T-Shirt Deadline is Monday,
9/26 at 6 pm!

Join Us at the Step Up Walk:
Saturday, October 22nd

ARROWHEAD STADIUM – LOT C

Time is running out if you want your Team's Name on the back of your Walk shirt! Be sure to REGISTER by 6 pm on Monday, Sept. 26th! Make sure your family and friends know too!

Gather your family, friends, and supporters to recognize and celebrate the “Dream Team” of people, who are walking alongside your family on this journey! Here is your chance to create a tradition that brings your “Dream Team” together once a year to lift up your loved one and those who have helped along the way!

Attendees will enjoy refreshments and entertainment for all ages, including pony rides, moon walks, mechanical rides, carnival games, live music and dancing and more. The festivities then finish up with the Walk around the Stadium!

Let's Elevate and Celebrate People with Down Syndrome!

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!

While we celebrate people with Down syndrome of all ages, each and every day, as we provide services and supports — we definitely ramp up our efforts, especially through our social media channels, to elevate and celebrate our beloved community! 

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

Follow our social media channels!

Visit our Down Syndrome Awareness Page!

Let's Focus on Health and Wellness!

A Note from Scott Quaife

At Down Syndrome Innovations, we believe it’s critical to equip parents and caregivers with the information they need to promote and maintain an active lifestyle for your loved one with Down syndrome. Encouraging your loved one to take care of his/her physical health is lifelong journey and we are here to help you along the way.

There are so many little things that can result in big change! It is my goal to provide this education and support, so your loved ones with Down syndrome can experience optimal health, independence, and a life full of possibilities!

Thank you to those who attended this seminar in-person or on ZOOM! Stay tuned for more health and wellness presentations!

Did you miss my presentation? Well, be sure to watch it here!  >>

Did you miss our Caregiver Seminar?

We understand that busy schedules often conflict with our events, which is why we are making the resources from this presentation AVAILABLE for you! Download it here  >>

This seminar offered families (targeted for those with loved ones up to 18 years of age) an overview of topics to help position your loved one for living a fulfilling adult life. 

If you have questions or would like to learn more about planning ahead for your loved one, be sure to reach out to Sarah Mai! We are here for you!

In August, Down Syndrome Innovations was thrilled to welcome Kathryn Holmes as Adult Education Specialist to our Team! Kathryn is responsible for overseeing our Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program and staff.

Kathryn brings a wealth of experience to our organization with over 30 years of experience as a special education teacher. In fact, Kathryn developed and implemented a community-based transition program for students with disabilities, ages 18-21, in Kansas City, KS, Public Schools, which resulted in improved post-school outcomes and increased independence for students.

Among her many awards, Kathryn was the recipient of the 2019 KCKPS Secondary Teacher of the Year; 2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year – Region 4 Semi-Finalist; 2015 Rotary Club of KCKS Excellence in Education Award; 2011 Kansas Educator of the Year in Arts and Disabilities; and 2011 Ewing Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award.

Please join us in offering Kathryn a warm welcome!

The Prom is Back!

Hosted by SOAR Special Needs

Supporting Your Educational Journey:
Contact Us for School Support Consultations

Are you in contact with your CDDO (Community Developmental Disabilities Organization)? A CDDO serves as the single point of entry for anyone seeking ID/DD services in their county. They determine eligibility for public funding and services, coordinate access to public services and supports, and maintain a network of affiliated providers in your area.  

If you are not sure how to access your local resources, we recommend finding your CDDO searching your state's directory below and then call the number provided. Let them know you have a loved one with Down syndrome and request an intake appointment. You may not need their services and supports now, but you likely will in the future. We encourage you to reach out now to ensure your family is assigned a case coordinator or put on a waiting list for consideration!

Dine Out for a Great Cause!

Wondering what's for dinner?!
Why not "Dine Out for a Great Cause" at your local KFC!

Now through Oct. 31st, stop by any time to grab a delicious meal and purchase the very generous Coupon Book for $1 – with all proceeds from the Coupon Book benefitting our mission and the families we serve!

Without the generous, philanthropic support of KBP Foods over the last 15 years, we wouldn't have been able to grow our mission to serve people with Down syndrome of ALL ages! 

THANK YOU to everyone at KBP and the awesome KFC restaurants throughout our region, who walk alongside us on this journey of changing the lives of the families we serve, now and for years to come!