Our Lifespan Services Team created our Lifespan Services Framework, which is the core of how we approach our mission and our work.
This Framework is a person-centered framework where the entire course of our services and supports—across their lifespan—revolves around the story, preferences, strengths, uniqueness, needs and available support system of each individual we serve. It is a dynamic framework evolving across any age or lifespan stage. When applying this framework, our Team ensures that we are addressing 7 key skills geared towards advancing the individual within their home and community life: Communication, Social-Emotional Skills, Daily Living, Vocational Development, Community Engagement, Health and Wellness, and Safety.
Have you filled out our contact form?
We encourage you to fill out our contact form so a member of our team can follow up with you and recommend relevant services and supports, and we can add you to our mailing list.
It is especially critical that we have the birth date of your loved one with Down syndrome. Birth dates are very important as they guide us in which services and supports to recommend to families at each stage of adulthood.
We will follow up with you promptly after we receive your contact form, but you are welcome to message us directly as well, as we want to be responsive to your needs.
Wherever you are on your journey, our expert Lifespan Services Team is with you continually finding new ways to offer innovative services for every age and season of life.
Down Syndrome Innovations offers adult services and supports that focus on maximizing independence; integrating into the community; preparing for employment; increasing health and wellness; and learning essential social skills.
We can schedule time with you to get to know the needs of your adult loved one and all of the caregivers involved in his or her life. We will discuss services and supports relevant to this stage of the journey. We want to make the process of engaging with our organization as easy as possible for your family. If you are not sure what you need or how we can help, signing up for a consultation is the best step forward. There is something we can do at every step of the journey to support your family.
Every quarter, we offer weekly, complimentary/free programming for adults to learn essential new skills, while also gaining important social skills by interacting among their peers. Our programming is a great way to make new friends, gain independence, enjoy movement and physical activity, and best of all, have fun! Each quarter, we have a different theme, such as preparing for employment, kitchen skills, living a healthy lifestyle, and more!
Each quarter’s sessions then culminate with a celebratory event for adults to gather and have fun!
Our services and supports are rooted in our organization’s Six Pillars:
We understand that there can be barriers to attending in-person services, which is why we also offer virtual options for adults with Down syndrome! Each quarter, we host Virtual Social Groups that focus on providing a structured environment for adults to socialize, learn, and have fun! Visit our events page to sign up!
The Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program is our very own specialized education day program provided for adults with Down syndrome, aiming to maximize independence and promote productive community participation. Educational opportunities are based around our six Pillars of Programming: Daily Living, Communication and Social Skills, Community Engagement, Health, Wellness, and Safety, Self-Advocacy, and Vocational Development.
We understand that each adult is unique and looking for their own experience from the ACE program. We have developed service options to meet your needs. All enrollment options receive access to the specialized programming, social networking activities, community engagement opportunities, and guest presentations as part of ACE’s unique schedule. Fill out our contact form below to request an appointment to discuss the ACE enrollment options as related to the needs of your adult participant.
ACE operates Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:30pm. Enrollment is available for full-time or part-time. Options are limited based on current enrollment. Self-advocates enroll for a minimum of a full quarter (3 months).
Learn more about our Adult Continuing Education Program.
If you are interested in signing up, the first step is to get connected with us!
Down Syndrome Innovations offers interdisciplinary, family-centered therapeutic services to promote long-term success for teens with Down syndrome.
The Pathways team includes an occupational therapist (OT), a speech-language pathologist (SLP), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The therapy team works by bringing together their unique, yet complementary, perspectives to help support skill acquisition across the home and community. Our team utilizes the Down Syndrome Innovations’ Lifespan Framework to guide goals and interventions across services.
Some services are designed for coaching caregivers and others are designed for direct intervention for your teen with Down syndrome. Pathways therapy services may take place on our Lifelong Learning Campus in Mission, KS or through teletherapy.
Learn more about Pathways Therapies
If you are interested in learning more or signing up, the first step is to get in touch us!
