of our donors, grantors, and community partners!

Summer Celebration at
Down Syndrome Innovations!

Saturday, June 10th
9:30 - 11:30 am

Grab your family and friends and join us for Summer Celebration! Stop by any time between 9:30 and 11:30 am to enjoy fun activities, vendors, food, and more!

This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, meet our staff, and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment!

This event is donor-funded / FREE for participants, but please make sure to RSVP so that we may have adequate accommodations!