Teens

Led by a licensed social worker, P.A.L.S. is a weekly series of fun meetings for teens ages 14-23. It provides the opportunity to network with peers, develop skills for adult life, and discuss topics that are relevant to them. Topics may include having a disability, setting goals, building self-esteem, and relationships. Please visit our Events Calendar for details.

The goal of iCan Swim is to teach people with disabilities the foundation for safely enjoying aquatic environments and promoting as much independent movement in the water as possible. Each swimmer has unique goals, ranging from an introduction to water exploration to skill refinement in preparation for joining a swim team. These goals are accomplished in a safe, supportive, inclusive, and fun environment with assistance of volunteers. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity helping them gain assurance and confidence in many other aspects of their lives.

Biking is more than just exercise and transportation: it’s a social activity, rite of passage, and first taste of independence. Transforming biking into an inclusive activity is the mission of iCanBike, a national organization that conducts bike camps for people with special needs. This unique approach has enabled thousands with a variety of disabilities to become independent bicycle riders.

DSACO is pleased to offer The First Tee® Program through the Down Syndrome Golf Academy (DSGA). The program focuses on learning all aspects of the game of golf while including the nine core values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgement. This program accepts all who are 12 and older and is open to all skills levels!

DSACO wants to help make IEP meetings as productive and beneficial as possible. Through the ongoing partnership with Ashley Barlow – teacher, lawyer, special education advocate, and mom of a child with DS – DSACO will be providing an IEP Kit to families. These kits are designed to build confidence, encourage, and equip families and students as they prepare for their upcoming IEP meeting.  

DSACO will help your family celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month by sending age-appropriate books and an awareness poster to your child’s school. During the month of October, materials will be delivered to the school to display in it’s library or your child’s classroom.

Teenagers with Down syndrome who are between ages 13 – 19 are invited to this quarterly outreach group. Siblings are welcome! Please visit our Events Calendar to find out when our next outing is!

Contacts:

• Lisa McCarty, liserahmcc@yahoo.com
• Michelle Ruben, meechruben@gmail.com

The high school social group is a monthly gathering for high school age teens with DS. The goal is to build friendships and foster independence in a safe and fun environment. These monthly events are most appropriate for older teens that are mostly independent and have a desire to (or their parents have a desire for them to) connect with peers. The locations vary from month to month but always include games, food, and fun! The events are hosted by DSACO with the support of volunteers. Families are welcome to gather in their own space at the location or drop off and pick up. Food and drinks for teens provided by DSACO. Please visit our Events Calendar to find out when our next outing is!

Join DSACO moms for a relaxing night out where they will share stories, needs, concerns, and ideas. Locations vary. Check our events tab or email a group contact for details. Additionally, you can join the M.O.M.S. Facebook Group, a supporting and positive community for sharing information and experiences while being inspired and uplifted. Please visit our Events Calendar to find a M.O.M.S. meet up near you.

Dads get a chance to get to know each other while learning more in a social setting. The group’s mission is to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of people with Down syndrome. Please visit our Events Calendar for details about the next D.A.D.S. meeting.

Contact:
Brian Stumpo, bstumpo@columbus.rr.com

Do you have Down syndrome-related books, toys, equipment, therapy items, or more that you would like to pass on? Consider sharing them for other DSACO families to use. Let’s reduce/reuse/recycle within our own DS community!  Join Us

DSACO’s new Community Access Funds – a program that provides financial reimbursement to anyone with Down syndrome for funds spent on inclusive activities in the community – for up to $250 per year!

This Fund, which replaces Music & Arts, Recreation, and Education Scholarships, can be used when trying something new or continuing something you love. It covers recreational activities, education, music*, art, and more. Funds are not meant to be used on DSACO-specific programs, such as iCan Bike Camp, iCan Swim Camp, or Summer Learning Academy. These funds are budgeted to be used in the community on inclusive opportunities.

Please click here to view the Community Access Fund Guidelines.

Solicitud del Fondo de Acceso Comunitario

Guía del Fondo de Acceso Comunitario

Please contact kosborne@dsaco.net with any questions.

*Music & Performing Arts activities are generously provided by the Barbour family in memory of Ann Barbour