Post-Secondary Transitions: Navigating the IEP Process for a Successful Future (VIRTUAL)

Post-Secondary Transitions: Navigating the IEP Process for a Successful Future – VIRTUAL

This seminar will focus on providing parents and caregivers with a clear understanding of the IEP transition process, from the legal requirements to the best practices for ensuring a... READ MORE

  • Date:Wednesday, April 23rd
  • Time6:30 -8:00 pm
  • Virtual SeminarZoom Link sent to registered participants
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to philanthropy!
Promoting Health and Hygiene: Empowering Women with Down Syndrome

Promoting Health and Hygiene: Empowering Women with Down Syndrome

Join us for an informative session focused on women’s health and hygiene facilitated by our occupational therapist, Morgan Hodges. The presentation will provide practical strategies for promoting skills to... READ MORE

  • Date:Thursday, March 13th
  • Time:6:30 - 8:00 pm
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!
spring 2025 planning ahead mai and otto

Planning Ahead for the Adult Years

It’s never too early to begin planning for your loved one’s success in adulthood! Join us to learn how to get started with ID/DD Eligibility in your county, connect... READ MORE

  • Date:Saturday, March 1st
  • Time9:00 - 10:30 am for Kansas residents | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm for Missouri residents
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!
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 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 10th; 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
Functional Fitness: How Exercise Plays a Critical Role in Supporting Common Conditions That Affect Development and Independence

Caregiver Education: Functional Fitness – VIRTUAL

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

  • For All Ages!
  • Date:Thursday, May 29th
  • Time:6:30 - 8:00 pm
  • Virtual Seminar
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our donors, sponsors and grantors

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

Connect & Play! (Various Locations, Ages 0 – 6)

Join us for a Connect and Play event near you (for expectant/newborn families through 6 years)! These events are your opportunity to grow your community through parent and caregiver... READ MORE

  • Dates:Multiple Dates
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our donors, grantors, and community partners!

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
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
321 Fit logo

321 Fit – Wellness Event

321 Fit is a Fitness event for all ages that features interactive fitness stations, presentations from self-advocates, caregiver workshops, Zumba, Yoga, healthy snacks, giveaways, and booths from local organizations... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Saturday, March 22nd: 9 am - 12 pm
  • LocationJohnson County Community College: 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park KS
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • 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!

World Down Syndrome Day: 2 Celebrations!!

This year, we have TWO opportunities to celebrate with your community! Please join us in elevating and celebrating your loved one with Down syndrome! Choose the option that is... READ MORE

  • TWO Celebrations:Friday, 3/21 & Saturday, 3/22
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations Campus: 5916 Dearborn Street, Mission KS 66202
  • Fee:FREE | Funded by philanthropy
  • To Learn More & Register:Click here!
Central Mo holiday party pic 2

Central MO: World Down Syndrome Day Celebration!

There’s no better way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day than together as a community! Our gift to you is an event that is a blast for the whole... READ MORE

  • Date:Friday, March 21st
  • Time:6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Location:Bonkers (3812 Buttonwood Dr, Columbia, MO 65201)
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our donors from the Step Up Walk, Grantors and Community Partners!
  • To Learn More & RegisterClick Here!

Central Missouri – Step Up for Down Syndrome Golf Classic

Join us for one of Central Missouri’s leading golf tournaments! Designed for community and business leaders as a premier client entertainment event, our Tournament boasts drawings, raffles, and unique... READ MORE

  • Date: Monday, April 28th
  • Time/s:9 am Registration | 10 am Shot Gun Start
  • LocationColumbia Country Club – Columbia, MO
  • Learn MoreClick Here >>