Join other new moms (or dads/or both!) for casual conversation and play time at the Down Syndrome Guild office. We will have playmats and age appropriate toys for the little ones to play, while parents can get to know each other.
iCan Shine's iCan Swim program teaches individuals with disabilities (ages 3 and up) the basics of water safety and independent movement in the water. Each swimmer has unique goals, from water exploration and safety to learning to swim or preparing for a swim team like Special Olympics or Paralympics. Goals are achieved in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment with volunteer support.
In honor of the 2025 Dallas Buddy Walk® this October, DSG families and supporters are invited to join us for a night at the ballpark. Families can get a sneak peek of our new Buddy Walk® venue while watching the Frisco Rough Riders take on the Corpus Christi Hooks. Representatives from the Down Syndrome Guild will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, and kids are invited to run the bases after the game.
Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the NDSC Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. However, for nearly all, it is the one-of-a-kind NDSC “giant family reunion” feeling that permeates the convention weekend that brings them back year after year.
The Dallas Buddy Walk® is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas bringing together more than 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and community supporters annually. The event features family-friendly activities like inflatables, music, games, face painting, vendor booths, and more for kids and adults alike. The event also includes an awareness walk that celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of all individuals with Down syndrome.
Families of children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 are invited to join us at Windhaven Meadows Park for an evening of water play and fun. Windhaven Meadows Park features a universally designed playground with more than 20,000 square feet of accessible play equipment and sprayground.
This webinar will explore what research is and why it plays a vital role in improving healthcare for people with Down syndrome, as well as in developing new treatments for related health conditions. Ways families can get involved in research and make a meaningful impact will also be discussed.
Every Note Belongs is a sensory-friendly classical music concert presented in partnership with the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and The Dallas Opera Orchestra. Conducted by Shira Samuels-Shragg, this intimate performance will feature pianist Mikhail Berestnev, soprano Ashley Townsley, and tenor Christopher A. Leach, accompanied by musicians from The Dallas Opera Orchestra.
The DSG is so excited to be returning to The Southern Cross Ranch this year for a day of family fun for the DSG Annual Family Picnic. The event includes a petting zoo, fishing ponds, playground, bubble garden, clown/balloon artist, face painting, bounce house, rock climbing wall, pedal boats, and sports fields, games, swimming pool, and lunch.
Join us for the 6th annual Dallas Mechanical Group Crawfish Boil benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. There will be fun for the whole family including bugs, drinks, music, interactive games, over 100 raffle items, and more.
Moms are invited to join us for a hands-on flower arranging workshop where you'll create a beautiful floral arrangement to take home! All materials, including fresh blooms, greenery, vases, and tools, will be provided. DSG will offer light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, and you’re welcome to bring your favorite drink to enjoy.
Join Us for a Park Playdate!
Bring the family and connect with other DSG families on Saturday, April 12, from 2 PM – 4 PM at a park near you! DSG families have volunteered to host playdates in various communities—find one closest to you and enjoy a fun afternoon outdoors.
Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 0-2 are encouraged to join us to connect with other families and learn about resources in our community. This informal session will give parents the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from DSG alumni parents who have graduated beyond the baby/toddler years. This roundtable format offers plenty of time for Q&A and discussion with families in a small group setting who understand and share your greatest challenges, fears, and joys. Lunch will be provided.
Every year on March 21, people worldwide celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. This date is significant because individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen as a symbol because the karyotype of Down syndrome chromosomes resembles mismatched socks!
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with advocates from across Texas! On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, individuals with Down syndrome, families, and friends will come together at the Texas State Capitol to make their voices heard. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators, hear official proclamations, and connect with others passionate about advocacy and inclusion.
Join Julia Chalker and The Arc of DFW Area for an overview of the state of Long Term Services and Supports in Texas and learn how you can advocate for change. This program is provided in partnership with The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and Down Syndrome Awareness Texas.
This event is exclusively for dads and guardians of individuals with Down syndrome. Join us on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 5 PM (or until the basketball game ends) at COSM: Dallas. Step into The Dome and experience Mavericks vs Warriors in a revolutionary space that immerses you in the action, making you feel like you’re courtside at an NBA game! Food and drinks can be ordered conveniently through the Cosm mobile app or with a server. This is a great opportunity to connect and share experiences with other dads.
This virtual training will equip you with tools to effectively share your story, connect with policymakers, and advocate for meaningful change. Learn how to amplify our voices and make an impact for the Down syndrome community in Texas.
Congratulations! The Down Syndrome Guild wants to shower you and your little one with Down syndrome. New and expecting families with a child up to age 3 are invited to join us for a celebratory baby shower brunch. This will be an opportunity for new families to learn more about the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and key resources to help support your family. Families will be able to meet our staff and mingle with other local parents who have children in a similar age range. There will also be parents who are farther along in their journey available to help answer questions and share resources.
