Adulthood

The ability to read is instrumental in health outcomes, housing access, workforce advancement, and quality of life. Committed to providing a lifetime of opportunities, DSACO is pleased to connect our adult membership with qualified educators for 1:1 instruction. Tutors will administer a pre-assessment and work in partnership with adult learners and their families to establish goals. This program aims to provide meaningful educational experiences for adults with Down syndrome who are no longer served on an IEP and are motivated to improve their reading skills. Find out more information here…

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.

The fun continues with our improv class! DSACO offers another session of improv classes for individuals with Down syndrome age 16 and older. Data indicates that improv– for anyone– can improve confidence, engagement, creativity, and problem-solving skills. We are excited to offer improv to teens and adults who are interested in developing in these areas so that they can live their lives to the fullest potential.

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!

Join dozens of adults with Down syndrome from all over Ohio at this annual conference. Enjoy great sessions and meet new people!

Twice a month, DSACO will host 60 minutes of step-by-step instructions via Zoom. Time will be incorporated to discuss cooking terms, how-to ideas, gadgets, food and kitchen safety, etc. Recipes will be kept simple, will not require use of complex tools, and will consist of basic ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. Some recipes will be gluten free or offer a gluten free option.

*Participants must have access to a computer, laptop, or screen with a camera in their kitchen. We strongly suggest a support person be on-hand.

This social group works on building paper-crafting skills to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards to give to family and friends. Please visit our Events Calendar to join the next meeting.

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

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.