Down Syndrome Association of Orange County

Celebrate with us on Sunday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our exciting NEW VENUE! Carnival rides, exhibitors, music and more... registration coming soon...

Are you a teen or adult with Down syndrome that is interested in cosplay? Cosplay is a therapeutic and creative outlet that allows participants to embody their favorite characters or create their own characters. For individuals with Down syndrome or other disabilities, it's a very powerful way to express creativity, boost self-esteem and build a supportive community. Check out our friends at dDominator and see ticket info for their Red Carpet event coming up on August 10th. https://givebutter.com/g3YhNs Use code dsaoc and see if you can still get FREE Tickets!

dD Cosplay Swagway 2024 a cosplay red carpet experience presented by the dD Cosplay Club for persons with disabilities

Today is the day! Our second Summer Program facilitated by a self advocate.
"Kreativity with Kyle and Kaili"
If you registered for the program, we will see you soon. ❤️

LAST CALL! 2024 SUMMER Karaoke Party!
TOMORROW Friday, June 28 from 6-9 p.m. at the DSAOC Center. Check-in starts at 5:30 p.m.
Join DSAOC and friends for a Summer themed Teen/Adult KMGN Party, for individuals with Down syndrome and friends ages 13yrs and older. What does KMGN stand for? Karaoke, Movie and Game Night!
We will have Pizza, snacks, popcorn, fruit, desserts, and we will have some gluten-free options. Beverages will also be provided.
You are welcome to send the participant with their own food/beverage/snack if preferred. Come dressed comfortable, and feel free to wear attire that matches the theme. There will be fun games in one room, movies in another room, and Karaoke in the Activity Center! 3 hours of respite for parents/caregivers - Enjoy! Drop off is encouraged, but you will need to leave an emergency cell number when you check in.

REGISTER HERE: https://give.classy.org/dsaocsummerKMGN2024

REGISTER TODAY! Summer Art Program at DSAOC with self-advocate, Kyle Belzowski.
3-Class Art Program
Starts Thursday, June 27 from 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. and runs 3 classes - June 27, July 11 and August 1
Kyle LOVES Art and so does Kaili. They are combining their talents and creativity to help you create a beautiful Summer Scene, but you will also have the opportunity to add fun 3D effects. Will you add sea shells, a volleyball net, a beach towel to your sand?
REGISTER HERE: https://give.classy.org/dsaocsummerart2024

2024 SUMMER Karaoke Party!
Friday, June 28 from 6-9 p.m. at the DSAOC Center. Check-in starts at 5:30 p.m.
Join DSAOC and friends for a Summer themed Teen/Adult KMGN Party, for individuals with Down syndrome and friends ages 13yrs and older. What does KMGN stand for? Karaoke, Movie and Game Night!
We will have Pizza, snacks, popcorn, fruit, desserts, and we will have some gluten-free options. Beverages will also be provided.
You are welcome to send the participant with their own food/beverage/snack if preferred. Come dressed comfortable, and feel free to wear attire that matches the theme. There will be fun games in one room, movies in another room, and Karaoke in the Activity Center! 3 hours of respite for parents/caregivers - Enjoy! Drop off is encouraged, but you will need to leave an emergency cell number when you check in.

REGISTER HERE: https://give.classy.org/dsaocsummerKMGN2024

Check out the link below to connect to Red Carpet Ball event photos, photo booth pictures, and a video!
https://linktr.ee/redcarpetball2024

Join us this Thursday, June 6th at 7 PM via Zoom for a special presentation on Assessment of Problem Behavior. See the flyer for more information.
ZOOM INFO:
Time: Jun 6, 2024 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86885403777?pwd=i9J9UvaY4iDVx1Zrc4gbffr7BzSxfS.1

Meeting ID: 868 8540 3777
Passcode: 456340

Getting ready for an Enchanted Evening tonight at DSAOC's Red Carpet Ball. 💕♥️

Happy Mother's Day and happy Sunday! 🌞💕

LAST CALL! BOWLING! Join us THIS Saturday May 11 at Irvine Lanes. This will be the final bowling session until September, so be sure to register today! Meet your friends at Irvine Lanes beginning at 10:30 AM for 2 hours of bowling and social time. REGISTER https://give.classy.org/dsaocbowling2024

Visit the Farmhouse restaurant at Roger's Gardens between now and May 12th and support DSAOC!
The Farmhouse is partnering with DSAOC through their “Swig for Selflessness” program. They are donating 50% of the sales of specified drinks to support our impactful initiatives. Grab some friends and head to the Farmhouse! Cheers to making a difference with each refreshing drink!
Available for dine-in and takeout.

Getting ready for some Bingo Fun! If you registered, we will see you here soon. ❤️

LAST CALL to have your voice heard on this COVID impact survey. IT'S SURVEY TIME! *** Covid Impact Survey ***

The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC) has had to adapt to the COVID pandemic and is aware of the profound impact the pandemic has had on the community we strive to support.

We are seeking information from family members/caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome about experiences and needs, and we will use this information to optimize what we do for the community going forward. This survey has been created in collaboration with Soka University so the findings can be analyzed and published, however, the survey responses are processed in a confidential manner, with participant ID removed.

In order to thank participants for completing the survey and sharing their experiences, DSAOC will raffle off $25 cash gift cards to participants who complete the survey. For more information, please click the link below or use the QR Code.

https://downsyndromassoc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0c8yVrfbGD49rbE

BOWLING! Join us Saturday May 11 at Irvine Lanes. This will be the final bowling session until September, so be sure to register today! Meet your friends at Irvine Lanes beginning at 10:30 AM for 2 hours of bowling and social time. REGISTER https://give.classy.org/dsaocbowling2024

Join us this Saturday, May 4th for some Star Wars themed fun at our annual Bingo fundraiser! DSAOC BINGO!! May the 4th Be With You - Saturday, May 4, 2024. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Bingo is from Noon to 3 p.m. Anyone that is 18yrs and older can join us for some Bingo fun that will include some Star Wars themed prizes. Share this with your friends, family, neighbors! We will have tables of 8 to 10, so bring your friends and family and you can all sit together and see who will get to yell "BINGO!"

For more information and to register visit: https://give.classy.org/dsaocbingo2024

NEXT Thursday, May 2 via Zoom at 7 p.m.
DSAOC Circle of Friends Support & Networking Group
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Legal Protections for
Children with Special Needs
Meet Laura Meier from Meier Law Firm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89980608627?pwd=OnzyDOiavYnam4EAc9x7gfYgpjbWIV.1
Meeting ID: 899 8060 8627
Passcode: 375778

Huge thanks to all of you that took time to vote for our very own Parth Bhatt, a wonderful self-advocate, and now award-winning comedian. 👏 He was honored with not just 1, but 2 awards. Congratulations to Parth for winning the Webby Award in their Social Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for 2024, and also being the People's Voice winner!

Join us for the 2024 NDSS Adult Summit in Costa Mesa, CA!

The NDSS Adult Summit covers aging and Down syndrome through a whole-person, comprehensive approach. Content will overlap ages and subject areas, providing attendees with information and practical resources. We will offer breakout sessions on a variety of topics as well as a modified track, ideal for teens and adults with Down syndrome and others who prefer an environment with more guided support, accommodations, and experiential learning opportunities.

This conference is a great educational opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, family members, and professionals.

Learn more and register before July 1 to secure early bird pricing. https://registration.socio.events/e/2024ndssadultsummitca

To apply to speak at the event, fill out an application by May 31. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeKEVE1nJOlvpcxrJvgLFnDK9t2SE4tAqkn9Cr56YC2zyELQ/viewform

Sign up today and receive information about DSAOC's "Awesome Advocates" social group, for individuals with Down syndrome age 15yrs and older. Enjoy meeting others while discussing things that are important in your life. Various topics will be presented for discussion, and meet ups will take place in person, as well as in a hybrid format when possible. Email Anthony at [email protected], provide your name, birthdate, contact email, and use the subject line: Awesome Advocates.

There are only a few spots left to perform at the Down Syndrome Showcase. All other inquiries will be placed on the waitlist, so be sure to sign up ASAP!
You can find the application in the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/ssthxrb3

THIS FRIDAY APRIL 19...
Register today for some Spring Fun with Friends at another Karaoke, Movie and Game Night! For individuals with Down syndrome age 13yrs and older.
Friday, April 19 at the DSAOC Center, Costa Mesa. 6-9 p.m. | Drop-off begins at 5:30 p.m.
REGISTER HERE: https://give.classy.org/springkmgn2024

DSAOC was honored to be a Sponsor and participant at this past weekend's Dear Mom conference. It was wonderful seeing so many of our moms, and of course lots of our self-advocates and friends. 💕

LAST CALL FOR SATURDAY BOWLING!!TOMORROW Saturday, April 13 at Irvine Lanes from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For individuals with Down syndrome and their friends age 12yrs and older.
Please visit the registration website for more details: https://give.classy.org/dsaocbowling2024

Tomorrow, Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m., either in the center or via zoom, join Alzheimer's OC and UCI Mind for the monthly informational discussion regarding the connection between Alzheimer's and Down syndrome. Bring your questions, and learn about screening, caregiving and research opportunities. Can't make it to the center? Join via zoom: Meeting ID 81917191707. Passcode 635139

Yesterday, Kristi and Megan attended CSUF's Human Services Fieldwork Day to meet some wonderful students that have an interest in internship opportunities. DSAOC has a comprehensive Intern Program, and we are looking forward to bringing in more students who want to learn about nonprofit human services work in the community. Want info? Email [email protected].

Our first Welcome Baby visit of 2024 ❤️ Welcome to Mateo and his family.