School Age

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.

Summer learning loss is a significant concern for all children, especially those with developmental disabilities. The goals of the DSACO Summer Learning Academies are to mitigate summer learning loss, improve math and reading skills, and promote social development. First offered in Columbus in 2012, the Summer Learning Academy program was expanded in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to serve several counties within DSACO’s 23-county service area. 

Learning Aid Ohio exists to subsidize the cost to hire tutors, aides, or in-home providers who can provide learning support for students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans. Beginning in Summer 2022 each qualifying student will be awarded $1,500 to spend on services through LearningOhio.com, three times per year. The primary goal of Learning Aid Ohio is to provide opportunities for meaningful educational experiences for students in response to the challenging school year of distance learning. We know that students with IEPs and 504s have individualized accommodations that are difficult to achieve without in-person help, and this program aims to bridge the gap in services to promote academic success and growth.

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.  

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.

Children with Down syndrome who are between ages 5 – 12 are invited to this quarterly activity group. Siblings are welcome!  If your child with Down syndrome is in kindergarten, the School Age Group is recommended. If your child with Down syndrome is in preschool, then the Little Buddies Play Group and Little Buddies Parent Resource Group are recommended. Please visit our Events Calendar for details about our next meeting.

Contacts:

• Andrea Bartosch, Andreabartosch@live.com
• Erin Peebles, erinmpeebles@gmail.com

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. 

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

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.

• For Kids
• NDSS’ Video “Inclusion 101
• Down Syndrome Guidelines for Inclusive Education

• A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education in Ohio
• NDSS’ Video “Preparing for the IEP”
• Wrights law IEP FAQs
• Informational Tip Sheets for parents by the OCECD
• Universal Design for Learning Webinars by OCALI

Thinking About Tomorrow: The Transition to Adult Life