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Family and Community Events
Community Workouts
with Scott Quaife
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.
Our gym rotation schedule is as follows:
1st Saturday: Overland Park @ 12:30p
2nd Saturday: South KC @ 11:30a OR Overland Park @ 12:30p
3rd Saturday: Lee's Summit @ 10a or Overland Park @ 12:30p
4th Saturday: Mission @ 11a
After registering, you will receive the exact locations of these gyms and by added to the email list for all future updates.
The gym locations are kept the same for each corresponding weekend of each month to make it easy to plan ahead!
Caregiver Resiliency and Self-Care Group
with Megan DeBoom
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 6:00 to 7:30 PM on the following dates:9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7
GROUP CAPACITY: 12 participants max
Preschool Rhythm & Play at DSI
with Alyssa Jones
Ages: 3 - 5
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
Music, Dance, and Sensory Play at Inspired Play Cafe
with Alyssa Jones
Ages: 0 - 5
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
Chicken N Pickle Family Event
with Alyssa Jones
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
Stories We Didn't Expect- An evening for mothers raising children with a disabilities
with Alyssa Jones
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
3rd Annual SPEAK Up! Conference (for self-advocates, caregivers, & professionals)
with Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD)
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.
New Parent Breakfast
with Alyssa Jones
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!