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.
Join us for art projects facilitated by Gabriela Gamez, Board Certified Art Therapist.
Free.
by Down Syndrome Association of South Texas
Check out our educational, health, and government resources on Down Syndrome:
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.
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 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 a 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 activities include bingo, dance fitness, movie nights, comedy nights, karaoke, arts and crafts, and more!
Itinerary:
Every Wednesday!
Zoom/Virtual: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM with everyone
In-Person: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
We will be doing Zoom with everyone from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM including our regular Zoom activities with the exception of Arts & Crafts which will only be in-person. If someone is in person at the DSA and does not want to participate in Zoom, there will be alternative activities.
From 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, the in-person participants will be doing an activity/project.
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.
An opportunity for children with Down syndrome ages 6 -12 and their similar-aged siblings to join us for fun, games, and friendship!
Free.
Notice
M.O.M.S. Out to Play:
Next event TBA
M.O.M.S. Virtual Meetups 2023
8:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
February 2, 16
March 2, 16, 30
April 13, 27
May 11, 25
June 8, 22
July 6
August 3, 17
September 14, 28
October 12, 26
November 9, 30
December 14
Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent 30 minutes prior to the start of the program.
Are you a mom of a child with Down syndrome?
Then Moms Offering Moms Support (M.O.M.S.) is for you!
Come 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!
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!
Age: 0-6
Click here for registration.
Due to Covid-19 health concerns, we require that all participants 2+ wear a mask and observe social distancing. Covid-19 protocols will be followed for all in-person activities. We will start with an 8 family maximum and social distancing will be clearly marked.
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.
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.
"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 |
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.