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Medical Care of Your Child with Down Syndrome Presented by Nasreen J. Talib, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Mercy

Medical Care of Your Child with Down Syndrome – VIRTUAL

In this virtual presentation, Dr. Talib will provide an overview of the Health Supervision Guidelines for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome; identify some of the common vulnerabilities of... READ MORE

  • Date:Tuesday, November 5th
  • Time:6:30 - 7:30 pm
  • Location:VIRTUAL
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:Donor-Funded / FREE due to the generosity of our donors, grantors and community partners!
KU ADRC ABATE study educational seminar for caregivers

Important Medical Update: New Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease for People with Down Syndrome

As the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased, there are some unfortunate challenges associated with aging for our community – including Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, Alzheimer’s... READ MORE

  • Date:Tuesday, Oct. 29th
  • Time:6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Caregiver Connection Portion (Optional):6:00 - 6:30pm
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:Donor-Funded / FREE due to the generosity of our donors, grantors and community partners!

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

Stronger Minds and Brighter Futures! 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... READ MORE

  • Date:Thursday, Dec. 12th
  • Time:6:30 - 8:00 pm
  • Location: Joe Herndon Branch Library: 6131 Raytown Road, Raytown MO
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:GRANT-FUNDED/FREE - Made possible by funding from Children's Services Fund of Jackson County and Eitas

New / Expectant Parents & Extended Family Gathering (Fall)

This is an opportunity for new parents and extended family members (prenatal – 2 years old) to connect with others, who have a young child with Down syndrome. Meet... READ MORE

  • Date:Saturday, November 2nd
  • 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 Aug. 22
  • Learn More & Submit Interest FormClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

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

Caregiver Education: Total Communication for the Aging Population

Join us for an enlightening seminar dedicated to understanding the aging process in individuals with Down syndrome and exploring the support available to them. Led by Katie Craddock, our... READ MORE

  • Date:Thursday, Nov. 14th
  • 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!

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)Sept. 9, Sept. 28, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Nov. 16th, Dec. 9
  • Times:5:15 - 6:00 pm (Virtual) | 9 - 11 am (On-Site)
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

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 Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

Adult Fitness Class

This class is perfect for improving strength, stamina, and balance in a fun and engaging way with peers! These workouts are designed for all movers of all fitness levels.... READ MORE

  • DateTuesdays
  • Time5:00 - 5:45 pm or 6:00 - 6:45 pm
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee$20 per Month

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

Caregiver Workshop: Addressing Relationships, Puberty and Sexuality

At Down Syndrome Innovations, our team understands that teaching your loved one with Down syndrome about puberty, sexuality, and relationships can feel very overwhelming. Using materials from the evidence-based... READ MORE

  • Day/Time:Mondays from 5:00 - 6:00
  • Dates:8/19, 8/26, 9/9, 9/16, 10/14, 10/21
  • Location:Down Syndrome Innovations: 5916 Dearborn St, Mission, KS 66202
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • FeeFREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

Speech-Language Consultations – Pathways Therapy 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

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 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:FREE/Donor-funded thanks to the generosity of Step Up Walk donors and grantors

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:Year-Round
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

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:Year-Round
  • Learn More
  • Fee:Complimentary / FREE

School-Age Support Consultations

Do you have concerns about behaviors or self-regulation in the home? Do you need help interpreting your child’s IEP or need strategies to better collaborate with your school team?... READ MORE

  • Date:Year-Round
  • To Learn More:Click Here!
  • CostDONOR-FUNDED / FREE

Small Group Fitness Training (Adults)

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 participants (or... READ MORE

  • DateTuesdays & Thursdays
  • Time10:00 - 10:45 am
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee$40 per Month (1 day/week) OR $80 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 Aug. 20
  • 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 5:00 - 6:00 pm, beginning Aug. 22nd
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our Step Up Walk donors, Grantors and Community Partners!

Social Engagement: Therapeutic Small Groups (Teens & Adults 12+)

Social Engagement is a therapeutic group, led by our Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist, that help teens and adults with Down syndrome to use a self-determined approach to identify... READ MORE

  • Day/Time:Thursdays from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, beginning Aug. 22
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here
  • Fee:Therapeutic Service Fee

*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 5:00... READ MORE

  • Date/Time:Tuesdays from 5:00 - 5:45 pm, beginning Aug. 20th
  • 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

  • Date/Time:Wednesdays from 5 - 6 pm, beginning Aug. 21
  • Learn More & RegisterClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE: Funded by our donors, Grantors and Community Partners!

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 Aug. 21
  • 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 (Therapeutic Small Groups, Ages 6-13)

Therapeutic service for ages 6 – 13 years old  |  Designed and facilitated by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Ready, Set, Regulate offers caregivers and self-advocates the opportunity to... READ MORE

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

2024 Central Missouri – Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

Please join us our Central Missouri Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in Columbia, MO! Families and individuals will have the opportunity to connect with one another, reunite with... READ MORE

  • Date:Saturday, October 12th
  • Time:11:00 am - 2:00 pm / Walk at 1:30 pm
  • Location:Stankowski Field, Parking Lot - 810 Tiger Ave, Columbia, MO 6520
  • Learn More & Register!Click Here
Central Mo holiday party photo

Central MO Social Hours

Join us for our 2024 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
  • Time:6 - 8 pm
  • Learn More & RSVPClick Here!
  • Fee:FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners!

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 Aug. 19th
  • 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!