The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas is to provide lifelong services and support to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families in South Texas in order to optimize well-being, develop rewarding relationships, find access to resources, and foster inclusion in the community.
We provide support through all stages of the journey.
We offer monthly education sessions for both English and Spanish speakers, support groups for MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) and DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), as well as programs and activities for different ages groups. There is a Parent Mentor program to provide support to new families. We also have a monthly Family Fun Day when our families can come together to share a meal and enjoy each others company while the children play.
by Down Syndrome Association of South Texas
Check out our educational, health, and government resources on Down Syndrome:
Join us for TamboRhythms Virtual Drum Circle courtesy of Jorge Ochoa, an occupational therapist dedicated to promoting FUNctional living through rhythmic expression regardless of age or previous musical experience.
Be ready to have some serious fun! You just need a drum and drumstick or something to make noise with such as a pot, pan, shaker, etc.
Free.
Adults Believing, Learning & Expressing.
The A.B.L.E. training program is designed to help adults with Down syndrome develop the ability to make their own personal decisions based on their individual talents and interests.
Trainers:
- Cristina Kazmierczak, A.B.L.E. Self-Determined Adult
- Faith Levario, DSASTX Program & Outreach Coordinator
Free
The Adult Continuing Education (ACE) program offers tutoring for adults with Down syndrome in the areas of reading, math, and writing.
Tutoring is available for those who are 18 years and older and is offered once a week for 90 minutes.
All lessons are individualized to the level of each student. Each student gets his/her own academic binder with lessons chosen specifically for his/her abilities. This is an ideal one-on-one tutoring situation where the student receives individualized attention.
The process is simple. If a student is interested in participating in this program, an application is completed followed by an informal assessment performed by the director. This information is used to develop the academic lessons.
Students and tutors are matched based on personalities and availability of tutoring times. All lessons are created by the director.
Reaction to this program is outstanding. Real friendships have developed with these tutoring sessions. The tutor learns from the student, as well as the student learning from the tutor. The academics are a plus for our students! The friendships are even better!
Volunteers are asked to complete an application and participate in an orientation.
Anyone interested in this program, please email Magaly Diaz at [email protected] or call us at 210-349-4372.
Free.
| Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday: CLOSED |
| Sunday: CLOSED |
Club Night is offered weekly in-person and via Zoom.
Club Night activities include bingo, dance fitness, movie nights, comedy nights, karaoke, arts and crafts (in-person only), and more!
If someone is in person at the DSA and does not want to participate in Zoom, there will be alternative activities.
We will be doing temperature checks at the door and wearing masks. A lot of our participants have been socializing outside of the DSASTX and will be allowed to sit (masked) at the same table with others UNLESS parents indicate otherwise.
At this time, please only sign up for in-person participants if you/your child/your sibling will be able to follow our Covid protocols. It is our sincere hope that these restrictions will only be in place for a short time as we err on the side of caution for the safety of all of our members.
Our mission is simple, to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome.
Free.
| Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday: CLOSED |
| Sunday: CLOSED |
Functional Fitness for Independence Tailored to Individuals with Disabilities.
Let's get fit with Coach Dan, a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach.
Class structure:
- 5-10 min warmup
- 20-30 min exercise including various body weight exercises and movements to increase heart rate for a stronger cardiovascular system as well as building functional muscles needed to perform day to day tasks. Agility, HIIT, plyometrics, balance, and strength will all be a part of the program.
- 5-10 min core work, cool down, stretching, and nutritional talks to incorporate healthy choices into our daily routines.
$5 participation fee per session.
Bring the whole family out to enjoy an afternoon of food and fun while developing friendships and building community!
4th Saturday of most months (please see dates below)
12 - 3 p.m.
DSASTX office, 1127 Patricia
Lunch will be provided as well as activities for all ages. Come hang out and make new friends!
During the summer, the splashpads will be on for the kids to cool off. We encourage you bring sunscreen, towels, or extra clothes for the kiddos.
Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Friday, the day before the event. Please let us know if you RSVP and are unable to come.
2024 Family Fun Day dates:
January 27
February 24
April 27
May 18* (3rd Saturday)
July 27
August 24
September 28
Registration required: register here.
Free
An opportunity for children with Down syndrome ages 6 -12 and their similar-aged siblings to join us for fun, games, and friendship!
Free.
Are you a mom of a child with Down syndrome?
