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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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Day at the Capitol (Topeka)- In partnership with KCDD

with Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD)

Next session: February 11th, 2026

Free More Info

Kansas families, we want YOU to have an opportunity to share your voice in the 2026 Legislative Session! Make YOUR Voice Heard at KCDD’s 2nd Annual Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas. This event is dedicated to advocacy, fostering connections, and raising awareness about issues that impact people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). 

Down Syndrome Innovations staff will be attending, so let us know if you would like to join and represent your journey with Down syndrome, telling your stories to our state representatives.   

KCDD will kick off the morning with a deep-dive advocacy training (required for all participants) led by our dear friend, Lola Kernell.  We will then spend the majority of the day meeting with our Kansas State Senators & Representatives (note: these meetings will be scheduled in advance by the KCDD team). 

Please register with the KCDD since they are hosting the event.  Registration closes January 7th.  Registration and event details here!

Online registration unavailable
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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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Preschool Rhythm & Play at Rough & Bumble

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: February 20th, 2026

Preschool Rhythm & 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 2–5

($5 per child, and siblings are welcome)

Preschool Rhythm & Play 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

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At Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI), we value independence, self-determination, and high expectations for the people we serve, regardless of their age. We support parents and caregivers with strategies to facilitate independence, foster self-determination, set high expectations, and problem-solve through setbacks and barriers. We recognize that independence looks different for every person with a developmental disability, varying across ages, stages, and environments.

Join Sarah Mai, Executive Director and Occupational Therapist, in Columbia, Missouri, as she guides you through strategies to build skills, adapt tasks and environments, and create opportunities to maximize your loved one's independence. We will discuss skills within DSI’s Lifespan Services Framework for building independence at home and in the community. Together, we can identify barriers to independence and share effective ideas and tools

The caregiver education event will take place between 10:00-11:30am and participants will have the opportunity for a light lunch and caregiver connection immediately following.

DSI will do our best to find a sufficient number of trusted volunteers for childcare for parents who have traveled a long distance with their family or have no other options. If possible, we encourage utilizing your own childcare. Please email sarah@kcdsi.org if you require childcare to attend as a parent.

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Wonderscope Fun for Elementary-Age Kids and Siblings

with CJ Vallejo

Next session: February 21st, 2026

Free More Info

Join us for a fun-filled morning of play, exploration, and connection at Wonderscope! We encourage families to meet up with one another and make new friends. This social time is for kiddos with Down syndrome who are in elementary school, and their siblings, as we want to offer a welcoming and inclusive space in the community for your children to build friendships, develop social skills, and enjoy hands-on learning experiences throughout the museum. 

DSI will cover the cost of entry for all children with Down syndrome and one additional family member (parent and sibling).  Advanced registration is required. 

DSI staff will attend to engage in play with the kids and be a resource to families, however, parent supervision is required for all kids attending. 

We hope to see you there for learning, laughter, and community!

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Family and Friends Trivia Night!

Next session: February 27th, 2026

$250 More Info

SAVE-the-DATE and mark your calendars for Friday evening, February 27, 2026, or register your trivia team today.

Click here to REGISTER or REVIEW MORE DETAILS: 2026 Family and Friends Trivia Night Event Information and Registration

 Trivia team tables begin at $250.00. See event page for more details. 

Gather your team, test your knowledge, and enjoy a night filled with laughter, prizes, and community spirit—all while supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

Additional information:

Food and adult beverages will be served. Adults 21+ only please.Guests will enjoy multiple rounds of general-knowledge trivia, fun table games, silent auction items, and community connection. Trivia will start at 6:45pm 

All funds raised support the innovative programs that empower people with Down syndrome across the lifespan.

Online registration unavailable
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Spring Music and Motion for Little Ones (Central MO)

with Alyssa Jones

Next session: March 2nd to May 29th, 2026

Free More Info

Coming soon with date, time and location! Check back in early January.

Join us for a joyful and engaging class designed for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers! Music & Motion blends tummy time, music, and movement to support early development in a fun, relaxed setting. Each session includes songs, mini instruments, and gentle guided movement — followed by time to connect with other parents over coffee and snacks. 

Whether you’re a new parent or looking to build your village, this is a great space to bond, play, and grow together. 

This service is for babies and toddlers with Down syndrome who are 6 months- 3 years old and caregivers. 

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Self-Advocacy 101 (Workshop for Teens and Adults)

with Sarah Mai

Next session: March 7th, 2026

Free More Info

Teens and adults with Down syndrome are invited to attend this dynamic learning experience to learn about self-determination and self-advocacy, in Columbia, Missouri. Participants will engage in meaningful exercises specifically to add words and specificity to their personal introductions, goals, strengths, preferences, and needs. Visual supports and templates will be introduced, designed by the DSI Lifespan Service Team.  

Parents are encouraged to drop off their teens and adults for the 10-11:30am workshop and then re-join us at 11:30 for a light lunch and to hear their loved one share with them what they have learned. 

This workshop will be facilitated by Sarah Mai, DSI Executive Director and Occupational Therapist, and supported by local O.T. students. 

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Empowering Voices: AAC and Total Communications Strategies

with Katie Craddock

Next session: March 12th, 2026

Free More Info

This presentation introduces practical, easy-to-use tools that help individuals with Down syndrome express themselves more confidently. Caregivers will learn how AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and total communication approaches—like gestures, visuals, signs, and devices—can work together to support understanding, reduce frustration, and build meaningful everyday communication at home and in the community.

Katie Craddock, CCC-SLP is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist dedicated to supporting individuals in developing effective communication skills. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences from the University of Central Missouri and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Rockhurst University. Katie is passionate about providing evidence-based, client-centered therapy to help people of all ages reach their full communicative potential.

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