Join the D.A.D.S. group for an evening of friendly competition, connection, and community at our Dads Cornhole Tournament on June 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm!

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just coming to hang out, this event is a chance for fathers and father figures to relax, meet other dads, and enjoy a fun night together.

Teams will compete in a casual cornhole tournament while enjoying BBQ, conversation, and camaraderie with other families in the community. No experience necessary—just bring yourself and get ready for a great night out!

Preschool Rhythm & Play 

Dates: May 30th, June 26th, July (community play cafe only), Aug 21st, Sept 12th, Oct 16th, Nov 14th, and Dec 11th.

Time: 9:30–10:45 AM

A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 3–5 

Preschool Rhythm & Play invites young children to move, groove, and explore, alongside their parents, in a fun, developmentally supportive environment. Each session begins with upbeat music and simple dance movements that build coordination, balance, and body awareness. Children will sing, stretch, and move their bodies creatively as they follow along with guided rhythm activities. 

Midway through class, children transition into sensory play breakout sessions led by an OT team or volunteers. These hands-on experiences allow kids to explore textures, materials, and tools that support fine motor development, sensory regulation, and confidence through play. 

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

Join us for our 2026 Family Social Gatherings in Central Missouri! This is an opportunity for families to meet and exchange stories, resources, and fellowship!

Dinner and childcare will be provided for families. Please be sure to RSVP in advance!

Build Your Own Binder Night

Saturday, June 27th from 6-8pm

Whether you're organizing medical records, IEP documents, therapy reports, Social Security information, or planning for adulthood, this event is designed to help you create a system that works for your family. No matter what stage your loved one is in, taking time to organize important information can reduce stress and support your mental well-being.

Hosted by KC Warrior Moms of Down Syndrome in partnership with DSI, this hands-on event will provide binder organization ideas, sample outlines, and suggestions for divider tabs to help you get started. If you do not want to make one but just hang out, we welcome that very much!

What to Bring:

*3-ring Binder

* A favorite photo of your loved one (email to alyssa@kcdsi.org before the event)

*Optional Laptop

*Optional shareable snack or beverage 

We'll create and print personalized binder covers onsite so you can leave with a binder that's both practical and meaningful.

Come connect with other families, share ideas, and build a resource that will support you for years to come! Email alyssa@kcdsi.org if you have any questions. 

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 presentation provides a clear overview of what to expect during well-child visits, including current Down syndrome medical guideline recommendations and the core responsibilities of a primary care provider. Key components such as growth and developmental monitoring, routine screenings, immunizations, and anticipatory guidance will be outlined to highlight what high-quality preventive care should include.

The session will also address common pitfalls and misconceptions that medical providers may have—such as missed developmental concerns, inconsistent follow-up of abnormal findings, or gaps in family education—and will describe how to recognize these issues in practice.

Dr. Kristie Marble is a board-certified Pediatrician and a board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist at Children's Mercy Kansas City. In addition to her hospitalist role, she proudly serves as one of the pediatricians in the Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinic. Her dedication to the Down syndrome community is both professional and deeply personal as it was sparked 17 years ago following the birth of her daughter, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome right after birth. This personal journey inspired her to become an expert in the field and commit herself to educating medical professionals. She is now excited to leverage both her clinical expertise and lived experience to support and educate other parents and families navigating their own paths, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations.

If you have any questions please email CJ, at cj@kcdsi.org

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. 

Grab the mic and shine! Join Down Syndrome Innovations for a fun, inclusive karaoke night just for teens and adults. Whether you love to perform or cheer on friends, this social evening is all about confidence, connection, and having a great time together. No experience needed—just bring your voice, your friends, and your favorite songs!

Location: Children's Therapy Center