Music & Motion / Rhythm & Play @ Inspired Play Cafe 

Address: 6527 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66209

Friday, October 23rd from 9:30–10:45 AM

($5 per child only) Siblings are welcome

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

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 

These Virtual Social Groups for Teens provide a structured, creative, and dynamic environment for participants to socialize, learn, and have fun together, without the hassle of leaving the house or arranging transportation. Lauren Holmes, the facilitator of the group, who is our Virtual Life Skills Specialist, ensures every individual is included in meaningful ways during the group activities. This is also an awesome opportunity to build meaningful relationships with new friends who are both local and from other states in our country.

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

Adults are invited to attend our in-person social groups on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM. Sessions are always a balance of continuing education and having a good time with friends. We’d love to see you there!

Bring the whole family out for a fun evening as we continue celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

We’ll have pickleball courts available, light appetizers, and plenty of time to connect and socialize with other families. Come play, mingle, and enjoy a wonderful evening with your DSI family!

When: Wednesday, Oct 28th

Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Location: 5901 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223

Join us for a special evening with Ashley Heyburn, author of Unexpectedly Perfect. Ashley’s story begins with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, but reaches far beyond exploring unexpected diagnoses, grief, changing expectations, advocacy, identity, motherhood, and hope.

This gathering is designed for mothers raising children with disabilities to connect, share, and feel supported in the stories they never expected to live. The evening will include an informal conversation with Ashley, refreshments, connection with other moms. 

Thursday, November 5 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Down Syndrome Innovations | 5916 Dearborn St., Mission, KS

Please note: This evening is intended to provide moms with an opportunity to connect and enjoy meaningful conversation, so we kindly ask that children not attend. If childcare is needed in order for you to participate, please reach out to us when registering, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. email alyssa@kcdsi.org

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations, is proud to host the 3rd Annual SPEAK Up! (Self-advocates Promoting Empowerment and Access in Kansas) conference — a free event designed for self-advocates, parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals on Friday, November 6th, from 8 AM to 3 PM in Wichita at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview.

This empowering day will feature inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions led by advocates, activists, organizations, as well as federal and state financial, legal, and benefits experts working to enhance resources and information for Kansans with IDD. Participants will explore real-life experiences and expert perspectives on the most critical issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families today.

Learn more about the conference here

Register Here!

Dates: Aug 1st, Nov 7th (Saturdays Only) 

Time: 9am-11am 

Location: DSI 

Description: Join us for one — or all — of our New Parent Breakfasts! 

This welcoming event is designed for new parents and extended family members (prenatal to 2½ years old) to connect with others who have a young child with Down syndrome. 

Meet parents at different stages of their journey, learn about the services and support provided by Down Syndrome Innovations, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly environment. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, exchange resources, and explore our campus. 

Each breakfast also includes a facilitated discussion to help families connect, share experiences, and build community. 

These family connection events are FREE/DONOR-FUNDED thanks to our Step Up Walk donors, grantors and Community Partners! Breakfast and childcare are provided, so please RSVP so we have adequate accommodations! 

As a fellow special needs parent, Kacy Seitz knows the importance of crafting a whole story plan that considers the complexity of each family's unique situation. In 2013, she created her wealth management practice Whole Story Planning, devoted to helping Special Needs families like hers. In this short workshop, Kacy guides parents, guardians, and family members like you to better understand the planning your children may need during each stage of life.

Topics included:

• Legal Planning Considerations: Special Needs Trusts, Letter/Memorandum of Intent, Guardianship

• Financial Planning Considerations: How to Fund a Special Needs Trust & ABLE accounts

• Benefit Planning Considerations: Finding & accessing federal benefits like SSI & SSDI, Medicaid, Waivers, etc.

Join us at Down Syndrome Innovations on November 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm to, ask questions, and talk with a fellow parent in a non-threatening, non-pressure environment. Let's craft the next chapter of your Whole Story together.