¡Les invitamos cordialmente a nuestra primera Reunión Familiar de 2026!

Nos complace contar nuevamente con la participación de nuestros amigos de KUARDC, quienes nos acompañarán para ofrecer una presentación sobre nutrición. Jaime Perales Puchal y Kelly Loeb, miembros del equipo de KUARDC, se encargarán de la traducción y la presentación.

Este evento tendrá lugar el 6 de mayo en Down Syndrome Innovations, por lo que les animamos a registrarse para recibir recordatorios a medida que se acerque la fecha. Se ofrecerán refrigerios. Si tienen alguna pregunta, pueden escribir a CJ a cj@kcdsi.org. ¡Les deseamos un excelente día!

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 understand this is a growing group of entire population we serve, with unique challenges and experiences, and we hear how important it is for you all to feel connected. We hope that meeting one another in this group will organically open up opportunities for you all to spend time together face to face as you develop meaningful connections with one another.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

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 smooth and successful transition from school to post-school activities.

With a focus on education, employment, and independent living, the seminar will break down the steps parents can take to actively support their child’s growth and future planning, offering actionable strategies and resources that can make a real difference. This session is led by Kathryn Holmes, our Director of Continuing Education. Kathryn created and implemented a transition program in the Kansas City, Kansas school district for over 25 years and shares both the teacher and parent perspective. 

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 of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This group is facilitated by Down Syndrome Innovations staff, and we will occasionally invite special guests with expertise in this area.  This is a complimentary caregiver education opportunity, provided in addition to the individualized services we provide directly for individuals with DS-ASD for the purpose of skill-development, improving self-regulation and behavior, and increasing independence.

We are providing this group virtually to ensure we are being inclusive of families throughout the region and those who are not able to access transportation, as we understand that facing a dual-diagnosis can already feel isolating in and of itself.  We understand this is a subgroup of the entire population we serve, with unique challenges and experiences, and we hear how important it is for you all to feel connected. We hope that meeting one another in this group will organically open up opportunities for you all to spend time together face to face as you develop meaningful connections with one another.

All registered participants will receive a Zoom link from the instructor. 

Dates: Jan 16th, Feb 28th, March 13th, April 11th, May 15th, June 20th, July 17th, Aug 15th, Sept 11th, Oct 17th, Nov 13th, Dec 5th (Alternate Fridays & Saturdays) 

Time: 9:30am-11am 

Location: DSI -Large Therapy Room

Description: Join us for a joyful and engaging class designed for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers! Music & Motion blends tummy time, music, and movement to support early development in a fun, relaxed setting. Each session includes songs, mini instruments, and gentle guided movement — followed by time to connect with other parents over coffee and snacks. 

Whether you’re a new parent or looking to build your village, this is a great space to bond, play, and grow together. 

This service is for babies and toddlers with Down syndrome who are 6 months- 3 years old and caregivers. Childcare for siblings is available per advanced request in the registration form. 

Music, Dance, and Sensory Play @ To the Stars Play Cafe

Address: 2120 SW Brandywine Ln #110, Topeka, KS 66614

Saturday, May 16th from 10:30am-Noon 

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 0–5

We will open this up to school aged kids too! Class will be catered to who signs up. We may do two groups.

Siblings are welcome too!

This is a combo class of Music & Motion and our Rhythm & Play coming together. This class invites young children to move, groove, and explore in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. We will have a private room to start our class for our introductions, music, and rhythm. 

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout and explore the equipment at the play cafe. 

Designed for all abilities, this class encourages social connection, creativity, and joyful movement—helping preschoolers build important skills while having a blast.

If you have any questions please email alyssa@kcdsi.org

We are so excited to share our 4th annual Night at Kelly’s!

This year's party will take place on Wednesday, May 20th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. We will provide a fun, welcoming atmosphere with a DJ and light snacks. Kelly's will be providing free soft drinks - drinks with alcohol will need to be purchased, if interested. Please note - attendees must bring a family member or trusted friend to ensure safety – this is a sponsored event, not supervised event. Individuals 18-20 required to attend with guardian or friend.

We can't wait to see you there!

This group will consist of community-based activities in the Lee's Summit area to help self-advocates and their families in eastern Jackson County build relationships with friends and become more involved in their community. Register to receive monthly communication regarding that month's activity on each of the dates below, as our community activities are collaborative and planned with support with the parents of several self-advocates.