Caregiver Connection: Aging Years (Virtual)

with Katie Craddock

Next session: February 9th, 2026

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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.

Let’s Talk About Puberty!

with Dr. Kristie Marble, DO

Next session: April 15th, 2026

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This presentation will focus on guiding families and caregivers through healthy, developmentally appropriate conversations about puberty, sexuality, and reproductive health. It will outline when to begin thinking about these topics and provide clear strategies for when and how to discuss them respectfully and age appropriately. Attendees will learn about useful resources—including recommended books, visual supports, and teaching tools—that can make these conversations easier and more accessible.

Overall, this session is designed to help caregivers approach sexual health education with confidence, clarity, and practical tools that support the well-being and autonomy of the individuals they care for.

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

Advocating for your Child’s Medical Care

with Dr. Kristie Marble, DO

Next session: February 11th, 2026

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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

Empowering Voices: AAC and Total Communications Strategies

with Katie Craddock

Next session: March 12th, 2026

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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

Functional Fitness

with Scott Quaife

Next session: January 29th, 2026

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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

Aging, Dementia, Grief, and Down Syndrome: A Parent to Parent Conversation

with Sarah Mai

Next session: April 14th, 2026

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Join us for this meaningful parent-to-parent conversation on aging, dementia, grief and Down syndrome with Buddy and Carolyn Jones, in collaboration with Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI) and KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC). In addition to sharing their family’s personal story, Buddy and Carolyn will encourage other parents to proactively develop a plan for their loved one in anticipation of regression in the aging years and specifically, Alzheimer's disease.

Buddy and Carolyn Jones have been effective trailblazers and system-change advocates throughout their son's entire life, as well as being mentors and supportive friends to so many parents, service providers, and physicians. Additionally, Buddy and Carolyn have remained in close contact with the teams at Down Syndrome Innovations and the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, providing vital parent perspectives on services, interventions, and research.

Now they have chosen to sit down for an intimate conversation with other parents who could face a similar experience with their aging loved one, and ensure no one else feels isolated or without resources in this stage of the journey.

Both DSI and KU ADRC acknowledge the science that nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop evidence of Alzheimer’s disease by late middle age, and therefore our organizations are taking an active role in education, research, services and supports for aging individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers. At the conclusion of this presentation, DSI and KU ADRC will guide families in practical next steps.

All attendees are welcome to come at 6:00pm for a casual caregiver connection time prior to the presentation. DSI will provide drinks and refreshments during this time.

Service providers and medical professionals are welcome to join to learn and observe. However, we will prioritize the questions of caregivers and parents due to time limitations and the goals of the speakers. DSI is available to all community partners as a resource in the area of aging and Down syndrome and follow-up consultation is available.

Thriving Through Adulthood: Daily Living Strategies for Adults with Down Syndrome

with Morgan Hodges

Next session: March 25th, 2026

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As adults with Down syndrome live longer and healthier lives, families and caregivers play an essential role in supporting their independence, safety, and overall well-being. This presentation provides practical, evidence-informed strategies to help adults with Down syndrome successfully navigate the aging process.

Participants will learn how aging may uniquely impact physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional health in individuals with Down syndrome and how to promote daily functioning at home and in the community. The presentation will cover key areas such as adapting activities of daily living, supporting mobility, promoting meaningful engagement, and implementing home and environmental safety strategies.

Caregivers will leave with tools, resources, and simple adaptations they can use right away to enhance quality of life, encourage independence, and ensure a safe and supportive environment as their loved one ages.

Morgan Hodges, OTR/L is a licensed Occupational Therapist committed to helping individuals build independence and improve daily living skills. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas and her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Morgan is passionate about providing client-centered, functional therapy to support meaningful participation in everyday life.

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

A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Career Development

with Amanda Myers

Next session: April 21st, 2026

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Join us for an educational event in the northland of Kansas City on how to support your self-advocate when navigating their employment journey and supporting their career development. Our Director of Employment Services, Amanda Myers, CESP, will share practical tools and strategies to help caregivers guide their loved one from early job preparation to long-term career growth. You'll leave this presentation feeling more prepared and empowered as a partner in your loved one’s employment journey.

Special thanks to Platte County Board of Services for being a funding partner in 2026 and assisting Platte County residents to access vital services and supports through DSI for employment.

Service providers, case managers, and employers, are more than welcome to attend to benefit from this valuable information as well.

Fitness And Nutrition Consultation

with Scott Quaife

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

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This is your opportunity to get your wellness questions answered and receive expert guidance on building proactive strategies that support a more active, healthy lifestyle for your loved one—at no cost to you. These free consultations are available both in person and virtually, making it easy to participate in the way that works best for you and your family. Because every individual is unique, we take the time to understand your loved one’s specific needs and challenges so we can provide personalized, practical recommendations. Whether you’re learning about common health conditions associated with Down syndrome or exploring ways to increase physical activity safely, this session is a meaningful first step toward long-term health and well-being. DSI offers a wide range of fitness and nutrition programs for all ages, and this consultation is an ideal way to explore which options may be the best fit for you and your self-advocate.

After registering, Scott Quaife, our Fitness and Nutrition Coordinator, will contact you to schedule an appointment that works best for your family. Scott is a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer, a Precision Nutrition–certified Nutritionist, and brings nearly a decade of experience training individuals with Down syndrome.

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Neuru: The Command Center for Your Child’s Care

with CJ Vallejo

Next session: April 30th, 2026

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Neuma is a secure, all-in-one platform designed to help families manage the many moving parts of their loved one's care without the overwhelm. We centralize school plans, medical records, and therapy notes into one easy-to-use system, so everything you need is always in one place. You have the ability to import records directly from hospital systems like Advent, Children’s Mercy, St. Luke’s, University of Kansas Health System, and more.

Instead of juggling emails, binders, portals, and paperwork, families can quickly access, organize, and share critical information with teachers, therapists, doctors, and caregivers. Neuma helps ensure everyone on your child’s care team stays informed, aligned, and focused on what matters most: supporting your child’s growth and success.

Built with neurodiverse families in mind, Neuma reduces stress, saves time, and brings clarity to complex care, so families can spend less time managing logistics and more time being present.