We are committed to preparing teens with Down syndrome for a meaningful, productive, and authentic adult life in the future. This requires providing assistance to parents and caregivers for future planning. This service provides individualized support to parents and caregivers to better prepare for the transition towards adulthood. Tasks and exercises may include contacting your local CDDO, applying for public funding, accessing local ID/DD services, learning about supported decision making, and defining action steps towards long-term goals. Our Lifespan Service Team will help you prioritize and plan according to your teen’s age and your family’s specific situation.
Down Syndrome Innovations provides essential, vetted resources to adult self-advocates, and parents and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome.
Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at University of Kansas Medical Center supports the medical needs of individuals with Down Syndrome within adulthood. The Adults with Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic can serve as a medical home where you can establish an ongoing relationship with a personal health care provider to provide comprehensive, accessible and continuous care.
Tuesdays 5:00 – 5:45 pm or 6:00 – 6:45 pm Lifelong Learning Campus: 5916 Dearborn Street, Mission KS Learn More About Health & Wellness Services $21 per month for... READ MORE
Tuesday, June 24-Thursday, June 26 9:30 – 11:30 am (each day) Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS $67.50 for 3-day workshop *Jackson County and Platte County residents,... READ MORE
Tuesday, June 10-Thursday, June 12 9:30 – 11:30 am (each day) Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS $100 for 3-day workshop *Jackson County and Platte County residents,... READ MORE
Tuesday, July 15-Thursday, July 17 9:30 – 11:30 am (each day) Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS $100 for 3-day workshop *Jackson County and Platte County residents,... READ MORE
Tuesday, July 22-Thursday, July 24 9:30 – 11:30 am (each day) Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS $90 for 3-day workshop *Jackson County and Platte County residents,... READ MORE
Thursday, June 12 6:30 – 8:00 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW Join us for an informative session focused on... READ MORE
Mondays, 4:30 – 5:00 pm, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 4:00 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW These weekly ONLINE fitness classes... READ MORE
Viernes 23 de mayo (Friday, May 23) 6:30 – 8:00 pm Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS Gratuito (Complimentary) REGISTER NOW Nos complace invitarlo a un evento... READ MORE
Tuesday, July 29 6:30 – 8:00 pm Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS Complimentary REGISTER NOW Ensuring your loved one has the financial resources required to meet... READ MORE
Tuesday, July 22 6:30 – 8:00 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save... READ MORE
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Second Annual Down Syndrome Innovations Trivia Night! 🎉 It was an unforgettable evening filled with trivia, laughter, and... READ MORE
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... READ MORE
Mondays:June 9, July 14 & August 11 5:15 – 6:00 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW Caregiver Connection: Aging Years... READ MORE
Saturdays – Ongoing Various gyms in KC metro Complimentary SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST These workouts are inclusive exercise opportunities at various gyms around the Kansas City metro. Workouts are designed... READ MORE
Wednesdays: June 11, July 9 & July 13 5:30 – 6:00 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW Caregiver Connection: DS... READ MORE
Wednesday, June 11 5:30 – 7:30 pm Kelly’s Westport Inn 500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO Complimentary RSVP NOW Friends and families are invited to mingle and dance at... READ MORE
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 10:00 – 10:45 am Lifelong Learning Campus: 5916 Dearborn Street, Mission KS Learn More About Health & Wellness Services $44 per month for 1 day/week... READ MORE
Tuesdays:June 17 & 24July 8, 15 & 22 6:00 – 8:00 pm Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS Complimentary REGISTER NOW Adults are invited to attend our... READ MORE
Thursdays: June 5, 12 & 26, July 10, 17 & 24 5:30 – 6:30 pm VIRTUAL – a Zoom link will be provided to registered families Complimentary REGISTER NOW... READ MORE
Saturday, October 4 10:00am-2:00pm Truman Sports Complex l Kauffman Stadium Lot A 1 Royals Way Kansas City, MO 64129 REGISTER NOW SAVE THE DATE Registration Opening Soon! Please join... READ MORE
Saturday, December 6 Open House 9:00am-11:30am Down Syndrome Innovations 5916 Dearborn Mission, KS 66202 REGISTER NOW SAVE THE DATE Registration Opens This Fall! ‘Tis the Season! Pack up your... READ MORE
We are on this journey with you, now and throughout your lifespan. Consider us your lifetime provider on this journey.
