Early Childhood

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.

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 support and information for families prenatally through preschool. Please visit the Events Calendar to see details about the next Little Buddies meeting.

Contacts:

• Whitney Garrett, wpwalker86@gmail.com
• Jen McGhee, jenny.a.mcghee@gmail.com

Little Buddies Play Group is a quarterly activity group for children with Down syndrome from birth through preschool in the Central Ohio area. Please visit our Event Calendar to see details about the next Little Buddies Play Group.

Contacts:

• Chrissy Bailey, ctriskett@gmail.com
• Beth Gelfius, bfgelfius@gmail.com
• Jessica Dury, jessica@dury.ws

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

A private Facebook group for DSACO families with children under the age of 4 with Down syndrome. This page allows families to have the opportunity to share stories, needs, concerns, and ideas. You must be approved by an administrator to join this group.  Join Us

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