Then Moms Offering Moms Support (M.O.M.S.) is for you!
Meet new friends, participate in fun monthly activities, learn and share information and resources, and become an integral part of a community of mighty moms making a difference! MOMS offering moms' support link.
Free.
Notice
Note: There will be no Music & Movement on the following dates
February 18
April 8
July 1 + 22
September 2
October 28
November 25
December 23 + 30
Children ages 0-6 with Down syndrome and age-appropriate siblings are welcome to join us for limited IN-PERSON capacity at the DSASTX Maggie Hartman Community and Education Center and virtually via Facebook Live from the DSASTX Facebook Page!
Ages: 0-6
Click here for registration.
Free.
The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas welcomes all new and expectant parents and their families! The whole family is welcome to enjoy breakfast with us while learning more about the Down syndrome community. This meeting will be held quarterly as an opportunity for expectant parents and parents with children ages 0-3 to meet, socialize, and learn from each other!
Have you attended a New and Expectant Parent Breakfast in the past? We invite you back to share your experiences and support other families.
Click here to register for program.
Click here for program dates and times.
Masks are optional for this event at this time. If this policy changes, we will inform all registrants. We encourage you to check the CDC guidelines or talk to your healthcare provider to discuss what is appropriate for you. We will be taking temps at the door and ask that anyone not feeling well (exhibiting symptoms of Covid or any other illness) please refrain from attending.
Free.
Notice
Open Play will not be held on the following dates:
March 21
April 4
July 4, 11, 18
August 1
November 28
December 26
Calling all kiddos aged 0-6 years-old! We want you, and your siblings, to join us here at the DSASTX's Maggie Hartman Community & Education Center, or in partnership with an outside venue so check the dates for location details. You're not going to want to miss out on the opportunity to make new friends your own age just waiting to play with you!
We ask that anyone not feeling well (exhibiting symptoms of Covid or any other illness) please refrain from attending.
** PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU REGISTERED BUT ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND**
For children ages 0-6.
Registration required: register here.
Free
| Monday: CLOSED |
| Tuesday: CLOSED |
| Wednesday: CLOSED |
| Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| Friday: CLOSED |
| Saturday: CLOSED |
| Sunday: CLOSED |
Parent 2 Parent mentors guide and support new parents as they journey through life having a child with Down syndrome.
We need couples and single parents (dads are requested, too!) The requirements are:
- parent to a child 3 years or older
- pass a background check
- be knowledgeable in DSASTX programs
- 1-year commitment
The Education Director will be doing the presentation, sharing resources, reviewing the DSASTX programs, and providing you with all the tools you need to be a parent mentor.
Click here for upcoming training dates.
Registration required. Register here.
Free
Siblings of individuals with Down syndrome ages 7-16 are welcome to join Sibshops to meet other sibs, socialize, and engage in some great conversation!
Snacks will be served!
Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal events where they will:
- Meet other sibs (usually for the first time)
- Have fun and laugh!
- Talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with others who “get it”
- Play some great games
- Learn how other brothers and sisters handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters
- Learn about the services their brothers and sisters receive
Registration required: register here.
$5 per person
Our Spanish Support Group is for any Spanish-speaking or bilingual family member who wants to spend time and build friendships with other parents of Down syndrome children.
Free.
Teens with Down syndrome ages 13-17 and like-aged siblings are welcome to join our teen social group to make friends and enjoy fun activities.
1st Saturday of the month
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
We will be incorporating a physical activity (Zumba, tag, etc.), and a craft activity into every session, as well as fun indoor/outdoor games.
A light snack and sugar-free drinks will be offered.
Registration required: register here.
Free
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it to themselves" - James Matthew Barrie
Our current volunteer opportunities are listed here.
We are currently working on COVID safety protocols for in-person programming.
Call or email us for more information.
| Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday: CLOSED |
| Sunday: CLOSED |
Join Tiffany as she leads us in Zumba during our Club Night at the DSASTX. You can join us either in person or virtually from home.
Bring your enthusiasm, a water bottle, and a towel with you because might need those!
Registration is required. For those joining us from home, a Zoom link will be emailed 45 minutes before the start of class to ensure everyone who has registered will get the link.
Registration required: register here.
Free
Certified tennis instructors from the National Tennis Association provide lessons for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs ages 4+.
Classes are held at Morgan's Wonderland Event Center.