Down Syndrome Innovations - Central Missouri

03/14/2026

ONE WEEK until World Down Syndrome Day!!!
Join us at the ARC (1701 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203) on Saturday, March 21, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. as we come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

We’ll enjoy a fun and inclusive pool party, with pizza provided for everyone. Families and friends are welcome to bring desserts to share. To help keep everyone safe and included, please label all ingredients, as some individuals have food allergies or dietary needs.

We look forward to celebrating our community, connections, and belonging together!
For more information, and to register, visit: https://kcdsi.coursestorm.com/course/central-missouri-world-down-syndrome-day-celebration

03/10/2026

Our 2026 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk-Central MO logo is all SET! Thanks to everyone who voted! Registration opens soon!

03/06/2026

On Friday, March 13th, join us for our next Family Social Gathering in Central Missouri! This is an opportunity for families to meet and exchange stories, resources, and fellowship!

Dinner and childcare will be provided for families. Please be sure to RSVP in advance! Register here: https://kcdsi.coursestorm.com/course/central-missouri-family-social-hour #!

Join us for our 2026 Family Social Gatherings in Central Missouri! This is an opportunity for families to meet and exchange stories, resources, and fellowship! Dinner and childcare will be provided for families. Please be sure to RSVP in...

03/03/2026

They're HERE! Help us decide the next "look" for our annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk-Central MO! Leave your vote in the comments! We'll tally the votes until Friday, March 6th at 5:00 CST. 💖

02/25/2026

We’re so grateful to all the community members who came out last weekend to spend time with DSI staff members Quinn Boland and Sarah Mai. It was a wonderful time filled with laughter, shared stories, and meaningful connections.

02/18/2026

Please join us this upcoming Saturday morning! Our Executive Director, Sarah Mai, will be sharing strategies to facilitate independence, foster self-determination, set high expectations, and problem-solve through setbacks and barriers. For more information, and to register, please click here: https://kcdsi.org/classes/categories/central-mo-caregiver-education/

02/16/2026

In observance of Presidents Day, we will be closed and not hosting services.
We look forward to seeing you again after the holiday!

02/13/2026

Join Sarah Mai, Executive Director and Occupational Therapist, in Columbia, Missouri, as she guides you through strategies to build skills, adapt tasks and environments, and create opportunities to maximize your loved one's independence. We will discuss skills within DSI’s Lifespan Services Framework for building independence at home and in the community. Together, we can identify barriers to independence and share effective ideas and tools.

The caregiver education event will take place on February 21st, 2026, between 10:00-11:30 am, at Boone County Family Resources. Participants will have the opportunity for a light lunch and caregiver connection immediately following.

https://bit.ly/4tzgrWa

02/09/2026

It's never too early to start thinking about coming together with family and friends to Step Up for Down Syndrome!
https://stepupcentralmo.org/

02/06/2026

Down Syndrome Innovations is proud to partner with The Down Syndrome Clinic at the Thompson Center on behalf of families with loved ones with Down syndrome in the Central Missouri region. DSI team members CJ Vallejo and Sarah Mai met with Tracy Stroud, D.O., the Clinic’s lead Developmental Pediatrician, and her clinical team to discuss collaboration on best practices and holistic care for people with Down syndrome—both within and beyond the clinic, and across medical and community settings. The Down Syndrome Clinic at the Thompson Center is an essential one-stop shop for the complex medical and behavioral needs that often accompany Down syndrome.

01/30/2026

Down Syndrome Innovations is proud to support educators in Kansas City and Central Missouri by investing in professional learning that improves outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. Join this upcoming 1-day virtual educators conference from and reach out anytime for local support at outreach@kcsdi.org
or info@kcdsi.org.

01/30/2026

Families, are you receiving regular communications from Down Syndrome Innovations in your email inbox about upcoming services and events in your area? If not, please take a moment to fill out our Get Connected form. GET CONNECTED TODAY! https://www.tfaforms.com/5166729