Down Syndrome Innovations is proud to be a missional partner of CHIP-ID, the Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities at the University of Kansas. 

CHIP-ID’s BE BOLD Talent Show is taking the stage! Celebrate talent, creativity, and inclusion at CHIP-ID’s BE BOLD Talent Show!Come cheer on amazing performers, celebrate inclusion, and support our community. 

Saturday, February 28th, 1:30-4:30pm

Located at the Medallion Theater at 300 W. 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Follow the link to register your attendance! https://kuadrc.org/talentshow

 Questions about this event: Email the organizers at healthylifestyles@kumc.edu 

Blue Valley 2026 Special Needs Resource Fair

Please join us at the 16th Annual Blue Valley Special Needs Resource Fair!

(No Registration Required)

This is a free and public event.  You do not need to have a connection to Blue Valley Schools to attend. All are welcome.

There will be vendors and information supporting:

- different abilities of all kinds

- therapies and camps

- insurance and case management support

- nutrition and visual needs

- college and continuing education

- financial and legal questions and planning

- pediatric to adult transition resources

- emergency and employment services

- AND so much more!

Join us for this meaningful parent-to-parent conversation on aging, dementia, grief and Down syndrome with Buddy and Carolyn Jones, in collaboration with Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI) and KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC). In addition to sharing their family’s personal story, Buddy and Carolyn will encourage other parents to proactively develop a plan for their loved one in anticipation of regression in the aging years and specifically, Alzheimer's disease. 

Buddy and Carolyn Jones have been effective trailblazers and system-change advocates throughout their son's entire life, as well as being mentors and supportive friends to so many parents, service providers, and physicians. Additionally, Buddy and Carolyn have remained in close contact with the teams at Down Syndrome Innovations and the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, providing vital parent perspectives on services, interventions, and research.

Now they have chosen to sit down for an intimate conversation with other parents who could face a similar experience with their aging loved one, and ensure no one else feels isolated or without resources in this stage of the journey.

Both DSI and KU ADRC acknowledge the science that nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop evidence of Alzheimer’s disease by late middle age, and therefore  our organizations are taking an active role in education, research, services and supports for aging individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers. At the conclusion of this presentation, DSI and KU ADRC will guide families in practical next steps.  

All attendees are welcome to come at 6:00pm for a casual caregiver connection time prior to the presentation. DSI will provide drinks and refreshments during this time. 

Service providers and medical professionals are welcome to join to learn and observe. However, we will prioritize the questions of caregivers and parents due to time limitations and the goals of the speakers.  DSI is available to all community partners as a resource in the area of aging and Down syndrome and follow-up consultation is available.