World Down Syndrome Day Celebration (Central Missouri)

Next session: March 21st, 2026

Free More Info

Join us at the ARC (1701 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203) on Saturday, March 21, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. as we come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

We’ll enjoy a fun and inclusive pool party, with pizza provided for everyone. Families and friends are welcome to bring desserts to share. To help keep everyone safe and included, please label all ingredients, as some individuals have food allergies or dietary needs.

We look forward to celebrating our community, connections, and belonging together!

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.

Community Workouts

with Scott Quaife

Current session: December 13th, 2025 to December 19th, 2026

Free More Info

These inclusive community workouts take place at various gyms across the Kansas City metro and are designed to improve functional strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Sessions take place on Saturdays at a consistent rotation of gyms, with each location hosting the same weekend every month—making it easy to plan and stay active in your local community.

After registering, our Fitness and Nutrition Coordinator will contact you to discuss the best options for community workout participation in your area.

Spots are limited to ensure each self-advocate receives sufficient support and coaching. Participants are expected to follow instructions and a structured routine to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for all. Maximum class sizes are enforced to maintain quality and safety.

Enrollment is handled on a first-come, first-served basis and based on commitment to the scheduled times. When classes are full, a waiting list will be created for future opportunities.

Class has begun

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

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!

321 Fit – a fitness event for all ages!

with Scott Quaife

Next session: April 18th, 2026

Free More Info

SAVE-the-DATE for now because you don't want to miss this event! This event posting will be updated in January with more details. Stay tuned to our social media and email announcements.

Hosted by Down Syndrome Innovations, Special Olympics Kansas, and The University of Kansas Medical Center, 321 Fit is a fitness event for all ages that features interactive fitness stations, presentations from self-advocates, a caregiver session, Zumba, healthy snacks, giveaways, and booths from local organizations and businesses serving the Down syndrome community.

This event is designed not only to inspire your self-advocate to be active and healthy, but also allows them to participate in it right away! There is something for all ages, abilities, and interests! We hope to see you there to continue you on your fitness journey with us!

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration (Kansas City)

Next session: March 21st, 2026

Free More Info

World Down Syndrome Day is Saturday, March 21st and we are hosting a party for all of our families in midtown Kansas City! This event posting will be updated in January with more details. Stay tuned to our social media and email announcements. SAVE-the-DATE for now because you don't want to miss this event!

Caregiver Resiliency and Self-Care Group

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: January 26th to May 18th, 2026

Free More Info

Down Syndrome Innovations cares about the mental health of our parents and caregivers. Join other caregivers for a facilitated discussion, resource sharing, and yoga, all to build your resiliency and take better care of yourself.

This group is open to caregivers with loved ones of all ages and IDD diagnoses. Caregivers can include parents, grandparents, adult siblings, or other members of the loved one’s community of support. This is a great opportunity to build connections, learn about community resources, and recharge.

The caregiver group will meet on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on the following dates:1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, and 5/11.

GROUP CAPACITY: 12 participants max

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

Conexión Familiar

with CJ Vallejo

Free More Info

¡Los invitamos cordialmente a nuestra primera Conexión Familiar de 2026!

Nos complace contar nuevamente con la participación de nuestros amigos de KUARDC, quienes nos acompañarán para ofrecer una presentación sobre nutrición. Nuestro Coordinador de Fitness y Nutrición, Scott Quaife, ha preparado una presentación enfocada en la importancia de una nutrición adecuada para las personas con síndrome de Down. El equipo de KUARDC, Jaime Perales Puchal y Kelly Loeb, se encargará de traducir y presentar esta información.

Este evento se llevará a cabo más adelante en 2026, por lo que les recomendamos registrarse para recibir recordatorios cuando se acerque la fecha. Se ofrecerán refrigerios.

Si tienen alguna pregunta, por favor escriban a CJ al correo electrónico cj@kcdsi.org.

¡Les deseamos un excelente día!