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.
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 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.
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.
iCan Shine uses customized adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over 5 days, approximately 80% of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp. The remaining 20% often make great progress towards that goal.
To be eligible to enroll, riders must: be at least eight years old; have a disability; be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane; be able to side-step quickly to both sides; have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches from the floor; and weigh no more than 220 pounds.
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.
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.
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!
2025 World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kits are OUT OF STOCK! WDSD Classroom kits are FREE kits for educators in the DFW area with a student with Down syndrome in their classroom or school to help them celebrate and raise awareness about Down syndrome. Thanks to a generous donor, shipping has been covered this year.
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.
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.
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.
DADS! You're invited for a fun night of golfing, drinks, and hanging out with fellow dads at Topgolf!
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.
iCan Shine uses customized adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over 5 days, approximately 80% of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp. The remaining 20% often make great progress towards that goal.
To be eligible to enroll, riders must: be at least eight years old; have a disability; be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane; be able to side-step quickly to both sides; have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches from the floor; and weigh no more than 220 pounds.
Join us for some OT fun hosted by the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and UTMB OT student, Lizzie Thompson. Camp will consist of fun and interactive activities for your child to practice developmentally appropriate skills. Activities will target gross and fine motor skills, handwriting, visual perceptual skills, emotional regulation, sensory integration, and provide your child with the opportunity to build relationships with their peers!
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.
Bring the family and get to know others in your community on Sunday April 28 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.
Join us for the 5th annual Dallas Mechanical Group Crawfish Boil benefitting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. There will be fun for the whole family including bugs, shrimp, beer, music, bounce houses, raffles, and more.
This half-day series will bring together local and national experts to help educate families on some of the most commonly asked questions at each life stage. This series will focus on School Age topics for ages 5 - 17.
Emocionante serie de conferencias presenciales que cubrirán temas educativos para niños de 5 a 17 años. Sábado 20 de Abril del 2024.
World Down Syndrome Day was first observed in 2006 in many countries around the world. WDSD is celebrated on the 21st day of March to honor and share our love for those living with Down syndrome and to create awareness and acceptance for others. March 21st (3/21) was chosen as the day to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down syndrome to occur.
Dads Night Out! We will walk you through the process of making Texas Whiskey, from the farm to the glass. Hear about our humble beginnings and bright future from our Head Distiller & The BTE himself. Grab a cocktail, and bring your best Dad Jokes, the best one wins a prize!
This event has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope you understand. If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Fredette- Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org.
Half-day educational series with sessions focusing on medicaid waiver programs, special needs trusts, and guardianship and alternatives.
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.
Enjoy meeting other moms from the Down syndrome community with a night of dinner and fun! Moms of all ages are welcome. Dinner includes chips, salsa, bean dip, queso blanco, two types of tacos: Chicken Tinga and Veggie, Mexican Rice, Borracho Beans, and Sopapillas. Non-alcoholic beverages will be included- beer, wine, margaritas and additional drinks may be purchased by the guest.
