Parents & Caregivers

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

Justin Whitley, whitleyj@icloud.com

Little Buddies Parent Resource Group is a monthly group for expecting and new parents or families of children with Down syndrome in the Central Ohio area. We offer two locations, one in Worthington, OH on the second Monday of each month, and one in Pickerington, OH on the third Thursday of the month. Please visit the Events Calendar to see details about the next Little Buddies meeting.

Connect with other parents of adults (age 18+) with Down syndrome on the third Thursdays of the month to share experiences, discuss needs, address concerns, generate ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. Location varies. Please visit our Events Calendar to find our next Connecting Parents of Adults Pilot Group. Additionally, you can join the DSACO Parents of Adults with Down syndrome Facebook Group, a supporting and positive community for sharing information and experiences while being inspired and uplifted.

Connect over Zoom with other caregivers of adults (age 40+)  with Down syndrome on the fourth Tuesdays of the month. Each virtual session will provide emotional support as well as experience and resource sharing with a focus on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please visit our Events Calendar to find our next Aging and Down Syndrome Caregiver Support Group.

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

• Pediatric Healthcare Guidelines
• Health Care Information for Families of Children with Down syndrome

• Adult Healthcare Guidelines – JAMA Version
• Adult Healthcare Guidelines – Global Down Syndrome Foundation Version
• Adult Healthcare Checklist

Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U), available in English and Spanish, is an alternative way for families to get up-to-date, personalized health and wellness information for their loved one with Down syndrome.  DSC2U is an online Down Syndrome Clinic that can be access in the comfort of your home.  Through DSC2U families will be asked to:

• Identify current symptoms
• Share past or current medical issues or behavior diagnoses
• Share recent blood work or diagnostic testing
• Optional questions on nutrition, education, therapies, life skills and community resources are also asked

Responses will be analyzed by a computer, based on state-of-the-art guidelines designed by national Down syndrome experts. The caregiver instantly receives two personalized​ documents, one for themselves and one to share with their primary healthcare provider. The documents provide customized suggestions that are tailored to their loved one’s specific needs.

Meet Cariloop: your dedicated Caregiver Support Platform. With Cariloop, you are provided unlimited support from experienced Care Coaches who can guide you through all parts of your unique caregiving journey– at no cost to you. They provide support from prenatal to end-of-life. A few things that Care Coaches can support DSACO families with are:

• Finding and vetting backup care and daycare providers
• Locating assisted living facilities and in-home care options
• Understanding insurance coverage and care costs
• Navigating legal caregiving needs
• Mental health support and resources for all ages

Their Care Coaching team is made up of a diverse range of care professionals including nurses, social workers, facility administrators, educators, pediatric specialists and more. The collaboration and responsiveness of this holistic team of care professionals ensures DSACO families are getting the support they need in any caregiving situation. Their Care Coaches shoulder the load of caregiving tasks so you can stress less and remain present at work and at home.

Caregiver Support powered by Cariloop is FREE to DSACO families. Contact Kirsti Osborne at kosborne@dsaco.net to get set up with a Care Coach!

Program Flyer in English

Program Flyer in Spanish

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

Since 2004, more than $200,000 has been awarded through DSACO’s Post-Secondary Scholarship Program. Its mission is to assist siblings, parents, cousins, and other relatives of individuals with Down syndrome who are planning to pursue careers in which they will positively impact the lives of people with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome who are enrolled in a college program are also eligible (and strongly encouraged) to apply. 

Everyone deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season. Whether you need a little help during the holidays or have the means to provide assistance, you can participate in making the season a little brighter for everyone. In 2023, donors and local community organizations provided gifts, handmade blankets, basic need items and gift cards to 92 families, all with a child with Down syndrome.  Each year, DSACO families who are requesting assistance for the holiday season are welcome to apply beginning November 1st. Visit www.dsaco.net/adoptafamily for more information.