Introducing the
2026 Buddy Walk Co-chairs!
We’re so excited to introduce the Kane and Kassebaum families as this year’s Buddy Walk co-chairs.
You probably recognize Joey Kane as one of our amazing Program Assistants and Advocacy Board Chair. Joey and his family have been part of the DSC community for more than 30 years!
Joining them is the Kassebaum family, including little Ava, age 4, who has been part of the Buddy Walk since she was a baby!
We can’t wait to celebrate alongside them this year.
| | |
The Countdown Is ON:
Start Your Team Today!
10.11.26
Woodland Park Zoo
10am-1pm
Buddy Walk is less than 11 weeks away, and the first step is simple: start your team now!
Create your team page, invite your family and friends, and begin spreading the word.
Every person who joins and every donation raised celebrates the Down syndrome community while supporting programs that create connection and lifelong impact.
Rally your people and make this the best Buddy Walk yet!
| |
Special Guest Speaker:
John Olerud
We are honored to welcome Mariners legend John Olerud and his wife, Kelly Olerud, as special guests at this year’s Buddy Walk!
As founders of the Jordan Fund, John and Kelly have made a meaningful difference for families throughout the disability community. We are so excited to have them join us and share a special message with our Buddy Walk community.
| | | | | |
Join $21 for 21 &
Get a Free Inclusion Tote!
Monthly donors make a lasting impact by giving DSC reliable support we can count on all year long.
Just $21 a month helps sustain programs that build skills, create connections, and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families through every stage of life.
Join $21 for 21 during August, and we’ll mail you a free canvas tote bag as a small thank-you for making a big difference!
| | |
|
From September through December 2026, DSC offers opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to learn, grow, build skills, and connect. Explore programs for children, teens, and adults, and parents/caregivers.
Some fall programs may have a waitlist, pre-registration does not gauruntee a seat in the requested program.
Financial aid is available for all programs and services. To learn more, please email Audrey Warmington at audrey@dscpugetsound.org.
| | |
Speech and Occupational
Therapy Services
Age Group: Birth - Adulthood
Format: In person or virtual
Days/Times: Tuesday-Friday, individualized sessions
DSC offers one-on-one therapy for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, from birth through adulthood. Sessions are 45 minutes, held weekly in person at the DSC Campus or virtually, based on each client's needs. Families may register for speech, occupational therapy, or both.
| |  | |
Skill Building
Age Group: 4 years - Adulthood
Format: In person or virtual
Days/Times: Tuesday-Friday, individualized sessions
Provides one-on-one instruction for individuals with Down syndrome ages 4+ to build independence and confidence in everyday life. Led by credentialed professionals, sessions focus on personalized goals such as self-advocacy, communication, safety awareness, daily living skills, and coping strategies. Services are available in person or virtually, with community-based instruction offered when appropriate.
| | |
Innovator's Club
Age Group: 18+
Format: In person
Days/Times:
Tuesdays @ 1:15PM-2:00 PM and/or
Fridays @ 11:15AM-12:00PM
A club for adults with Down syndrome to build social and vocational skills by working together to plan, create, and sell projects to the DSC community. This club is a complimentary service that is free of charge to club members!
| | |
Learning Academy
Age Group: 5-21 years
Format: In person
Days/Times: Varing weekdays
Access one-on-one academic support in DSC’s Learning Academy. DSC’s tutoring sessions provide direct academic intervention to students with Down syndrome. Tutoring sessions vary based on student strengths and needs while applying specific strategies, resources, and activities. Tutoring sessions include personalized learning materials to support participants during academics focused on IEP related goals, homework, and/or focused academic skills.
| | | |
Social Connection Small Groups
Age Group: 4-17 years
Format: In person
Days/Times: Saturdays; scheduled between 10:00-2:00PM
These groups help individuals with Down syndrome ages 4–17 build friendships, confidence, and communication skills through meaningful peer interactions. Led by DSC Speech-Language Pathologists, these small groups of 2–3 participants are thoughtfully matched based on interests, communication styles, and goals. Each session focuses on developing social connection and interpersonal skills in a supportive environment.
| | |
Birth- 3 Parent and Me Therapy Group
Age Group: 0-3 years
Format: In person or virtual
Days/Times: Fridays @ 10:00-10:45AM
Birth-3 Parent & Me is a supportive group for families of young children with Down syndrome, from pregnancy through toddlerhood. Each 45-minute session combines peer play, parent education, and community connection. Families explore early development, communication, social-emotional growth, and topics unique to the Down syndrome journey, including feeding, early intervention, and navigating new experiences together.
| | |
Family Consultation
Age Group: Birth - Adulthood
Format: In person or virtual
Days/Times: Varying days of the week
Family Consultation provides parents, guardians, and caregivers with personalized guidance and strategies to support their child’s unique needs. Work one-on-one with licensed professionals, including Behavior Analysts, Special Education teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists, to develop practical tools you can use at home and in daily life. Sessions are available in person or virtually to fit your family’s needs.
| | | |
Yoga For All
Age Group: 15+
Format: In person
Days/Times: Tuesdays @ 4:00-4:45 PM
This inclusive Yoga Series offers a fun and supportive space for individuals of all abilities to move, breathe, and connect. Led by a 200HR certified yoga instructor, this class series promotes strength, flexibility, balance, sensory regulation, and mindfulness while encouraging social connection and community building.
No prior yoga experience is needed, and all abilities are welcome!
| | |
Adult Social Emotional Learning Group
Age Group: 18+
Format: In person
Days/Times: Fridays @ 12:15-1:15 PM
This adult group is designed to enhance social-emotional skills for adults with disabilities through the Kelly Mahler Interoception Curriculum. Led by DSC's Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), the program focuses on building self-awareness and emotional regulation by helping participants recognize and understand internal body signals. Participants will engage in activities that promote recognizing feelings, improving communication, and developing coping strategies, all aimed at fostering greater emotional well-being and social success in daily life.
| | |
Together in Communication:
A Caregiver Course on Speech, AAC & Connection
Age Group: Caregivers of any aged individual
Format: Virtual
Days/Times: Tuesdays @ 4:15-5:00
This is a 15-week virtual course for caregivers who want to better understand and support communication. Open to families of individuals with any diagnosis, all ages, communication levels, and AAC users are welcome. Sessions combine research, practical strategies, and hands-on activities to help caregivers become more confident communication partners at home and in the community.
| | | |
Adult Program: Friends Learning Together
Age Group: 18+
Format: In Person at DSC
Class Options:
Tuesday @ 2:15-3:45 PM: focus is adaptive skills
Wednesday @ 4:30-6:00pm: focus is social skills
Friday @ 1:15-2:45pm: focus is communication skills
Friends Learning Together is DSC's Adult Program for individuals with Down syndrome ages 18+. Weekly classes at the DSC Campus help participants build confidence, strengthen communication and social skills, develop independence, and learn practical strategies for everyday life. Adults can register for as many class days as they'd like!
| | Disability Pride Picnic Fun | | | | |
Big Thank You to Everyone Who Came to the
Disability Pride Picnic! 🧺
We love every opportunity we have to get together as a community and enjoy an afternoon of company and sunshine.
Let's do it again at the Buddy Walk in October!
| | |
You Have the Ability to Make Our Services a Possibility for just $21 a month
Your gift will directly contribute to:
-Educational Programs
-Healthcare Support
-Community Events
-Advocacy and Awareness
Donate today in honor of Trisomy 21.
| | | | |
