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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Half-day educational series with sessions focusing on medicaid waiver programs, special needs trusts, and guardianship and alternatives.

Children with Down syndrome ages 0-4, caregivers, and siblings are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun 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.