New & Expectant Parents
Congratulations on the birth or anticipated birth of your baby with Down syndrome. You no doubt have many questions and concerns about how best to care for your child. The Down Syndrome Association of San Diego offers emotional support, information and resources. The All Children Are Special Family Resource Guide is an invaluable source of information providing direction and current information. If you would like to talk to a parent with a baby with Down syndrome, please call us today at 619-594-7389 or Contact Us by email.
DSA Sponsored Support Groups
Family Support Network: Socialize and network with other families. Learn about programs, resources and related services. Topics focus on infants, children, teens and adult issues. Supervised play for children up to age 10 is available with reservation. Please contact DSA at 594-7389 or dsasd@sdsu.edu for more information.
Central San Diego:
Red de Apoyo Familiar: Socialice con otra familias. Aprenda sobre programas, recursos y servicios relacionados. En las reuniones mensuales se abordarán temas sobre bebés, niños, adolescentes y adultos. Habrá una área de juegos supervisada para niños menores de 10 años. El espacio es limitado, por favor reserve su lugar con anticipación. Para obtener más información o para hacer su reservación, por favor llame a Manuela Valdez al (858)490-8523 o mvaldez@sandi.net. View Flyer
Community Support Groups: Exceptional Family Resource Center
Home of Guiding Hands parent and sibling support : 619-938-2880 or counseling@guidinghands.org
Social Activities
Annual Activities:
- San Diego Buddy Walk
October 11, 2020 - DSA Annual Holiday Social
December 15, 2019 - 21st Century Symposium:
Linking Research, Policy and Practice: May 2019- DSA Reach for the Stars Gala
TBD
Activities for Teens & Adults:
DSA Lounge offers social opportunities, themed dances, karaoke, healthy cooking classes, yoga, art and other skill building activities for Teens and Adults with Down syndrome. Hang out with friends, work on your dance moves and have fun! The Lounge meets on the 3rd Friday of the month, September through May, with some exceptions. View Flyer
Aerobics, Quilting, Booster Buddies and Zumba – schedule varies; please contact Brenda at Bregold@aol.com or 858-452-0408.
Other Social Activities in the Community:
City of San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services – This program provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to San Diegans with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Services include therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports opportunities, which address the special needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing and participating in recreation opportunities offered to the general public.
Xcite Steps – Recreation, respite, mentor and childcare programs for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of cognitive disabilities. 858-722-1948.
Friendship Circle – Social outings for children and teens with special needs. Call 858-487-4879.
Pioneers Club – Activities for individuals with developmental challenges through fine and performing arts, educational enrichment and socially responsible micro enterprises. Call 858-350-6002.
Teens in Motion – an after school program providing supervision and support to teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. 619.521.3055 x1402..
The Arc of San Diego PALS Dept. – Provide local and travel recreational opportunities for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also run 5 day sessions of Camp each summer for children, teens, and adults. 619-685-1175 or pals@arc-sd.com.
PALS Tours – weekend camps for adults with developmental disabilities to increase independence and develop life skills. Call 703-509-1019.
North Park Vaudeville STARS is GB Productions’ theater arts program for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Live Up! is a long weekend (four-day) program that aims to provide adults with Down syndrome an opportunity to increase independence through the development of life skills while exploring a new city. Through a variety of fun and educational activities, they create and foster friendship amongst all participants that can be relied on year round. TContact directors@liveupprograms.com