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Dedicated Staff Member

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Jessica Fahey

Adult Services Coordinator
Ages 18 - 40

Adulthood

Welcome! Down Syndrome Innovations offers services and support for adults that focus on maximizing independence; integrating in the community; preparing for employment; improving health and wellness, and learning essential social skills. We are on this journey with you now, and throughout the lifespan. Consider us your lifetime partner on this journey. ​

Our services and supports are rooted in our organization’s Six Pillars: Daily Living; Community Engagement; Communication and Social Skills; Health, Wellness and Safety; Self-Advocacy; and Vocational Development.

Get Connected

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.


Your Personalized Newsletter

2023 Newsletters

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. 

Services & Support

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.

Complimentary Consultations (virtual or in-person)

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.

 

Skill-Building Series & Social Programming for Adults

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:

  1. Daily Living
  2. Community Engagement
  3. Communication and Social Skills
  4. Health, Wellness and Safety
  5. Self-Advocacy
  6. Vocational Development
Virtual Options!

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!

Adult Continuing Education
(Daytime program on our Lifelong Learning Campus)

What is ACE?

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. 

ACE Self-Advocate Admission Criteria
  • Applicants must have a diagnosis of Down syndrome
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Able to be supported in a small group learning environment
  • Utilizes the restroom independently
  • Exhibits behavior that is conducive to learning
  • Motivated to gain new skills and experiences
  • Reliable transportation to and from the ACE program
  • Independent in taking any medications required during ACE program hours
Enrollment Options

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.

Hours of Operation

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!

Pathways Therapy Services

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!

Long-Term Planning Consultations

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.

 

Resources

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

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.

Events

Check out our upcoming events for your loved one's age range!

Occupational Therapy Consultations – Pathways Therapy Service

Consider you and your self-advocate’s daily life, the things that occupy your time, and how you engage in the rhythms of life. Do you worry about how to help... READ MORE

  • Date:2023 Ongoing
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

A Night at Kelly’s!

FEE: This event is complimentary/free thanks to the generosity of Kelly’s Westport Inn! RSVP Below... READ MORE

  • DateWednesday, May 17th
  • Time:5:30 - 8:00 PM
  • LocationKelly's Westport Inn: 500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Learn More & RSVPClick Here
  • FeeComplimentary / FREE due to the generosity of Kelly's!

Caregiver Educational Series – March to Independence: A Parent-to-Parent Guide for Preparing for the Future

Down Syndrome Innovations is pleased to host Steve & Gwendolyn Friedman’s seminar, “March to Independence.” The Friedman’s have compiled an essential reference guide for families with Down syndrome. They... READ MORE

  • Date:Thursday, April 27th
  • Time:6:30 to 8:00 pm
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Register Here
  • Learn More
  • Price:Complimentary / FREE

KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair

The Transition Academy, Down Syndrome Innovations, and Sherwood Autism Center invite you to the 2023 KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair!   This is the city’s only metro wide... READ MORE

Behavior Consultations – Pathways Therapy Service

Do behavior challenges make it difficult to complete daily routines such as getting ready for school or going to bed? Do you avoid activities or places because you fear... READ MORE

  • Date:2023 Ongoing
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

Spring – Small Group Fitness Training (for Adults)

NEW SERVICE! Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join us for personalized workout classes, focusing on building foundational strength and functional skills. Each class is limited to 6... READ MORE

  • DateMondays & Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 20th
  • Time10:00 - 10:45 am
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee$16 per session

Spring Social and Skill-Building Groups for Adults (In Person)

Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our spring skill-building and social programming that takes place on alternating Tuesday evenings, beginning February 21st!   Session topics include: 2/21... READ MORE

  • Date/s:Alternating Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 21st
  • Time::6:00 - 8:00 PM
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS 66202
  • Register
  • Learn More
  • Price:Complimentary / FREE

Spring *VIRTUAL* Social Groups for Adults

These VIRTUAL Social Groups for adults will focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together!   Sessions will feature the following topics:... READ MORE

  • Dates:Thursdays, beginning Feb. 23rd
  • Time:5:30 - 6:30 pm
  • Learn More & Register
  • Price:Complimentary / FREE

Spring Social Engagement: Therapeutic Small Groups

Social Engagement is a therapeutic service focuses on providing a supported environment where teens and adults with Down syndrome can learn and practice social skills through specialized instruction from... READ MORE

  • Days/Times
  • Option 1Mondays: 4:00 - 5:00 pm, beginning Feb. 20th
  • Option 2Tuesdays: 4:00 - 5:00 pm, beginning Feb. 21st
  • Learn More & Register
  • Price8 Sessions for $200 Therapeutic Sessions

Health and Wellness Consultations

~Health & Wellness Consultations~ Would you like to talk to a health and wellness professional who understands Down syndrome to develop proactive strategies for incorporating more activity into your... READ MORE

  • Date:Spring 2023
  • Learn More
  • CostComplimentary / FREE

Employment Consultations

~Employment Consultations~ Is your self-advocate preparing for employment or needing support in their current job? Down Syndrome Innovations has a certified employment support professional to help your family navigate... READ MORE

  • Date:Winter 2022 - 2023
  • Learn More
  • CostComplimentary / FREE

Long-Term Planning Consultations

~Long-Term Planning Consultations~ We are committed to preparing your loved one with Down syndrome for a meaningful, productive, and authentic adult life! This requires future planning for parents and... READ MORE

  • Date:Winter 2022 - 2023
  • Learn More
  • CostComplimentary / FREE
Ages 18 - 40

Adulthood

Welcome self-advocates (adults with Down syndrome) and parents and caregivers! Down Syndrome Innovations offers opportunities for adults that focus on maximizing independence, integrating in the community, preparing for employment, increasing health and wellness, and learning essential social skills.

We are on this journey with you, now and throughout your lifespan. Consider us your lifetime provider on this journey.