School Age
Programming
Beginner Golf Clinic
The Beginner Golf Clinic is hosted in partnership with DSACO’s Golf Classic and Golf Galaxy. This event is specifically designed to introduce kids and teens with Down syndrome to the wonderful world of golf!
More InformationiCan Bike Camp
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.
More InformationSummer Learning Academy
Looking to help your child thrive in math, literacy, and social skills during the summer? DSACO’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) is here to make a difference!
Designed for students on IEPs, our program provides personalized, one-on-one, and small group instruction led by certified teachers. SLA focuses on helping students achieve their academic goals and prevent summer learning loss in a supportive and engaging environment.
More InformationLearning Aid Ohio
Learning Aid Ohio provides students on an Individualized Education Program
(IEP) funding for in-person, supplemental learning support. We connect families with tutors to help students stay on track toward their unique academic goals, specific to their individual needs and based on the curriculum their traditional teachers set.
IEP Kit
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.
More InformationDown Syndrome Awareness Book Bundles
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.
Resource Groups
School-Aged Social Group
More information will be coming soon!
M.O.M.S.
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. Group near you.
D.A.D.S.
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
DSACO Lending Library 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
Financial Assistance
Community Access Funds
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.
Submit Your Application Here
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
Hospital Care Packages
DSACO wants to help you find comfort while your loved one with Down syndrome has a stay at any hospital in our 23-county service area. We launched our Hospital Care Package Program in 2015 in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Packages can be delivered to any hospital in our 23-county service area for families whose loved one with Down syndrome is having a stay longer than 2 nights. This opportunity is available for any family (regardless of where they reside) as long as the hospital is within our service area.
Request a Care PackageAdopt-A-Family
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 2024, donors and local community organizations provided gifts, handmade blankets, basic need items and gift cards to 100 people with Down syndrome and their families. 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.
Resources
Education FAQ
Which school districts does DSACO recommend for providing my child with the best special education?
We do not recommend specific school districts in Central Ohio because the needs of every child vary and different schools have different strengths. We encourage you to ask questions like, “What do I want for my child’s education?” and begin talking to your school district.
Inclusion
IEPs
Transitions
