Registration Now Open for our Teen Skills Series: Building and Maintaining Friendships!

(On-Site)!

Teens with Down syndrome are invited to join our skill-building series Mondays from 4:30 - 6:00 pm!

Programming will consist of structured activities and semi-structured free time to help self-advocates develop and practice social skills, independent leisure skills, and engaging in activities with friends.

Dates of Service: 2/26, 3/4, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6

*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Join Us for Our Winter *VIRTUAL* Social Groups for Teens!

Join us for our Virtual Social Groups for teens that take place on Tuesdays from 5:00 - 5:45 pm! Facilitated by staff member, Lauren Spector, these online Social Groups focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!

Sessions take place: 2/27, 3/5, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7

*This service is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Get Moving on the Weekends:
Join Us for Our Community Workouts!

(Teens & Adults)

Join us for inclusive exercise opportunities at various gyms around the Kansas City metro! Workouts are designed to improve functional strength and stamina. These occur at different locations every month on Saturdays.

There are limited spots available for every self-advocate to receive sufficient support and coaching. Athletes are expected to be able to follow instructions and a structured routine for a safe and meaningful exercise experience for all, and therefore there is a maximum number of participants per class.

Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and based on commitment to the scheduled times. After submitting an interest form, our Health and Wellness Coordinator will contact you to discuss your options for community workout participation in your local area.

Now Enrolling: Social Engagement!

(Therapeutic Small Groups for Teens/Adults)

Social Engagement is a therapeutic service focused on providing a supported environment where teens and adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from members of our therapy team.

The group uses theatre to promote teamwork, conflict resolution, and social perspective taking. Our final session will include a small production for families.

SCHEDULE

• Mondays from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
• Dates of service: 2/26, 3/4, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6

These groups take place at our Lifelong Learning Campus at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS.

The fee for this therapeutic service is $220 for 8 Therapeutic Sessions.

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.

Dates of Service: 2/14, 3/6, 4/10

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.

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our team understands that teaching your teen/adult with Down syndrome about relationships and dating can feel very overwhelming. Using materials from the evidence-based curriculum, members of our Pathways Therapy Team (who are Elevatus-trained sexuality educators) will provide information on different types of relationships (family, friends, significant others, community helpers, and strangers), consent, public vs. private, moving from friends to dating, and expected behavior at school dances.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited so be sure to submit an Interest Form! Once the Workshop is full, we will notify those who are on the waiting list.

*This Workshop is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our Team understands how daunting the process can be to apply for Medicaid. Your loved one has the right to this public benefit, and completing the process opens doors to critical services and supports that are often needed in their adult years.

Join this caregiver education workshop to get a walk-thru of the Medicaid application and receive professional consultation from Sarah Otto, an experienced case manager, a vital partner of Down Syndrome Innovations, and a great advocate of people with Down syndrome. This workshop is recommended for parents and caregivers of individuals who are 16 years and older and anticipating the transition to adulthood, and those over 18 years old who have not yet applied for Medicaid.

*This Workshop is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our team understands that teaching your loved one with Down syndrome about puberty, sexuality, and relationships can feel very overwhelming.

Using materials from the evidence-based curriculum, members of our Pathways Therapy Team (who are Elevatus-trained sexuality educators) will provide general information on how to navigate these challenging topics.
 
There will be opportunities for discussion and problem solving for your family’s unique needs. This workshop is appropriate for caregivers of self-advocates of all ages.

NOTE: it is highly recommended that you attend ALL sessions for the full benefit of this education!

*This Workshop is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Do you or other family members have trouble understanding your child? Are you concerned about limited vocabulary or language delays? Does your child use an alternative or augmentative communication system? Communication challenges can impact every aspect of independence, safety, and learning. We are here to support your family!

Our Speech Language Pathologist, Katie Craddock, will provide an in-depth seminar supporting and honoring total communication for your family and loved ones with Down syndrome. Katie is skilled at providing practical supports to promote communication within your home and community. Katie has 14 years of experience as a SLP in the education, healthcare, and long-term care settings. Her areas of interest include augmentative and alternative means of communication (AAC), social/emotional communication, literacy, self-advocacy, and transition. 

“ I have a passion for working with individuals of all ages to build expressive, receptive, and social language skills—I believe that learning is a lifelong process,” says Katie. 

*This Educational Seminar is FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our donors from the Step Up Walk, our Grantors, and our Community Partners!*

Join Us for TWO Celebrations in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day!

THAT'S RIGHT, TWO CELEBRATIONS IS BETTER THAN ONE! We want to elevate and celebrate your loved one with Down syndrome and make it count this year, which is why we have 2 opportunities for you to join in the celebration! 

*These events are FREE (donor-funded) thanks to our sponsors, donors and our Community Partners!*

Our 2024 Caregiver Conference about Life Transitions last weekend was a hit! 

Thank you for coming out and immersing yourselves in a day of educations, resources and connection with other families! Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, KU ADRC, and our other sponsors for helping to ensure we could offer this all-day Conference for FREE!