DS Action

Down Syndrome Support for Parents and Caregivers
2021-08-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-07-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-07-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-06-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-06-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-05-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-05-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-04-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 4 more dates
Please join us on select Saturdays at 10am PST for a Virtual Parent/Caregiver Support Group gathering. We recognize that our community is in need of ways to navigate the challenges we are all facing currently. We decided to take action and find solutions to help families cope. Also, we know that there has been a need for parents and caregivers to collaborate with other families who have children with Down syndrome, of all ages. We are looking forward to providing a way to open communication.

This support group is FREE.

We are excited to be working with the SMart Center from Jankintown, Pennsylvania. They will be facilitating our group gatherings, sharing ways that we can better manage stress and anxiety, offer parenting strategies (with a focus on stress during the pandemic) and explain the significance of social support during a time when we are having to keep our distance.

Currently, DS Action is working on hosting additional family support groups/webinars. Donations are always welcome in order to help our efforts for our community. Click here to make a donation on our website.
We look forward to having you join us!

DS Action Webinar Series 2021 - Relationships/Dating
2021-06-05 10:00 - 11:00
DS Action is focused on the Health and Wellness of our community, especially in 2021. We are happy to announce that we will be offering a 3-part Webinar Series in May and early June to cover the topics of Puberty, Boundaries and Relationships/Dating. These webinars are open to parents/caregivers and professionals in the community who may benefit from learning more on these topics.
RETURNING (VIRTUALLY), BY POPULAR DEMAND: We are very proud to welcome back, Special Guest Speaker: Terri Couwenhoven, MS Owner TC Services, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, and Author
Our last webinar of the series will be on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 10am PST. Please join us as Terri presents information regarding the “I Want to Date! Supporting Healthy Dating Relationships”.
Webinar description: The need for
intimacy and meaningful connections with others is part of the human condition. People with Down syndrome and intellectual/developmental disabilities have similar needs for intimacy, but often encounter a unique set of barriers as they move into the dating world. In this workshop parents will explore obstacles uniquely experienced by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and identify helpful roles for parents and/or support providers. There will be discussion on strategies for supporting self-advocates learn important steps in the dating process.
Registration: Please register to receive the Zoom link for this workshop.
Attendance Fee: Free; Suggested donation $10/per household
All gifts are greatly appreciated, especially during these challenging times. DS Action has added many new virtual programs this year to support our community. Please consider contributing, so that we may continue to offer amazing events, webinars, programs and to support the Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.
We would like to thank our very generous Donors for your contributions, so that we may continue to provide these very important seminars for families and to assist in providing additional knowledge to professionals who work within our community.

DS Action Webinar Series 2021 - Boundaries
2021-05-15 10:00 - 11:00
DS Action is focused on the Health and Wellness of our community, especially in 2021. We are happy to announce that we will be offering a 3-part Webinar Series in May and early June to cover the topics of Puberty, Boundaries and Relationships/Dating. These webinars are open to parents/caregivers and professionals in the community who may benefit from learning more on these topics.
RETURNING (VIRTUALLY), BY POPULAR DEMAND: We are very proud to welcome back, Special Guest Speaker: Terri Couwenhoven, MS Owner TC Services, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, and Author
Our second webinar will be on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10am PST. Please join us as Terri presents information regarding the “Don’t Cross the Line! Navigating Boundary Confusion in People with Down syndrome and other Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities”.
Webinar description: In this session parents will learn common
reasons for boundary confusion in individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, why
boundaries are important, and key aspects of boundaries teaching.
Registration: Please register to receive the Zoom link for this workshop.
Attendance Fee: Free; Suggested donation $10/per household
All gifts are greatly appreciated, especially during these challenging times. DS Action has added many new virtual programs this year to support our community. Please consider contributing, so that we may continue to offer amazing events, webinars, programs and to support the Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.
We would like to thank our very generous Donors for your contributions, so that we may continue to provide these very important seminars for families and to assist in providing additional knowledge to professionals who work within our community.

Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program
2021-05-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-29 16:00 - 17:00
Down Syndrome Action is excited to partner with Playing For Smiles for our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program!

About this Event

Playing For Smiles is a sports camp that is dedicated to providing a fun, active and positive atmosphere for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sports and fitness can change lives for the better and our goal is to give these experiences and opportunities to everyone.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave us in a world of uncertainty, we are here to encourage our community to remain connected and inspired to try new things! Our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program will be filled with fun workouts, exercises, and activities for all ages and abilities.
During this time, it is especially important to focus on taking care of your loved ones’ mental health as well as your own. Our program is committed to supporting overall wellness, both mental and physical.
Zoom link will be emailed prior to each session!
All ages and abilities (friends and family included!) Please reach out to playingforsmiles@gmail.com with any questions!

