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Down Syndrome Innovations

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Family and Community Events

Community Workouts

Free

with Scott Quaife

Calendar Current session started Dec 13, 2025

These inclusive community workouts take place at various gyms across the Kansas City metro and are designed to improve functional strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Sessions take place on Saturdays at a consistent rotation of gyms, with each location hosting the same weekend every month—making it easy to plan and stay active in your local community. These gyms are located in Overland Park, South KC, Mission, and Lee's Summit. 

After registering, our Fitness and Nutrition Coordinator will contact you to discuss the best options for community workout participation in your area.

Spots are limited to ensure each self-advocate receives sufficient support and coaching. Participants are expected to follow instructions and a structured routine to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for all. Maximum class sizes are enforced to maintain quality and safety.

Enrollment is handled on a first-come, first-served basis and based on commitment to the scheduled times. When classes are full, a waiting list will be created for future opportunities.

New Parent Breakfast

Free

with Alyssa Jones

Calendar Next available session starts May 2, 2026 at 9 am
2 additional sessions through Nov 7, 2026

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! 

Conexión Familiar

Free

with CJ Vallejo

Calendar Next available session starts May 6, 2026 at 6:30 pm

¡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 (Virtual)

Free

with Katie Craddock

Calendar Next available session starts May 11, 2026 at 5:15 pm
7 additional sessions through Dec 14, 2026

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. 

Music, Dance, and Sensory Play In Topeka

Free

with Alyssa Jones

Calendar Next available session starts May 16, 2026 at 10:30 am

Ages: 0 - 13

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

Night at Kelly's

Free

with Jessica Fahey

Calendar Next available session starts May 20, 2026 at 5:30 pm

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!

Preschool Rhythm & Play at DSI

Free

with Alyssa Jones

Calendar Next available session starts May 30, 2026 at 9:30 am
6 additional sessions through Dec 11, 2026

Ages: 2 - 5

Preschool Rhythm & Play 

Dates: Jan 30th, March 27th, April 10th, 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

Caregiver Resiliency and Self-Care Group

Free

with Megan DeBoom

Calendar Next available session starts Jun 8, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Down Syndrome Innovations cares about the mental health of our parents and caregivers. Join other caregivers for a facilitated discussion, resource sharing, and yoga, all to build your resiliency and take better care of yourself.

This group is open to caregivers with loved ones of all ages and IDD diagnoses. Caregivers can include parents, grandparents, adult siblings, or other members of the loved one’s community of support. This is a great opportunity to build connections, learn about community resources, and recharge.

The caregiver group will meet on Mondays from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on the following dates: 6/8, 6/22, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20

GROUP CAPACITY: 12 participants max





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