Join us for an educational event in the northland of Kansas City on how to support your self-advocate when navigating their employment journey and supporting their career development. Our Director of Employment Services, Amanda Myers, CESP, will share practical tools and strategies to help caregivers guide their loved one from early job preparation to long-term career growth. You'll leave this presentation feeling more prepared and empowered as a partner in your loved one’s employment journey.

Special thanks to Platte County Board of Services for being a funding partner in 2026 and assisting Platte County residents to access vital services and supports through DSI for employment.

Service providers, case managers, and employers, are more than welcome to attend to benefit from this valuable information as well.  

Neuma is a secure, all-in-one platform designed to help families manage the many moving parts of their loved one's care without the overwhelm. We centralize school plans, medical records, and therapy notes into one easy-to-use system, so everything you need is always in one place. You have the ability to import records directly from hospital systems like Advent, Children’s Mercy, St. Luke’s, University of Kansas Health System, and more.

Instead of juggling emails, binders, portals, and paperwork, families can quickly access, organize, and share critical information with teachers, therapists, doctors, and caregivers. Neuma helps ensure everyone on your child’s care team stays informed, aligned, and focused on what matters most: supporting your child’s growth and success.

Built with neurodiverse families in mind, Neuma reduces stress, saves time, and brings clarity to complex care, so families can spend less time managing logistics and more time being present.

Dates: Feb 7th, May 2nd, 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! 

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. 

Down Syndrome Innovations is excited to host our Summer Celebration on Saturday, June 6th!

Grab your family and friends and join us any time between 10am and noon to enjoy fun activities, vendors, light refreshments, and more!  This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, meet our staff, and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment!

This event includes booths where families can shop products made by entrepreneurs with Down syndrome or sold to benefit people with Down syndrome.  If you would like to host a vendor booth, please email Jessica Fahey at jessica@kcdsi.org

Community partners and supporters of people with Down syndrome are welcome!

We are hosting a Summer Celebration for all of our central Missouri families in Columbia, Missouri! This event posting will be updated soon with more details. We are aiming for one of the first Saturdays of June. Stay tuned to our social media and email announcements.

Trailblazing best practices in mental health services for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities is a priority within the mission of Down Syndrome Innovations. Join this workshop and learn strategies to ensure your loved one, or the people you serve, are living their best lives. Megan DeBoom, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Lisa Lind, licensed clinical social worker, will demonstrate strategies for healthy coping and emotional regulation that can be used by members of your family and service providers on your team. You will walk away with visual supports and ideas that you can implement right away to ensure that you, the ones you love, and the ones you serve, are equipped to manage stress and navigate the challenges of everyday life. Instruction is relevant for supporters of individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities of all ages and stages.

Topics covered will include, but not limited to:

• A strengths-based approach to emotional well-being

• Research and best practices for the ID/DD community

• Building protective factors for health and wellness

• Family resiliency and healthy coping

• Co-regulation of emotions

• Skills related to managing conflict and relationships

• Grief, loss, and stressful transitions

• Self-care and wellness

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: TBD