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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!
Family Fitness Tour
with Scott Quaife
Join us to connect with other families, and enjoy fitness, fun and healthy snacks as the tour makes its way around to parks across the KC metro! Each stop will include exercise stations, Fresh fruit, water & milk and snacks, and a playground for self-advocates to enjoy!
This event is led by our Health & Wellness Coordinator Scott Quaife, NSCA-CPT. This is an opportunity to gather and connect with other families in your community. Bring a blanket, your sneakers, water and get ready to enjoy a healthy outing with other families!
Gladstone (9-9:45a): Central Park, 7011 N Holmes St, Gladstone, MO 64118
Lee's Summit (10:30-11:15a): Harris Memorial Park, 601 SW Jefferson St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Leewood (12-12:45p): Gezer Park West Shelter, 13251 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66209
Olathe (1-1:45p): Two Trails Park, 1000 N Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS 66061
Mission (2:45-3:30p): Victor X Anderson Park, 5930 W 61st St, Mission, KS 66202
Feel free to join us at multiple locations!
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
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!
Music, Dance, and Sensory Play at Rough & Bumble
with Alyssa Jones
Ages: 0 - 5
Music, Dance, and Sensory Play @ Rough & Bumble
Address: 413 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Friday, November 20th from 10:30–11:45 AM
A lively blend of music, movement, and sensory exploration for ages 0–5
($5 per child, and siblings are welcome)
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
Holiday Party
with Jessica Fahey
Join us for a festive Holiday Party for all families in the Down Syndrome Innovations community! This is a chance to celebrate the season together, connect with other DSI families, and enjoy a morning of community and cheer.
When: Saturday, December 5th, 2026, from 9:30-12:00 PM.
Where: KBP Brands, 11141 Overbrook Road, Suite 400, Leawood, KS 66211.
This event is open to all families connected to DSI programs. We can't wait to celebrate the holidays with you!