School Age

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio / Individuals / School Age

Discovering More

The school years bring a flurry of activity, complexity, and opportunity for a child with Down syndrome. With this in mind, DSACO strives to provide support, information, and resources to help them take full advantage of this exciting stage of life.

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!

Jump Start Swim Clinic

DSACO is partnering with Goldfish Swim School to offer unique Jump Start Clinics specially designed to introduce kids to the water and teach the fundamentals of water safety. Once again this summer, Goldfish Swim School is hosting exclusive clinics just for DSACO families at four different locations!

iCan 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.

Summer 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.

Learning 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.  

Down Syndrome Awareness Book Bundles

DSACO will help your family celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by sending age-appropriate books, materials, and an awareness poster to your child’s school. By March 21, Book Bundles will be delivered to the school to display in its library or your child’s classroom.

Back-to-School

Join DSACO for a morning designed to prepare you and your school-aged child for a successful school year.

Resource Groups

School-Aged Social Group

Join the School Age group for a fun morning at the New Inclusive Playground at Blendon Woods. All ages are welcome, along with siblings and family members. Families may also bring their own snacks or lunch to enjoy. 

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.

 

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.

Adopt-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

Thinking About Tomorrow: The Transition to Adult Life

Support a Lifetime of Opportunities