Caregiver Connection: Aging Years (Virtual)

with Katie Craddock

Next session: January 1st to December 31st, 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.

Class has begun

Co-Regulation 2:00 PM (Therapeutic Small Group)

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: January 20th to April 21st, 2026

$355 More Info

(See information below about Fees-for-Service if you would like to register today without payment.)

Our Co-Regulation Therapeutic Groups are geared towards self-advocates and caregivers who need to find shared language and shared strategies to work through big emotions. Self-advocate participants must be at least 14 years old. One caregiver (preferably someone who lives in the home or spends a significant amount of time with the self-advocate) will be required to attend each session.

During each session, caregivers and self-advocates will participate in both 1:1 and group learning activities to build emotional regulation skills including identifying body sensations and emotions, engaging in mindful movement, selecting appropriate solutions to everyday challenges, and identifying expected behavior across home and community.

GROUP CAPACITY: Each group will be capped at 8 families. Families will be notified if the group is full and a waiting list has been started.

Tuesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. This group meets on the following dates:1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, and 4/21.

FEES-for-SERVICE/PAYMENT: No payment is necessary at this time. Please bypass the payment system by indicating at checkout that you would like to “Pay by Cash”. The Intake Specialist will contact you to discuss the service and your payment options in more detail. Billing will occur following completion of a service agreement and a commitment to attend the entire series of sessions. Monthly payment plans are available for all attendees. Grant funding is currently available for eligible Jackson and Platte County residents.

If you have questions about this service prior to registration, please contact jack@kcdsi.org

Co-Regulation 4:00 PM (Therapeutic Small Group)

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: January 20th to April 21st, 2026

$355 More Info

(See information below about Fees-for-Service if you would like to register today without payment.)

Our Co-Regulation Therapeutic Groups are geared towards self-advocates and caregivers who need to find shared language and shared strategies to work through big emotions. Self-advocate participants must be at least 14 years old. One caregiver (preferably someone who lives in the home or spends a significant amount of time with the self-advocate) will be required to attend each session.

During each session, caregivers and self-advocates will participate in both 1:1 and group learning activities to build emotional regulation skills including identifying body sensations and emotions, engaging in mindful movement, selecting appropriate solutions to everyday challenges, and identifying expected behavior across home and community.

GROUP CAPACITY: Each group will be capped at 8 families. Families will be notified if the group is full and a waiting list has been started.

Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. This group meets on the following dates:1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, and 4/21.

FEES-for-SERVICE/PAYMENT: No payment is necessary at this time. Please bypass the payment system by indicating at checkout that you would like to “Pay by Cash”. The Intake Specialist will contact you to discuss the service and your payment options in more detail. Billing will occur following completion of a service agreement and a commitment to attend the entire series of sessions. Monthly payment plans are available for all attendees. Grant funding is currently available for eligible Jackson and Platte County residents.

If you have questions about this service prior to registration, please contact jack@kcdsi.org

Request an Intake for Mental Health Services

with Jack Anderson

Next session: January 1st to December 31st, 2026

Free More Info

People with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities deserve investment in their mental health. Our specialized mental health services, provided by licensed and certified therapists, improve quality of life and daily functioning by teaching skills related to the following topics: emotional resiliency, conflict and stress, grief and loss, acceptance of diagnosis, and transitions across the lifespan. Services are provided directly to the individuals with ID/DD, with additional supports included to increase caregiver resiliency and support the entire family’s emotional well-being. Therapists will use a strengths-based approach focusing on solutions for daily life.

Completing this registration will inform us you are interested in an intake conversation to discuss your loved one's needs and learn more about how our services can support your family.

Johnson County residents may inquire about our partnership with Johnson County Mental Health, which allows for insurance to be used for services provided by the JCMH Counselor on our campus.

Our intake process is complimentary. Fees-for-service for the elected service and the available funding subsidies will be discussed in the intake. Families sign a service agreement prior to any billing. Payment plans are available.

Jackson County residents may receive services at no cost if eligible, as a result of active grant funding provided by Children's Services Fund of Jackson County and EITAS.

Class has begun

Ready, Set, Regulate (Therapeutic Small Group)

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: January 20th to April 28th, 2026

$355 More Info

(See information below about Fees-for-Service if you would like to register today without payment.)

