We are so excited to introduce our new Program Manager, Ava Burns! This virtual meet and greet will be a way for our adult self-advocates and their parents to get to know Ava. This event will be held over zoom on July 9th from 6-7pm. Please come ready to share your name, favorite song and favorite dance move to show!
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.
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.
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.
DownSyndrome Achieves Biobank will be conducting a blood draw collection event in partnership with the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. Teens and adults with Down syndrome and their immediate family members (ages 14+) are eligible to help basic scientists understand more about the causes of health conditions impactful to people with DS.
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 Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute) and Boys Town National Research Hospital (Boys Town) are partnering with the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG) to offer FREE hearing tests as part of their Hearing and Balance in Down Syndrome Research Study. Participants will receive their hearing test results and be part of one of the largest Down syndrome biobanks in the world: The Human Trisome Project (HTP).
For Dads of Loved Ones with Down Syndrome! Ready for a night of cards, connection, and camaraderie? Join us for Poker Night at the DSG Offices — a laid-back evening just for dads.
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.
The August Supper Club event is designed specifically for self-advocates with Down syndrome ages 18 and older, offering an evening of fun and connection. This month's event is Bingo Night, and the event will take place at the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas office from 6:00–8:00 PM.
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.
Los niños con síndrome de Down y sus familias están invitados a disfrutar de una tarde llena de diversión en Kids Empire Dallas Wynnewood. Este parque infantil interior ofrece actividades para niños de 0 a 17 años: trepar, explorar, girar, construir, montar, deslizarse, patear y bailar.
Join us this fall for Adult Book Club! Participants will enjoy reading The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum together, asking questions, and engaging in fun, social discussions.
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.
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.
Adults will be given a selection of craft projects to choose from. These individual pieces will later become part of a larger art installation at the museum. Water and light snacks will be provided (no meal).
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, the Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) is proud to present Resilience In Bloom, a community-based art installation created in collaboration with organizations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is honored to be part of this collective experience.
Join us this June for a relaxed, come-and-go event series designed for families of children with Down syndrome (ages 5–12)! These informal gatherings are a great way to connect with other families in your area. Siblings are welcome, and you’re invited to come to one event—or join us for all of them!
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.
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.
We’re excited to host our April Supper Club at Topgolf in Dallas (8787 Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75231). Individuals with Down syndrome, ages 18 and older, are invited to join peers for an evening of golf and dinner. Food will be provided, with gluten-free options available upon request. Space is limited, and registration is required.
De la Tristeza a la Fortaleza: Comprendiendo y Manejo del Impacto Emocional de un Diagnóstico de Síndrome de Down
Recibir un diagnóstico inesperado de síndrome de Down puede traer muchas emociones. En esta presentación, aprenderás a reconocer y manejar esos sentimientos, además de obtener estrategias prácticas para ayudar a las familias a seguir adelante con resiliencia, esperanza y fuerza.
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.
POSPERSTO POR EL CLIMA: ¡Únete a Grupo de Familias Unidas para celebrar el Día Mundial del Síndrome de Down! Viste de azul y amarillo y no olvides tus calcetines coloridos.
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.
We are excited to host our February Supper Club at Flour Power in Allen (1010 W Exchange Pkwy #1150, Allen, TX 75013). Self-Advocates ages 18+ are invited to join peers for a fun-filled evening of cooking and connection.
Event Details:
Participants will create heart-shaped pizzas (with gluten-free options available) and chocolate-dipped strawberries and marshmallows. The food they prepare will be their dinner for the evening. Please note that Flour Power is an educational facility.
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).
Adults with Down syndrome ages 18 and older are invited to enjoy an afternoon of bowling with their peers. The Guild will provide soft drinks, bowling lanes, and shoe rentals for this activity. Please note that food will not be provided, so we encourage attendees to eat beforehand.
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from Bowlero Dallas. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us for VIRTUAL Book Club where we'll discuss a new book and enjoy a fun evening together starting January 8 at 3:00 PM!
Adults will read together, ask questions and learn, all while enjoying social time together. If participants would like to bring a snack/dinner to the first 15-30 minutes of book club and catch up with friends, they are welcome to do so. The group will then alternate reading for the remaining hour and a half. We will be reading Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas will mail participants a copy of the book prior to the first meeting.
Join us for In Person Book Club where we'll discuss a new book and enjoy a fun evening together starting January 7 at 5:30 PM - at our NEW OFFICES
Adults will read together, ask questions and learn, all while enjoying social time together. If participants would like to bring a snack/dinner to the first 15-30 minutes of book club and catch up with friends, they are welcome to do so. The group will then alternate reading for the remaining hour and a half. We will be reading Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis.
This event is at capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please email Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org.
Teens with Down syndrome, ages 13-17, and their families are invited to join us on Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 - 4:30 PM for an afternoon of bowling, food, and games. Don’t forget to wear your ugliest holiday sweater for some festive fun! Bowling shoes are included. Space is limited, and registration is required.
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!
This event is at capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please email Hannah@downsyndromedallas.org.
Dust off your cowboy hat and pull on your dancing boots! We’re thrilled to invite you to our 7th Annual DSG Gala for self-advocates aged 18 and older.
