Front view of girl with down syndrome doing stretching exercises while enjoying exercise at home via online class

*VIRTUAL* Fitness Classes (6 – 18+)

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

  • Days/Times:Mondays, 4:30 - 5 pm; Tuesdays 3:30 - 4 pm (CST)
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to philanthropy!
Caregiver Resiliency and Self-Care Group

Caregiver Resiliency and Self-Care Group

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

  • Day/TimeMondays from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Learn More & Register:Click Here!
  • Fee:FREE
2025 spring mental health education for caregivers and professionals

Workshop: Mental Health and Resiliency in the ID/DD Community

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

  • Date:Tuesday, February 4th
  • Time:6:30 to 8:00 pm | Caregiver Connection Opportunity 6 - 6:30 pm
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:GRANT-FUNDED/FREE - Made possible by funding from Children's Services Fund of Jackson County and Eitas

2025 New & Expectant Parents/Caregivers Gatherings

Join us at one (or all) of our Quarterly, New & Expectant Parents/Caregivers Family Gatherings! This is an opportunity for new parents and extended family members (prenatal – 2... READ MORE

  • 2025 Dates:Feb 8th; May 3rd; Aug 2nd; and Nov 1st
  • Time:9 -11 am
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors, and Community Partners!

Youth Fitness Class (Ages 8 – 12)

Our Youth Fitness Program is designed for 8-12 year olds, guiding them through games and exercises to build their strength, stamina, and agility. The class is led by an... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Thursdays from 5 - 5:45 pm, beginning Jan. 30th
  • Learn More & Submit Interest FormClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!
2025 spring co-regulation groups

Co-Regulation Therapeutic Small Group (for Teens & Adults, 14+)

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

  • Day/Time:Tuesdays at 2:00-3:00 pm or 4:00-5:00 pm
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:Therapeutic Service Fee
2025 spring employment education - virtual

Preparing Kids and Adults with ID/DD for Employment – VIRTUAL

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

  • Date:Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
  • Time7:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Virtual Seminar
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to philanthropy!

Cognitive Aging and ID/DD – Caregiver Consultations

NEW SERVICE! Down Syndrome Innovations is working closely with the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center to share information and increase support for individuals with Down syndrome and other ID/DDs,... READ MORE

Caregiver Connection: Aging Years (On-Site & Virtual Options)

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

  • Groups (On-Site & Virtual Options)Various Dates
  • Times:5:15 - 6:00 pm (Virtual) | 9 - 11 am (On-Site)
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to philanthropy

Community Workouts for Teens and Adults

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

  • Date:Ongoing
  • Time/s:Various Times
  • Location/sVarious Locations: throughout KC region
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:Donor-Funded / FREE

Speech-Language Consultations – Therapeutic Service

Do you or other family members have trouble understanding your child? Are you concerned about limited vocabulary or language delays? Does your child use an alternative or augmentative communication... READ MORE

  • Date:Year-Round
  • Learn MoreClick Here!
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE
2025 spring ds-asd support groups

Caregiver Connection: DS – ASD (Virtual)

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

  • Virtual Groups:Hosted Monthly
  • Day/Time:Wednesday from 5:30 - 6:00 pm on 2/12, 3/12, 4/2, 5/14
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/Donor-funded thanks to the generosity of Step Up Walk donors and grantors

Occupational Therapy Consultations – Therapeutic 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:Year-Round
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

Behavior Consultations – Therapeutic 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:Year-Round
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

Small Group Fitness Training (Teens & Adults)

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

  • DateTuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, beginning Jan. 7th
  • Time10:00 - 10:45 am
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee$44 per Month (1 day/week) OR $88 per Month (2 days/wk)

Social and Skill-Building Groups for Adults (On-Site)

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

  • Date/s:Tuesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, beginning Jan. 28
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission KS 66202
  • To Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!
virtual program for adults

*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! Facilitated by Lifespan Services Team member, Lauren... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, beginning Jan. 30th
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our Step Up Walk donors, Grantors and Community Partners!
Virtual programming for teens

*VIRTUAL* Social Groups for Teens

These VIRTUAL groups focus on providing a structured environment for teens to socialize, learn, and have fun! Facilitated by Lifespan Services Team member, Lauren Holmes. Tuesdays from 5:30 –... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:15 pm, beginning Jan. 28th
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

Children’s Social Skills Group (On-Site, Ages 6-12)

Our Children’s Social Skills Group consists of activities designed to help children develop and practice social skills in a supported setting with their peers, as well as opportunities to... READ MORE

  • Times/Dates:Saturday Mornings, 10:00 - 11:00 am (Multiple Dates)
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by philanthropy

Special Olympics: Young Athletes (4-7 yrs)

 In partnership with Special Olympics, Young Athletes is designed to promote the development of an active lifestyle through play for children between the ages of 4 and 7. Self-advocates... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Wednesdays from 5 - 5:45 pm, beginning Jan. 29th
  • Learn More & Submit Interest FormClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

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:Year-Round
  • 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:Year-Round
  • 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:Year-Round
  • Learn More
  • CostComplimentary / FREE
ready set regulate graphic

Ready, Set, Regulate (Therapeutic Small Groups, Ages 6-13)

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. These therapeutic... READ MORE

  • Days of the WeekTuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:Therapeutic Service Fee
Central Mo holiday party photo

Central MO Social Hours

Join us for our 2025 Family Social Gatherings in Central Missouri! This is an opportunity for families to meet and exchange stories, resources, and fellowship!   Dinner and childcare... READ MORE

  • DateMonthly on Friday
  • Time:6 - 8 pm
  • Learn More & RSVPClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors

Teen Skills Series: Friendships and Community (On-Site, Ages 12-18)

Our Teen Skills Series consists of structured activities and semi-structured free time to help self-advocates aged 12-18 build relationships with friends, spend time in their community, and practice a... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Mondays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, beginning Jan. 27th
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations Campus: 5916 Dearborn Street, Mission KS 66202
  • To Learn More & Register:Click Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!