Designed and facilitated by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Ready, Set, Regulate offers caregivers and self-advocates the opportunity to participate in both 1:1 and group learning activities. This therapeutic small group is geared towards children ages 5-13 years old and their parents or caregivers, who need to find shared language and shared strategies to work through big emotions.

Sessions focus on building emotional regulation skills, including: identifying emotions, selecting appropriate solutions to everyday challenges, and identifying expected behavior across home and community.

PLEASE NOTE: One caregiver (preferably someone who lives in the home or spends a significant amount of time with the self-advocate) is required to attend each session. 6 participants max. Families will be notified if the group is full and a waiting list has been started.

Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. This group meets on the following dates:1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, and 4/21.

FEES-for-SERVICE/PAYMENT: No payment is necessary at this time. Please bypass the payment system by indicating at checkout that you would like to “Pay by Cash”. The Intake Specialist will contact you to discuss the service and your payment options in more detail. Billing will occur following completion of a service agreement and a commitment to attend the entire series of sessions. Monthly payment plans are available for all attendees. Grant funding is currently available for eligible Jackson and Platte County residents.

If you have questions about this service prior to registration, please contact jack@kcdsi.org

DS-ASD Caregiver Connection Group (Virtual)

with Megan DeBoom

Next session: January 1st to December 31st, 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.

Class has begun

Request Intake for Skill-Building Therapies (OT, SLP, BCBA)

with Jack Anderson

Next session: January 1st to December 31st, 2026

Free More Info

We offer family-centered, strengths-based therapeutic services designed to promote long-term success to people with Down syndrome in their unique home and community life. Our dynamic therapy sessions focus on functional, community-based and home-based skills in the domains of community participation, communication, life transitions, social/emotional, sensory, and activities of daily living. Our therapy team includes an occupational therapist (OT), a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Children, teens, and adult self-advocates will work with a therapist on goals that are meaningful to your family.

Completing this registration will inform us you are interested in an intake conversation to discuss your loved one's needs and learn more about how our services can support your family.

Our intake process is complimentary. Fees-for-service for the elected service and the available funding subsidies will be discussed in the intake. Families sign a service agreement prior to any billing. Payment plans are available.

Class has begun

Mental Health & Resiliency in the ID/DD Community

with CJ Vallejo

Next session: April 6th to December 18th, 2026

Free More Info

This Caregiver Education event will be offered multiple times during the 2026 service year. Dates and locations coming soon, so check back in, or go ahead and register and we will send you current information.

Trailblazing best practices in mental health services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities is a priority within the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations. Join this workshop and learn strategies to ensure your loved one, or the people you serve, are living their best lives. Megan DeBoom, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Lisa Lind, licensed clinical social worker, will demonstrate strategies for healthy coping and emotional regulation that can be used by members of your family and service providers on your team. You will walk away with visual supports and ideas that you can implement right away to ensure that you, the ones you love, and the ones you serve, are equipped to manage stress and navigate the challenges of everyday life. Instruction is relevant for supporters of individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities of all ages and stages.

Topics covered will include, but not limited to:

• A strengths-based approach to emotional well-being

• Research and best practices for the ID/DD community

• Building protective factors for health and wellness

• Family resiliency and healthy coping

• Co-regulation of emotions

• Skills related to managing conflict and relationships

• Grief, loss, and stressful transitions

• Self-care and wellness

Special thanks to grant funding from Children's Services Fund of Jackson County and EITAS, for providing life-changing funds that allow Jackson County residents to access critical mental health services and providing the means for us to offer these workshops to families and service providers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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

Caregiver Consultations via Teletherapy for Central MO (OT, SLP, BCBA)

with Jack Anderson

Next session: January 12th to December 18th, 2026

Free More Info

Due to local philanthropic funding, every central Missouri family with a loved one with Down syndrome qualifies for a single therapeutic caregiver consultation this year at no cost, provided via telehealth. Consultations occur by scheduled appointments that occur during daytime hours on weekdays.

During the appointment, a Down-syndrome specialized therapist (OT, BCBA, SLP, or LCSW) will provide a skilled consultation discussing strategies that will assist with the expressed need, which may include toilet training, behavioral or emotional concerns, sensory challenges, or difficulties with activities of daily living.

Completing this registration will inform us you are interested in this service and following review of your information, the Intake Specialist will contact you for scheduling.