Adulthood

The ability to read is instrumental in health outcomes, housing access, workforce advancement, and quality of life. Committed to providing a lifetime of opportunities, DSACO is pleased to connect our adult membership with qualified educators for 1:1 instruction. Tutors will administer a pre-assessment and work in partnership with adult learners and their families to establish goals. This program aims to provide meaningful educational experiences for adults with Down syndrome who are no longer served on an IEP and are motivated to improve their reading skills. Find out more information here…

Since 2019, DSACO has offered improv classes for adults with Down syndrome ages 18 and older. Currently, DSACO Improv is offered on two different nights at two different locations. Both 10-class series feature engaging, creativity-boosting activities designed to improve skills like eye contact, listening, quick thinking, voice projection, and teamwork. Whether you’re a returning improvisor or brand-new to improv, we’d love to see you at either location! Each session will wrap up with a final performance on stage at the Funny Bone!

Typically, these class series run from February-April and September-November.

Details about our next round of classes can be found here:

• https://www.dsaco.net/events/improv/
• https://www.dsaco.net/events/adult-improv-program-southeast/

DSACO is pleased to offer The First Tee® Program through our 10-week Golf Academy. The program focuses on learning all aspects of the game of golf while including the nine core values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgement. This program accepts all who are 12 and older and is open to all skills levels! Golf Academy typically runs from early June through mid-August.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2026 DSACO Adult Conference will be August 21, 22, and 23 at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio.

Each year, DSACO hosts an unforgettable weekend designed for adults with Down syndrome (18+) and the parents, siblings, and caregivers who support them. The event features engaging breakout sessions tailored for adults with Down syndrome, plus separate sessions crafted specifically for family members and caregivers. Beyond the learning, there’s plenty of time to meet new friends, enjoy meaningful conversations, and reconnect with familiar faces. And of course – our Saturday night dance is always a crowd favorite!

These social groups work on building paper-crafting skills to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards to give to family and friends.  All necessary supplies for making the cards are provided. These groups are free, but registration is required at least one week in advance so supplies can be prepared. DSACO offers stamping clubs at two different locations.

Stamping Club Central

Typically meets on the first Wednesday from 6:30 – 8 PM at the Westerville Public Library.

This group welcomes adults (18+) with Down syndrome to participate.

Stamping Club East

Typically meets on the second Tuesday from 6 – 7 PM at the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD).

This group welcomes people with a developmental disability or Down syndrome (16+).

Twice a month, DSACO will host 60 minutes of step-by-step instructions via Zoom. Time will be incorporated to discuss cooking terms, how-to ideas, gadgets, food and kitchen safety, etc. Recipes will be kept simple, will not require use of complex tools, and will consist of basic ingredients commonly found in most kitchens. Some recipes will be gluten free or offer a gluten free option.

*Participants must have access to a computer, laptop, or screen with a camera in their kitchen. We strongly suggest a support person be on-hand.

Join DSACO once a year for a splashing good time as our teens and adults combine for an epic pool party! People with Down syndrome ages 13 and over and their immediate siblings and parents are invited to join us either at the Westerville Community Center or the Highlands Park Aquatic Center (depending on the time of year) for this fun and inclusive swim party. Enjoy time with other DSACO families while exploring all the exciting water activities like the lazy river, slides, and splash area.

Join DSACO moms for a relaxing night out where they will share stories, needs, concerns, and ideas. Locations vary. Check our events tab or email a group contact for details. Additionally, you can join the M.O.M.S. Facebook Group, a supporting and positive community for sharing information and experiences while being inspired and uplifted. Please visit our Events Calendar to find a M.O.M.S. meet up near you.

Dads get a chance to get to know each other while learning more in a social setting. The group’s mission is to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of people with Down syndrome. Please visit our Events Calendar for details about the next D.A.D.S. meeting.

Contact:
Brian Stumpo, bstumpo@columbus.rr.com

DSACO invites dads, moms, and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (18+) to join us every other month for a relaxed, fun evening to share stories, swap insights, and enjoy plenty of laughs with others facing similar experiences. With appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks on us, it’s the perfect chance to unwind, connect, and recharge. Meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of the month from 6 – 8 PM, with locations rotating so parents from all parts of town can join easily.

DSACO has partnered with the Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to offer a free monthly online support group for those caring for aging individuals with Down syndrome. Each session provides emotional support, shared experiences, and valuable resources, with a special focus on Alzheimer’s and dementia due to their increased prevalence in the Down syndrome community. Caregivers of adults age 40 and older are welcome to join. The group typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6 – 7 PM via Zoom so caregivers across our service area can participate comfortably while continuing to provide care. Attendees often say they feel more supported knowing they’re not facing these experiences alone.

DSACO’s new Community Access Funds – a program that provides financial reimbursement to anyone with Down syndrome for funds spent on inclusive activities in the community – for up to $250 per year!

This Fund, which replaces Music & Arts, Recreation, and Education Scholarships, can be used when trying something new or continuing something you love. It covers recreational activities, education, music*, art, and more. Funds are not meant to be used on DSACO-specific programs, such as iCan Bike Camp, iCan Swim Camp, or Summer Learning Academy. These funds are budgeted to be used in the community on inclusive opportunities.

Please click here to view the Community Access Fund Guidelines.

Solicitud del Fondo de Acceso Comunitario

Guía del Fondo de Acceso Comunitario

Please contact kosborne@dsaco.net with any questions.

*Music & Performing Arts activities are generously provided by the Barbour family in memory of Ann Barbour

Since 2004, more than $200,000 has been awarded through DSACO’s Post-Secondary Scholarship Program. Its mission is to assist siblings, parents, cousins, and other relatives of individuals with Down syndrome who are planning to pursue careers in which they will positively impact the lives of people with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome who are enrolled in a college program are also eligible (and strongly encouraged) to apply. 

DSACO wants to help you find comfort while your loved one with Down syndrome has a stay at any hospital in our 23-county service area. We launched our Hospital Care Package Program in 2015 in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Packages can be delivered to any hospital in our 23-county service area for families whose loved one with Down syndrome is having a stay longer than 2 nights. This opportunity is available for any family (regardless of where they reside) as long as the hospital is within our service area.

Everyone deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season. Whether you need a little help during the holidays or have the means to provide assistance, you can participate in making the season a little brighter for everyone. In 2024, donors and local community organizations provided gifts, handmade blankets, basic need items and gift cards to 100 people with Down syndrome and their families. Each year, DSACO families who are requesting assistance for the holiday season are welcome to apply beginning November 1st. Visit www.dsaco.net/adoptafamily for more information.

In October 2020, after 33 years of service, Marge Barnheiser retired from DSACO after a lifelong commitment of giving back to thousands of people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community professionals who serve them. To continue her legacy in advocacy, DSACO will annually award Marge Barnheiser Advocacy Scholarships to people with Down syndrome and a companion who travel to Washington, D.C., for legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill.