Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh

On this we'd like to shout out the 🌟51🌟 Team Captains who have created teams for the upcoming 30th Annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk® happening on Saturday, October 19 at PNC Park!

The success of our Walk is dependent upon the hard work of all Team Captains to spread the word and encourage others to get involved in DSAP'S community celebration for individuals with Down syndrome! Be sure to also check out the Team Captain Corner where you can find help guides, including fundraising ideas and Team Captain tips for social media!

We'd also like to shout out the 🌟259🌟 people who have registered either individually or joining these teams! With your support we've reached 15% of our fundraising goal.

Will you be the next Buddy Walk® Team to join us? Visit https://www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk/register to register and if you raise $30 or have 30 team members by THIS SUNDAY you'll be entered in to win a Pittsburgh Pirates prize package!

We can't wait to celebrate with you on 10/19!

☀️ Now that summer is here, join DSAP for a Family Connection Playdate happening next Thursday, July 11 at Moon Park in Moon Township from 10am-12pm (weather permitting). 🛝

Moon Park has a splash pad connected to a playground featuring places for climbing, exploring, swinging, sliding, and cooling down in the heat of the summer. RSVP here to join: t.ly/Re4mh.

All ages welcome! If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will update the event on the DSAP event calendar accordingly.

This past Saturday, DSAP hosted a Family & Kids Connection at the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library and Playspace. Families reconnected after meeting at the last Family & Kids Connection and siblings made new connections! It was an afternoon filled with purposeful fun and connection!

Thank you to the University of Pittsburgh Community Alliance Program volunteers who joined us, meeting our families and engaging with all attendees!

Join us for the next Family Connection playdate at Moon Park & Splashpad on Thursday, July 11 from 10am-12pm using the RSVP link here: t.ly/WYVdl.

Stay tuned as we continue to announce more Family Connection opportunities!

Did you know that the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA has a podcast on topics related to Down syndrome?

Hosted by Dr. Kishore Vellody, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania and former President of the National Down Syndrome Congress, this podcast focuses on a wide range of issues related to Down syndrome for parents, caregivers, educators, and medical professionals. Podcasts are updated regularly and feature discussions with medical experts in cardiology, otolaryngology, sleep disorders, infectious diseases, and more.

For a searchable list of all current and prior podcasts, visit: https://downsyndromecenter.libsyn.com/dsc.

Sharing from our friends at Open Up:

*FREE* Open Up Summer Camp mornings in August

In this inclusive camp, students will participate in an engaging yoga class, play imaginative games intended to promote community building, and make crafts they can use to help support a mindfulness practice at home.

Space is limited- this is a smaller group setting with no more than 12 students, and is located in our yoga studio in Lawrenceville. Our staff is trained at making this program accessible for students and we welcome anyone who is interested learn more and apply here: https://www.open-up.org/summer-camp.

📣 Calling all teens, young adults and adults with Down syndrome!

The Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh is hosting our second Fashion Show on Saturday, August 3 featuring models with Down syndrome who will rock the runway showing off fashion looks that they created just for this event!

We have a limited number of spots, targeting teens and adults with Down syndrome of all abilities as we have partnered with a teen and adult clothing brand to showcase their fall collection, though all applications will be considered. To apply as a model click here: t.ly/JFtmN. Applications are due THIS Sunday, June 30.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with the goal of celebrating and raising awareness of how amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their families are! Spread the word and invite your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and extended family members to join in on the fun! RSVP here: t.ly/_2G14.

Local photographer, Gary Margeson, is offering ⭐FREE photo sessions⭐ for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and their families! You will receive the photos from your session AND DSAP will include your favorite photo in our 2025 Community Calendar!

This is a great opportunity to get updated photos of your loved one or with the whole family!

Check out his current list of photo sessions at www.dsapgh.org/calendar. To inquire about the possibility of additional session dates, times, and locations please email [email protected].

You can also submit your own photo for the calendar by visiting www.dsapgh.org/calendar.

The 30th Annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk®, aka our giant family reunion, is happening on Saturday, October 19 at a new venue - PNC PARK!

DSAP is looking for dedicated volunteers like YOU who will play a vital role in helping with the day of details! There are three shifts available to sign up for: Shift 1 from 8:30am-12:30pm, Shift 2 from 11:30am-3:30pm, and Shift 3 from 2:30pm-6:30pm.

Volunteer roles include:
-Setting up at PNC Park
-Assisting with registration and with mascots
-Working the merchandise table and working with vendors
-Managing the raffle baskets area and raffle tickets
-Assisting with the outdoor concert following the Walk

Visit www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk/Volunteers to sign up. Help DSAP spread the word by sharing this post or the link above!

As a reminder, Team Captains who create a team and raise $30 or have 30 team members by 7/7 will be entered in for a chance to win an incredible Pittsburgh Pirates prize basket that includes: 2 tickets to a Pirates game, an autographed baseball and an autographed baseball bat!

DSAP appreciates your support and we cannot wait to see you on October 19!

Join DSAP for a Family & Kids Connection at the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library and Playspace (located at 5401 Centre Ave Rear, Pittsburgh, PA 15232) ⭐THIS Saturday, June 29 from 2-5:30pm⭐!

This is an opportunity for DSAP families (including siblings) to connect within the different play spaces and art room. We have timeframes for specific age groups so that individuals with Down syndrome and their families can connect with others of a similar age:

🔵 2pm-3:30pm we invite infants and toddlers to join us*
🔴 4pm-5:30pm we invite school age children to join us*

Please note that these are suggested timeframes, but ALL are welcome to join from 2-5:30pm, including siblings. Read below to learn more about the space and RSVP here: t.ly/YF-I6.

The Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is a play space is designed to engage young children. They've carefully selected each item with the developmental needs of children from birth through kindergarten in mind. Some toys encourage children to imagine, play pretend, or create. Some encourage cognitive development through design and problem-solving. Some encourage physical development through big movement and active play. They especially focus on toys that allow for open-ended play and avoid electronic toys.

This past Friday, DSAP families met up at PNC Park for a Family Connection Night! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and helped fundraise for DSAP! 💙💛

We can't to be back at PNC Park for our large Family Reunion on Saturday, October 19 as we celebrate the 30th Annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk® together! To create a team or register as an individual visit www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk.

To RSVP for more Family Connection programs happening this summer, check out DSAP's Event Calendar at www.dsapgh.org.

Sharing a webinar resource from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):

Join NDSS for this upcoming webinar on Wednesday, July 10 at 2pm with Amanda Myers, a certified employment support professional, as she shares her expertise on preparing individuals with Down syndrome for employment. Amanda will discuss various strategies aimed at integrating vocational training into daily activities. Discover how to optimize skill-building opportunities across different environments and empower both children and adults with practical tools for success in the workforce.

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or supporter, this webinar will provide actionable strategies for fostering independence and address the common question, “Where do I start?” Amanda will also discuss the role of employment professionals, such as vocational rehabilitation specialists, and how they contribute to the process.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight and expert advice on preparing your loved one for the workforce! To register click here: t.ly/2CLDq.

Sharing a webinar resource from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation:

El segundo Webinar GLOBAL en Español será el jueves 27 de Junio. Únase a nosotros para aprender más sobre la importancia de la hormona de crecimiento, la oxigenación pulmonar, la inmunidad equilibrada y los nuevos resultados científicos para la salud de las personas con síndrome de Down. Los miembros de GLOBAL también recibirán respuestas a sus preguntas por parte del experto Dr. Joaquín Espinosa.

No se pierda este importante webinar: regístrese hoy: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/spanish-webinar-registration-form/



The second GLOBAL Webinar en Espanol will be on Thursday, the 27th of June. Join us to learn more about the importance of growth hormone, pulmonary oxygenation, balanced immunity, and new scientific results for the health of people with Down syndrome. Members of GLOBAL will also receive answers to their questions from expert Dr. Joaquin Espinosa.

Don’t miss this important webinar: Register today: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/spanish-webinar-registration-form/.

On this check out all of the ways you can ✨connect with DSAP✨ and invite a friend to like and follow!

We post daily on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, sharing information about events, programs, resources, and community happenings! DSAP also sends out a weekly newsletter to your inbox.

You can always check out what's coming up at DSAP by visiting our website at www.dsapgh.org and clicking on the Event Calendar or by looking at specific pages such as Expectant Parents, New Parents, First Call, Family Care Fund, Fitness, Family Connection, Resources, Volunteer, and more!

DSAP is also available by phone if you contact 412-997-2297 or email [email protected].

There are so many ways to get connected and stay connected!

To last week's Down to Box sessions at Fit 4 Boxing Club in Murrysville and Allison Park!

Athletes have been attending weekly 60-minute classes since January that are high-energy, engaging, and targeted boxing training specifically catered towards individuals' needs and abilities. The classes involve a warm-up, conditioning, group work, movement practice and a cool down, providing a fun and thorough fitness class.

The boxing techniques learned through these classes help the athletes gain skills in coordination, physical fitness, self-defense, endurance, hand-eye coordination, footwork and so much more! Thank you to all of the awesome coaches and volunteers who dedicate their time to Down to Box!

Mark your calendars for the fall session which begins on 9/3 at Fit 4 Boxing in Allison Park and on 9/5 at Fit4 Boxing in Murrysville! Registration links coming soon.

Happy Juneteenth from DSAP! Check out this guide to Juneteenth celebrations around Pittsburgh from the University of Pittsburgh: t.ly/iN2c-. 💚🖤❤️

Are you a local parent who has a child with Down syndrome ages 5 and under? Would you consider completing a 90-minute training to be a lifeline for a new or expectant parent?

DSAP is holding a virtual First Call Parent Mentor Training on Thursday, June 27 from 6:30-8:00pm. The First Call program offers new and expectant parents receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome the opportunity to connect with trained parent mentors who share the same or similar life circumstances.

As a First Call Trained parent mentor, you would be:
-A trained volunteer available to confidentially listen, share resources, and provide valuable, current information about Down syndrome
-A connection and support a new/expectant parent via phone calls, text, e-mail, DMs (direct messages), or whatever is most comfortable
-Willing to commit to one year of support to a new/expectant parent

To RSVP for the training click here: t.ly/hjRiN.

Do you want to feel like a ✨VIP? Join DSAP to get vacation ready with a PRIVATE after-hours shopping event just for DSAP families at the American Eagle Outfitters store at Ross Park Mall on Sunday, July 28 at 6pm.

The newest summer arrivals will be available for you to purchase with AEO stylists there to help create outfits based on your personal style! Connect with other families as you shop and get styled! All are welcome, including siblings! RSVP here to join: t.ly/ilWJl.

The Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh would like to say "Happy Father's Day" to all our dads, step-dads, dads-to-be, and grandads. We appreciate you!

Sharing a webinar from the National Down Syndrome Congress:

Join NDSC for this free webinar, "Helping your Child with Down syndrome to Understand Death and Cope with Grief," with Rose Reif, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, on Wednesday June 19, at 10amEST.

During this workshop, Rose will discuss ways in which grief may be processed and expressed differently by those with Down syndrome and strategies to help them better understand and cope in healthy ways. Register here: t.ly/mtagx.

The Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh is hosting our second Fashion Show featuring models with Down syndrome who will rock the runway showing off fashion looks that they created just for this event!

We invite teens, young adults, and adults with Down syndrome to be part of something truly extraordinary as this event isn't just about fashion; it's about celebrating you—your unique talents, your individuality, and your incredible spirit. Whether you've always dreamed of strutting down the runway or you're looking for an opportunity to boost your confidence and showcase your style, this is your moment to shine!

We have a limited number of spots, targeting teens and adults with Down syndrome of all abilities as we have partnered with a teen and adult clothing brand to showcase their fall collection, though all applications will be considered. To apply as a model click here: t.ly/JFtmN. Applications are due Sunday, June 30.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with the goal of celebrating and raising awareness of how amazing individuals with Down syndrome and their families are! Spread the word and invite your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and extended family members to join in on the fun! RSVP here: t.ly/_2G14.

Last week, the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh's Staff and Board of Directors met with the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA's Staff presenting them with a monetary donation. As the founding organization of the DSC here in Western PA back in 1989, DSAP has been and continues to be committed to ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood receive specialized medical care and support through the pediatric and adult Down Syndrome Center of Western PA.

Without this support: Pediatric and Adult Care Coordinators would not exist, free prenatal visits would not happen, visit length would be 15 minutes instead of 60 minutes, visits to help pediatric patients and their families transition to adult care would be 15 minutes instead of up to two hours, behavioral health visits (virtual or in-person) with a practitioner experienced in Down syndrome and dual diagnoses of autism would not happen, the nurse who families see in clinic may not be the same each time and would not have experience with Down syndrome, the Center would not be able to employ an adult with Down syndrome, training medical school students, pediatric residents and genetic counselors about caring for people with Down syndrome would not happen in Pittsburgh, and research focused on regression in patients with Down syndrome or the study of nutrition services/fitness programs would be undercut.

To learn more about the specialized medical care that the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA provides, visit www.chp.edu/our-services/down-syndrome and www.upmc.com/services/adult-down-syndrome-center,

On this we want to remind you that you can still enter our Team Captain incentive celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Buddy Walk® being held on Saturday, October 19 at PNC Park!

All Team Captains who have started a team and raised $30 OR have 30 team members by 7/7 will be entered in to win a Pittsburgh Pirates prize basket that includes: Two Pirates Grandstand Tickets, a baseball bat autographed by Pittsburgh Pirates' #39 Nick Gonzales, and a baseball autographed by Pittsburgh Pirates' #15 Oneil Cruz.

⭐We have 46 Teams so far and reached 13% of our fundraising goal!⭐ Let's keep the fundraising and friendraising going! To sign up as a Team Captain or to invite others to join your team visit www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk.

Also, as a Buddy Walk registrant, you'll receive an event t-shirt (must register by 9/27) AND admission to the concert on Federal Street following the Walk!

Help us spread the word as ALL are welcome for our day of celebration!

Join DSAP for our upcoming Family Connection Programs on 6/29 and 7/17! Learn more and RSVP using the links below:

🔵 On Saturday, June 29 DSAP is hosting a Family & Kids Connection Program at the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library in Shadyside from 2-5:30pm. This is an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings to connect while engaging in purposeful play and creating art. Learn more and RSVP here: t.ly/yorNn.

🟢 On Wednesday, July 17 DSAP is hosting a Young Adults' Connection at Coop De Ville in the Strip District for individuals with Down syndrome ages 18+ from 6-8pm. We have reserved the VIP lounge and a duckpin bowling lane so that young adults can enjoy a night out while connecting with new and old friends! Learn more and RSVP here t.ly/aLJ4j.

📣 Calling Volunteers! South Fayette Township is in need of Volunteers for the 2024 iCan Bike camp.

At iCan Bike Camp, riders with disabilities will learn how to ride a specialized adapted bicycle designed to teach them to balance appropriately for 75 minutes each day Monday-Friday (7/28-8/2) while being accompanied by their 2 assigned Bike Spotters while other Miscellaneous Volunteers help out where assigned. Volunteers must attend orientation on Sunday 7/28 (time TBD).

Volunteers must be 15 and older. Volunteers ages 18+ need appropriate clearances. To learn more and to sign up click here: https://signup.com/go/ZaCkmAb.

Sharing an event at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History:

Head to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History on Friday, June 14 from 6pm-9pm for a sensory-supportive evening campout, no sleeping bag or tent required!

Read seasonal stories around the faux campfire and explore nighttime nature with some live animal ambassadors. Museum galleries will reopen for this event after the museum has closed to the general public and will have reduced audio/visual elements, and calming spaces with support materials.

To learn more and purchase tickets visit: https://carnegiemnh.org/event/sensory-friendly-evening/.

Sharing from PA West Soccer:

PA West TOPSoccer is excited to announce our TOPS Summer Series, designed to provide a fun and inclusive soccer experience for athletes of all abilities. Our program welcomes participants in two age groups: ages 5- 15 and ages 16+.

Cost: $20 per player for the entire summer (all 8 sessions)!

Session Details:
-Timing: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
-Days: Wednesdays
-Dates: June 19 - August 14
-Activities: typical sessions will include 1 hour of training and socializing, and 30 minutes of a unique activity

Tentative Host & Location Dates:
-Norwin: June 19
-Deer Lakes: June 26
-Butler: July 3
-Shaler: July 17
-Centre: July 24
-Highlands: July 31
-Chartiers Valley: August 7
-Pine Richland: August 14

To learn more and register click here: t.ly/3Q4N1.

Are you looking to connect with other DSAP families while enjoying a night out with your family at the ⭐best MLB ballpark in America⭐? Join DSAP for a special evening at PNC Park on Friday, June 21 at 6:40pm as the Pittsburgh Pirates face off against the Tampa Bay Rays and DSAP is honored as the non-profit of the game!

We have two sections reserved just for DSAP families with Upper Level tickets available for $29 and Lower Level tickets available for $47. ✨$2 from each ticket sold will be donated to DSAP.

By securing your tickets, you're supporting DSAP's mission to connect, educate, and inspire families and individuals living with Down syndrome in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Get your tickets by 6/14 and join us in cheering for a cause: t.ly/rg2Mh!

to last week's quarterly DSAP Close Connections meetup where siblings of individuals who have Down syndrome, family members, and community members who have a close connection to an individual with Down syndrome here in Western PA met. It was an evening filled with shared experiences and purposeful connection! 💙💛

If you are an adult sibling, extended family member (aunt, uncle, grandparent, cousin), or a community member who has a close connection to an individual with Down syndrome, join DSAP's private Close Connections Facebook group so that you can connect with others and receive updates about the next meetup: Close Connections.

On this DSAP is excited to share a new ✨Team Captain Incentive✨!

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the annual Pittsburgh Buddy Walk® being held on Saturday, October 19 at PNC Park, all Team Captains who have started a team and raised $30 OR have 30 team members by 7/7 (including those who have already met this fundraising or friendraising goal) will be entered in to win a Pittsburgh Pirates prize basket that includes:

🔴 Two Pirates Grandstand Tickets (valid for any 2024 regular season home games)
🔵 Baseball bat autographed by Pittsburgh Pirates' #39 Nick Gonzales
🔴 Baseball autographed by Pittsburgh Pirates' #15 Oneil Cruz

To sign up as a Team Captain or to invite others to join your team visit www.ds-stride.org/pghbuddywalk.

Let's see how much we can fundraise and friendraise together in the next 30 days! Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, help us spread the word as ALL are welcome for our day of celebration!

Local photographer, Dave Hochendoner, is offering ⭐FREE photo sessions⭐ for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and their families! You will receive the photos from your session AND DSAP will include your favorite photo in our 2025 Community Calendar!

Check out his current list of photo sessions at www.dsapgh.org/calendar OR email [email protected] to find a different date/time and location than what's currently listed. This is a great opportunity to get updated photos of your loved one and with the whole family!

You can also submit your own photo for the calendar visiting www.dsapgh.org/calendar.