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Virtual Social Group for Adults

with Lauren Holmes

Next session: January 29th, 2026

Free More Info

These Virtual Social Groups for Adults provide a structured, creative, and dynamic environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together, without the hassle of leaving the house or arranging transportation. Lauren Holmes, the facilitator of the group, who is our Virtual Life Skills Specialist, ensures every individual is included in meaningful ways during the group activities. This is also an awesome opportunity to build meaningful relationships with new friends who are both local and from other states in our country.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

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Functional Fitness

with Scott Quaife

Next session: January 29th, 2026

Free More Info

Designed for all ages!  Join us for an educational seminar that will not only address the main health challenges of people with Down syndrome, but also how to address them at every stage of life. Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, our Health and Wellness Coordinator, will discuss a variety of ways to incorporate physical activity into your loved one's daily life, as well as common modifications for exercise, alternatives for footwear and motivational strategies.  

Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT, PNL1 is a dedicated Health and Wellness Coordinator with a passion for helping individuals build sustainable, healthy lifestyles. He studied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Scott is also a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, bringing a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to fitness, nutrition, and behavior change.

If you have any questions please email CJ, at cj@kcdsi.org

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Preschool Rhythm & Play at DSI

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: January 30th, 2026

Free More Info

Preschool Rhythm & Play 

Dates: Jan 30th, March 27th, April 10th

Time:9:30–10:45 AM

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 3–5 

Preschool Rhythm & Play invites young children to move, groove, and explore, alongside their parents, in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. Each session begins with upbeat music and simple dance movements that build coordination, balance, and body awareness. Children will sing, stretch, and move their bodies creatively as they follow along with guided rhythm activities. 

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout sessions led by an Occupational Therapist and OT Students. These hands-on experiences allow kids to explore textures, materials, and tools that support fine motor development, sensory regulation, and confidence through play. 

Designed for all abilities, this class encourages social connection, creativity, and joyful movement—helping preschoolers build important skills while having a blast.

If you have any questions please email alyssa@kcdsi.org

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321go! Adult Wellness Class

with Scott Quaife

Next session: February 2nd to April 13th, 2026

Free More Info

In partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Down Syndrome Innovations is offering the 321go!® program, which encourages healthy lifestyle choices in physical activity, balanced nutrition, and emotional wellness among adults with Down syndrome and their families.                                                                                 

Each session includes an exercise portion and discussion time, which encourages a daily focus on overall well-being. Resources for the program provide education, support goal setting, and foster independent skills.                

Families can learn more about the 321go!® curriculum at: https://ndss.org/321go. Included in this service is a complimentary InBody scan, which requires an appointment at Down Syndrome Innovations in Mission, KS.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

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New Parent Breakfast

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: February 7th, 2026

Free More Info

Dates: Feb 7th, May 2nd, Aug 1st, Nov 7th (Saturdays Only) 

Time: 9am-11am 

Location: DSI 

Description: Join us for one — or all — of our New Parent Breakfasts! 

This welcoming event is designed for new parents and extended family members (prenatal to 2½ years old) to connect with others who have a young child with Down syndrome. 

Meet parents at different stages of their journey, learn about the services and support provided by Down Syndrome Innovations, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly environment. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, exchange resources, and explore our campus. 

Each breakfast also includes a facilitated discussion to help families connect, share experiences, and build community. 

These family connection events are FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners! Breakfast and childcare are provided, so please RSVP so we have adequate accommodations! 

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Caregiver Connection: Aging Years (Virtual)

with Katie Craddock

Next session: February 9th, 2026

Free More Info

Caregiver Connection: Aging Years offers an opportunity for caregivers to discuss resources, strategies, community supports, and challenges related to caring for an aging loved one with Down syndrome.

We understand this is a growing group of 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.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

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Advocating for your Child’s Medical Care

with Dr. Kristie Marble, DO

Next session: February 11th, 2026

Free More Info

This presentation provides a clear overview of what to expect during well-child visits, including current Down syndrome medical guideline recommendations and the core responsibilities of a primary care provider. Key components such as growth and developmental monitoring, routine screenings, immunizations, and anticipatory guidance will be outlined to highlight what high-quality preventive care should include.

The session will also address common pitfalls and misconceptions that medical providers may have—such as missed developmental concerns, inconsistent follow-up of abnormal findings, or gaps in family education—and will describe how to recognize these issues in practice.

Dr. Kristie Marble is a board-certified Pediatrician and a board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist at Children's Mercy Kansas City. In addition to her hospitalist role, she proudly serves as one of the pediatricians in the Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinic. Her dedication to the Down syndrome community is both professional and deeply personal as it was sparked 17 years ago following the birth of her daughter, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome right after birth. This personal journey inspired her to become an expert in the field and commit herself to educating medical professionals. She is now excited to leverage both her clinical expertise and lived experience to support and educate other parents and families navigating their own paths, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations.

If you have any questions please email CJ, at cj@kcdsi.org

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DS-ASD Caregiver Connection Group (Virtual)

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: February 12th, 2026

Free More Info

Caregiver Connection: DS – ASD 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.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

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D.A.D.S. Group

with CJ Vallejo

Next session: February 12th, 2026

Free More Info

The D.A.D.S. Group is excited to welcome Rex Hudler of the Kansas City Royals for a special evening of connection and conversation on February 12th. Rex will share his personal journey and experiences raising a young man with Down syndrome during a one-hour talk designed to encourage, inspire, and support fellow dads. The gathering will take place from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Down Syndrome Innovations, located at 5916 Dearborn Street in Mission, KS. This event offers a meaningful opportunity for fathers to come together, hear a powerful story, and build community in a supportive setting.

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Music, Dance, and Sensory Play at Rough & Bumble

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: February 20th, 2026

Music, Dance, and Sensory Play @ Rough & Bumble

Address: 413 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048

Friday, February 20th from 9:30–10:45 AM

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 0–5

($5 per child, and siblings are welcome)

This is a combo class of Music & Motion and our Rhythm & Play coming together. This class invites young children to move, groove, and explore in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. We will have a private room to start our class for our introductions, music, and rhythm. 

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout and explore the equipment at the play cafe. 

Designed for all abilities, this class encourages social connection, creativity, and joyful movement—helping preschoolers build important skills while having a blast.

If you have any questions please email alyssa@kcdsi.org