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.Â
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.Â
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 older adults to learn essential 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!Â
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.Â
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 getting 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 with us!
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.
The Down Syndrome and Dementia Questionnaire is a tool which will assist families and caregivers in acquiring information on daily functioning skills for a person with Down syndrome. The questionnaire is useful for taking data across a number of years and date collected can be shared with medical professionals should a decline in functioning occur. We recommend families begin taking baseline data at age 30 and keep the documents in an accessible place for various family members to review and refer to over the years. You may wish to consult your primary care physician or neurologist before using the questionnaire as they may have additional advice or measurement tools they recommend
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) provides us with this valuable resource on Aging and Down Syndrome. Adults with Down syndrome, along with their families and caregivers, need accurate information and education about what to anticipate as a part of growing older, so they can set the stage for successful aging. The purpose of this booklet is to help with this process. It is intended to be used by various learners: families, professionals, direct caregivers or anyone concerned with the general welfare of someone with Down syndrome.
Check out our upcoming events for adults!
These weekly ONLINE fitness classes incorporate simple, body weight exercises that can be done from the comfort of home. Workouts are 30 minutes and designed to be engaging and... READ MORE
Down Syndrome Innovations cares about the mental health of our parents and caregivers. Join other caregivers for facilitated discussion, resource sharing, and yoga, all for the purpose of building... READ MORE
Improving emotional well-being and quality of life is a priority within the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations. Join us for this workshop and learn strategies to ensure your loved... READ MORE
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... READ MORE
Designed for supporters of all ages! Join us for a VIRTUAL educational seminar on how to support your self-advocate when navigating their employment journey. Our Employment Coordinator, Amanda Myers,... READ MORE
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... READ MORE
These workouts are inclusive exercise opportunities at various gyms around the Kansas City metro. Workouts are designed to improve functional strength and stamina. These occur at different locations every... READ MORE
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... READ MORE
These 45-minute classes feature workouts tailored to each individual’s goals, abilities, and experience levels. No two people are the same and we believe workouts should align with each person!... READ MORE
Adults with Down syndrome are invited to join our skill-building and social programming that takes place on Tuesday evenings! Sessions are always a balance of continuing education and having... READ MORE
These VIRTUAL Social Groups for adults will focus on providing a structured environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together! Facilitated by Lifespan Services Team member, Lauren... READ MORE
We are on this journey with you, now and throughout your lifespan. Consider us your lifetime provider on this journey.