DS Action Webinar Series 2021 - Puberty
2021-05-01 10:00 - 11:00
About the Event

Responding to many requests and offering solutions…
DS Action is focused on the Health and Wellness of our community, especially in 2021. We are happy to announce that we will be offering a 3-part Webinar Series in May and early June to cover the topics of Puberty, Boundaries and Relationships/Dating.
RETURNING (VIRTUALLY), BY POPULAR DEMAND: We are very proud to welcome back, Special Guest Speaker: Terri Couwenhoven, MS Owner TC Services, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, and Author
Our first webinar will be on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10am PST. Please join us as Terri presents information regarding the “Top 5 Issues and Concerns During Puberty”.
Webinar description: Families often experience anxiety when their son or daughter with Down syndrome or intellectual/developmental disabilities begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, Terri will explain about the most frequently identified issues and concerns that parents of tweens have and practical ways to address them. Ideas for teaching, home activities, and useful resources specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities (I/DD) will be shared.
Registration: Please register to receive the Zoom link for this workshop.
Attendance Fee: Free; Suggested donation $10/per household
All gifts are greatly appreciated, especially during these challenging times. DS Action has added many new virtual programs this year to support our community. Please consider contributing, so that we may continue to offer amazing events, webinars, programs and to support the Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.
We would like to thank our very generous Donors for your contributions, so that we may continue to provide these very important seminars for families and to assist in providing additional knowledge to professionals who work within our community.

Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program
2021-04-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-04-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-03-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-03-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-02-25 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-02-18 16:00 - 17:00
Down Syndrome Action is excited to partner with Playing For Smiles for our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program!

About this Event

Zoom link will be emailed to you!
Playing For Smiles is a sports camp that is dedicated to providing a fun, active and positive atmosphere for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sports and fitness can change lives for the better and our goal is to give these experiences and opportunities to everyone.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave us in a world of uncertainty, we are here to encourage our community to remain connected and inspired to try new things! Our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program will be filled with fun workouts, exercises, and activities for all ages and abilities.
During this time, it is especially important to focus on taking care of your loved ones’ mental health as well as your own. Our program is committed to supporting overall wellness, both mental and physical.
Zoom link will be emailed prior to each session!
All ages and abilities (friends and family included!) Please reach out to playingforsmiles@gmail.com with any questions!

Cooking With Friends!
2021-04-10
Details Coming Soon!

Stay tuned for details about this fun virtual cooking with friends event!

DS Action's Easter "Eggs-perience" hosted by Pt. Loma Nazarene University
2021-04-03 14:00 - 15:30
We’re changing things up again this year. Our Friends at Point Loma Nazarene University have come up with a FUN and SAFE way for us to join together for an Easter Eggs-perience! Register here: http://bit.ly/dsaction-plnu-easter2021
You must register to participate in the celebration on Saturday, April 3rd.

Each registration is for 1 family (car) to attend the drive-thru goody bag pick up from 8am-10am at Liberty Station in Pt. Loma. (Everyone must stay inside their vehicles.)
All ages are welcome!
Join the Virtual Celebration at 2pm. The items that you receive in the goody bags will be used during the virtual event.

Exact address for the drive-thru and the link for the virtual event will be sent in an email on Friday, April 2nd.
We look forward to celebrating with everyone and seeing many smiling faces.
If you have any questions, please contact Sharla Hank at sharla.hank@dsaction.com or Susan Rogers at srogers@pointloma.edu

Siblings Social Hour - Virtual Trivia Tuesday
2021-03-30 16:00 - 17:00
*Details to come!

3-2-1 Action - A World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
2021-03-21 13:00 - 14:30
Join us on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at 1 pm PST/4 pm EST.
We will be hosting our 13th Annual World Down Syndrome Day event virtually, coast to coast, this year.

We are very excited to be celebrating with our friends, Julie and Derrick Tennant, who will be on the East Coast. This event will showcase the talent and raise awareness for people with Down syndrome around the globe. To spotlight this momentous occasion, there will be friends of DS Action stopping by to share the importance of the day, along with a collection of videos and special guest appearances.

Please register to receive details about how to get in on the
ACTION on 3/21. Because this is a virtual event, you can attend from the comfort of your home and from any time zone. Invite your friends!

This is a FREE event. However, donations are greatly appreciated, especially during these challenging times. DS Action has added many new virtual programs this year to support our community. Please consider making a contribution, so that we may continue to offer amazing events, webinars and to support the
Down Syndrome Center at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program
2021-03-18 16:00 - 17:00
Down Syndrome Action is excited to partner with Playing For Smiles for our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program!

About this Event

Zoom link will be emailed to you!
Playing For Smiles is a sports camp that is dedicated to providing a fun, active, and positive atmosphere for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sports and fitness can change lives for the better and our goal is to give these experiences and opportunities to everyone.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave us in a world of uncertainty, we are here to encourage our community to remain connected and inspired to try new things! Our Virtual Fitness & Wellness Program will be filled with fun workouts, exercises, and activities for all ages and abilities.
During this time, it is especially important to focus on taking care of your loved ones’ mental health as well as your own. Our program is committed to supporting overall wellness, both mental and physical.
Zoom link will be emailed prior to each session!
All ages and abilities (friends and family included!) Please reach out to playingforsmiles@gmail.com with any questions!
