DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

04/22/2026

DSACO's Golf Classic is happening on Monday, July 20 at The Country Club at Muirfield Village and registration opens May 2!

Mark your calendars and join us on the stunning fairways of this world-class course for a day of golf and networking.

With a beautiful course, exciting challenges, and the chance to make a difference in the community, DSACO's annual Golf Classic is a can't-miss event for any golf enthusiast or supporter of a great cause!

Registration sells out quickly, so make sure to secure your spot early!

04/22/2026

April is National Volunteer Month!

Check out this blog post written by Lucy Maddrill, DSACO's Volunteer & Events Coordinator, about her experience and seeing first-hand the impact that volunteers have on our DSACO community.

“Volunteerism isn’t just service. It builds connection. It creates purpose. And it drives transformation, for more people than you would think.”

This National Volunteer Month, we’re reflecting on the many ways showing up for one another strengthens our community. In our latest blog post, Lucy Maddrill, DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s Volunteer & Events Coordinator, shares a compelling perspective on the impact of volunteering and why it matters more than you might think.

Read here: https://www.elevatedd.org/news/volunteermonth

04/21/2026

DSACO is looking for companies and organizations that would like to team up with us and make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome!

The 2026 Columbus Buddy Walk is coming up on Sunday, October 4 and we have many different sponsorship opportunities available as we celebrate our 25th Columbus Buddy Walk!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make an impact on your community while raising awareness for Down syndrome, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of people with Down syndrome!

Visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/fgzllwho3s/pages/sponsors to learn more about the impact of your sponsorship and to find the perfect opportunity for you! With over 10,000 people in attendance, the Columbus Buddy Walk provides an excellent opportunity to combine marketing and community impact.

We look forward to partnering with you as we make an impact on the Down syndrome community right here in Central and Southern Ohio!

04/21/2026

Make a splash this summer with DSACO at Goldfish Swim School! 💦

Come swim with us! DSACO is partnering with Goldfish Swim School to offer unique Jump Start Clinics specially designed to introduce kids to the water and teach the fundamentals of water safety. Once again this summer, Goldfish Swim School is hosting exclusive clinics just for DSACO at three different locations!
🔵 Dublin
🔵 Westerville
🔵 Upper Arlington

Applications are now open! Spots are LIMITED at each location, visit https://www.dsaco.net/events/swimclinic/ for more details and to submit your application.

04/20/2026

Introducing Valentina Vivas, one of our guest advocate bartenders for DSACO's First Annual Derby Day on Saturday, May 2!

Valentina is from Venezuela and is excited to be participating as a guest advocate bartender. She loves dancing, doing Zumba, and spending time with her friends. She loves making friends and is deeply loved by her entire family. She enjoys reading and researching animals, taking online English classes, going for walks, and watching TV.

Purchase your tickets today and have a chance to see Valentina in action! Can't make it? You can still show Valentina and DSACO your support by sending her some virtual tips through our Virtual Tip Jar at https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/ebe5w52d4z/pages/AdvocateBartender.

Visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/DSACODerbyDay to secure your tickets before it's too late!

04/20/2026

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month!

Volunteers are the heartbeat of DSACO, and we'd like to express our gratitude to each and every one of our incredible volunteers!

Your dedication, generosity, and compassion make a profound impact on people with Down syndrome and their families. Whether you’re offering a helping hand, sharing your expertise, or simply showing up with a smile, you are the heart and soul of our mission.

Your time and effort help change lives, create meaningful experiences, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. We truly couldn’t do this without you, and we are so grateful for all that you do.

Thank you for being a part of our team!

04/19/2026

Introducing Derek Kirksey, one of our guest advocate bartenders for DSACO's First Annual Derby Day on Saturday, May 2!

Derek is excited to be one of our guest advocate bartenders! Derek loves to dance and gets his inspiration from Michael and Janet Jackson, attending Janet’s performances six times. Outside of dancing, Derek stays active with bowling, track, flag football, and basketball. He enjoyed working at Culver’s for eight years and participating in Groveport Special Olympics. Derek values spending time with family and friends.

