DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

10/28/2025

Save the date and join us for the 2026 Dancing with Our Stars Gala on Saturday, February 7, at the Hilton Columbus at Easton!

Experience the magic of our stars and be part of this extraordinary night where we celebrate the incredible talents of our community and help our stars shine brighter every day. 🌟

More than just an evening of fine dining and dancing, the Gala is a heartfelt celebration that showcases the essence of our mission.

The highlight of this enchanting evening is a professionally choreographed ballroom dancing performance featuring over 50 adults with Down syndrome.

Tickets go on sale December 1! Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the exciting night.

10/28/2025

As Down Syndrome Awareness Month comes to an end, we're excited to share a few more facts with you.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the unique abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome, while also working to challenge outdated perceptions and eliminate barriers.

Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, or social circles, Down Syndrome Awareness Month invites us all to be advocates for equity and belonging. 💛💙

We'd love to hear something that your loved one with Down syndrome has taught you, comment below and share it with us!

10/27/2025

Are you a parent or caregiver of an adult with Down syndrome (age 18+)? Don't miss our Connecting Parents of Adults gathering in November! 💙💛

Take a break and join us every other month for a fun, casual evening where you can swap stories, share insights, tackle challenges, and enjoy plenty of laughs. DSACO picks up the tab for appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, so come relax, connect, and recharge - you deserve it!

Join us on Thursday, November 20 from 6 - 8 PM at the Bentley Apartments Clubhouse in Grove City. Visit https://dsaco.net/events/connectingparents/ for more details and to register.

10/27/2025

Stop into your local Penn Station East Coast Subs before it's too late!

Coupon books are available for purchase throughout the entire month of October and 100% of the funds support DSACO and our local Down syndrome community.

Each $5 coupon book is packed with over $20 in savings and is now available to purchase when you place an order online!

Visit your local Penn Station location throughout the month and be sure to post a pic and tag us in it! We love to share how our DSACO community always comes together. 💛💙

10/26/2025

Save the date for the 2026 DSACO Mom Prom! ✨

Grab your fellow DSACO moms and join us for a night you won't soon forget!

We're heading back to Combustion Brewery & Taproom on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6 - 10 PM. We've added even more time, more fun, and more surprises! 🎉

More details and registration information will be coming soon, but for now, add it to your calendar so you don't miss out!

10/25/2025

Don't miss our next High School Social Group!

High schoolers, join us on Tuesday, October 28 from 6:30 - 8 PM.

Meet us at Taranto's Pizzeria! Bring your appetite and your A-game as we'll be eating pizza and playing games for a fun night with friends. 🍕

This event is free for DSACO families, but registration is required. Visit https://www.dsaco.net/events/hssocialgroup/ to register today.

10/24/2025

Your story matters!

Congressional leaders still need to hear from you!

ElevateDD stands alongside many organizations rooted in the developmental disabilities community in efforts to share stories with Congress from the families we serve about the importance of special education.

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) plays a vital role in protecting the rights of students with disabilities and supporting the people who serve them. Without it, the promise of IDEA is at serious risk. We’re calling on our community to join us in urging Congress to restore these cuts for the sake of every child, family, and educator who depends on them.

You can use National Down Syndrome Congress’s advocacy alert to share with your congressional leaders how special education and IEPs have supported your child, and why it is critical that these resources remain available: https://ndsccenter.org/policy/action-center

10/24/2025

Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 💙💛

DSACO's Vice President, Carey Eash, stopped by Mark Twain Elementary last week to present to her daughter's 3rd grade class. Olivia, Carey's daughter, and was excited to have her mom be a part of the day!

Along with Down syndrome awareness, Carey also spent time sharing about the importance of being kind and including everyone and celebrating what makes us different.

We love seeing different ways to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month! We'd love to hear what you're doing, tell us in the comments below.

10/23/2025

We're making an impact!

This Down Syndrome Awareness Month we're excited to share ways that DSACO is making an impact - as we work to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome. 💙💛

In the past year:
- 55 Adults with Down syndrome and their 83 parents, siblings, or other caregivers participated in DSACO’s Annual Adult Conference.

- 33 students were enrolled in Summer Learning Academy across 5 classrooms. 100% of students enrolled maintained or gained progress on their IEP math and literacy goals. 22 students improved in math skills (66%); 21 students improved in literacy (63%).

- 24 bike riders joined our iCan Bike Camp. The camp ended with an incredible 84% success rate of participants independently riding bikes – an increase of 10% from 2023!

We're proud of the impact we've made this past year and look forward to making an even bigger impact through DSACO programming and resources in the future.

10/23/2025

Dance the night away! 🌟

DSACO is looking for Gala dancers as we prepare for the most magical night of the year!

Our Dancing with Our Stars Gala is a night you won't want to miss. This enchanting evening features more than 40 adults with Down syndrome performing professionally choreographed dance routines, and we're looking for more stars!

The first dance practice will take place on Saturday, November 8! Interested dancers (18 and over) can contact Mari Cox at mcox@dsaco.net for all of the details.

10/22/2025

Join us next week on Tuesday, October 28, for DSACO's Aging & Down Syndrome Caregiver Support Group! 💙💛

In partnership with the Central Ohio chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, DSACO is excited to be hosting a monthly online support group for people who provide care for aging people with Down syndrome. Ask questions, feel supported and get to know other caregivers of adults with Down syndrome.

Caregivers of aging people (40+) with Down syndrome are welcome to join us virtually from 6 - 7 PM.

For more information and to register, visit https://dsaco.net/events/agingsupport/.

10/22/2025

As we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we're excited to continue sharing some weekly facts about Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the unique abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome, while also working to challenge outdated perceptions and eliminate barriers.

Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, or social circles, Down Syndrome Awareness Month invites us all to be advocates for equity and belonging. 💛💙