Children with Down syndrome ages 0-12, caregivers, and siblings are invited to join us for a morning of pretend play at We Rock The Spectrum in Plano. Their sensory-safe gym is designed to work for children of all abilities, so no one is left out. To learn more about WRTS, please visit https://www.werockthespectrumplano.com/.
Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, January 8th (or until the event fills up). Have questions? Contact Shannon Beckmann (Shannon@downsyndromedallas.org).
This event is FULL. To be added to a waitlist, please email hannah@downsyndromedaallas.org
The Down Syndrome Guild invites families with children ages 0-12 who have Down syndrome to join us for a fun-filled holiday celebration! Families can enjoy a light breakfast, make a holiday craft, create their own hot chocolate, and more. Plus, everyone will have the chance to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Join us for a fun and creative evening with other moms from the Down syndrome community! Our painting night will feature step-by-step guidance to help you create fun art—no fine art skills required. DSG will provide light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, and you’re welcome to bring your favorite drink to enjoy.
Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 0-2 are encouraged to join us to connect with other families and learn about resources in our community. This informal session will give parents the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from DSG alumni parents who have graduated beyond the baby/toddler years. This roundtable format offers plenty of time for Q&A and discussion with families in a small group setting who understand and share your greatest challenges, fears, and joys. Lunch will be provided.
The Dallas Buddy Walk® is the signature fundraising and awareness event for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas bringing together more than 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and community supporters annually. The event features family-friendly activities like inflatables, music, games, face painting, vendor booths, and more for kids and adults alike. The event also includes an awareness walk that celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of all individuals with Down syndrome.
North Texas Giving Day is Thursday, September 19, but early giving begins September 1. You can schedule your gift early September 1-18 and help support the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas on the biggest community wide giving day across North Texas.
Bring the family and get to know others in your community on Sunday, Sept 8 from 2 pm - 4pm at a park near you! Families of the DSG will be hosting park playdates in your community and staff will not be present at locations. Please register for a park that is closest to your home. The hope is that you will meet and connect with other families in your area.
The Down Syndrome Guild is pleased to introduce a new quarterly education program in 2024. This half-day series will focus on Road to School Readiness: Early Childhood Series. This series is intended for those entering early childhood special education (ECSC), kindergarten, and similar stages.The session covers the special education process, evaluation, individualized education plans (IEPs), admission review and dismissal (ARD) meetings, and advocacy skills within the public school system.
Congratulations! The Down Syndrome Guild wants to shower you and your little one with Down syndrome. New and expecting families with a child up to age 3 are invited to join us for a celebratory baby shower brunch. This will be an opportunity for new families to learn more about the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and key resources to help support your family. Families will be able to meet our staff and mingle with other local parents who have children in a similar age range. There will also be parents who are farther along in their journey available to help answer questions and share resources.
DADS! You're invited for a fun night of golfing, drinks, and hanging out with fellow dads at Topgolf!
Children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 and caregivers are invited to join us for an afternoon of pretend play at Play Street Museum in Lake Highlands. Your kids will have fun imagining and pretending in the museum’s “downtown” or exploring the interactive exhibits and kid's activities in the educational play space.
iCan Shine's iCan Swim program is designed to teach individuals with disabilities ages 3 and older the foundation of safely enjoying aquatic environments and promoting as much independent movement in the water as possible! Each swimmer participating in iCan Swim has their unique goals. Goals will range from an introduction to water exploration, learning water safety in aquatic environments, learning to swim, and/or skill refinement in preparation to join a Special Olympics, Paralympic or other swim team. These goals are accomplished in a safe, supportive, inclusive and fun environment with the assistance of volunteers.
Families of children with Down syndrome ages 0-4 are invited to join us at Windhaven Meadows Park for an evening of water play and fun. Windhaven Meadows Park features a universally designed playground with more than 20,000 square feet of accessible play equipment, sprayground, and pavilion. Chick-fil-a nugget trays (regular & grilled), chips, and drinks will be provided.
The DSG is so excited to be returning to The Southern Cross Ranch this year for a day of family fun for the DSG Annual Family Picnic. The event includes a petting zoo, fishing ponds, playground, bubble garden, clown/balloon artist, face painting, bounce house, rock climbing wall, pedal boats, and sports fields, games, swimming pool, and lunch.
DSG Moms! Don't miss out on an exclusive Candle Making Experience at our offices on Saturday, May 18th, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, led by CRAV Company! Enjoy expert instruction led by a seasoned chandler, guiding you through the candle making process. Plus, take home your very own 11 oz customized candle with the fragrance of your choice! Reserve your spot now and get ready for a delightful afternoon of creativity and relaxation!
Down syndrome and autism can be challenging disabilities separately, however when combined the challenges can be quite complex and oftentimes are misunderstood by the family members and professionals in the individual’s life. This workshop will take a look at what we know about DS-ASD, discuss commonalities in family experiences, explore basic behavioral red flags, discuss treatment recommendations and the importance of building a support network and care team through the lifespan.