Purchase your tickets today and have a chance to see Derek's moves behind the bar! Can't make it? You can still show Derek and DSACO your support by sending him some virtual tips through our Virtual Tip Jar at https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/ebe5w52d4z/pages/AdvocateBartender.

Visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/DSACODerbyDay to secure your tickets before it's too late!

04/18/2026

Summer is right around the corner! Check out this exciting summer program for golfers of all skill levels.

DSACO is pleased to partner once again this summer with First Tee - Central Ohio to offer our DSACO Golf Academy!

This program is open to golfers of all skill levels (including beginners) ages 12 and up and runs weekly from June 3 - August 12 at Blacklick Woods Metro Golf Course.

Registration opens on May 1! Registration fills up quickly for this popular program, so be sure to save the date.

For more information and to register on May 1, visit https://dsaco.net/events/golfacademy/.

04/17/2026

DSACO moms, this is your last chance to register and join us for an epic PAJAMA PARTY on Saturday, April 25 from 6 - 10 PM at Combustion Brewery & Taproom in Pickerington!

Come dressed in your favorite PJs (fancy or comfy, your choice!) and be ready for a night filled with dancing, laughter, and celebration! Don't want to wear pajamas? No problem - dress up or down in any way you want!

This is a night you won't want to miss! Enjoy dancing with our favorite DJ, a nacho bar, soft serve ice cream, free raffle items, and more. Plus, you'll have a chance to make your own slippers at our slipper bar, and each attendee will also leave with a fun pajama party-themed swag bag.

Today is the last day to register! Cost is $10, please visit https://www.dsaco.net/events/momsoutreach/ for more details and to register before it's too late.

04/16/2026

We're excited to share that we're making it even easier to connect to your DSACO community each month by expanding our DSACO M.O.M.S. group offerings!

We have two new locations, Marysville and Athens, and our Spanish Speaking M.O.M.S. group will begin meeting regularly again.

Connection and time to recharge is essential for caregivers - join us for these fun monthly dinners where you can do just that!

Make sure to join our DSACO M.O.M.S. Facebook group to find out more information on dates/locations/times each month here https://www.facebook.com/groups/297727160607506.

04/16/2026

Introducing Jessica Komjati, one of our guest advocate bartenders for DSACO's First Annual Derby Day on Saturday, May 2!

Jessica is active with DSACO, Special Olympics, and in her community. She also serves on DSACO committees, helping plan events like the Buddy Walk and Gala. Jessica works two jobs - she's an eleven-year employee at Kroger and recently started as a barista at Bitty & Beau’s, where she feels valued and included. An Athlete Leader, she often speaks to groups and volunteers at Stowe Mission. Jessica lives independently, enjoys time with loved ones and her fiancé, and is a proud aunt.

Purchase your tickets today and watch Jessica pour purpose into every glass! Can't make it? You can still show Jessica and DSACO your support by sending him some virtual tips through our Virtual Tip Jar at https://charity.pledgeit.org/c/ebe5w52d4z/pages/AdvocateBartender.

Visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/DSACODerbyDay for more details and to secure your tickets before it's too late!

04/15/2026

We're halfway through the month of April and we're excited to shout out the Buddy Walk teams who have already completed this month's challenge!

Let's hear it for Ella's Hope, Julian's Hooligans, Mighty Mallory, Zoomin for Zoey, Luckey Buddies Ava and Fiona, Extra Chromosome - Extra Awesome and Carsten's Crazies for adding FIVE new team members!

And shout out to our NEW teams this month, Nuggy's Buddies and Emilio's Amigos!

Congratulations on completing the April Challenge! Add five new team members during the month of April, a great way to build your team’s energy heading into our 25th Columbus Buddy Walk, and be entered to win a DSACO tailgate tote filled with Buddy Walk tailgate goodies and a $50 grocery gift card!

Head over to columbusbuddywalk.org for more details and to see why we walk!