DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio

03/16/2026

2026 World Down Syndrome Day Celebration Collection Pop-Up Shop!

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, DSACO is pleased to partner with The Awesome Company to offer these exclusive designs to celebrate, raise awareness, and show your support for the Down syndrome community.

Every purchase helps DSACO carry out its mission to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

Visit https://http-theawesome-com.printavo.com/merch/dsaco-wdsd-celebration-collection-2026 to check it out and order your swag before March 29.

03/16/2026

In this week leading up to World Down Syndrome Day, we’re celebrating the people who brought us into this community. Maybe it was your child, a sibling, cousin, grandchild, friend, neighbor, or student who changed the way you see the world.

Now through March 20, make a gift in honor of someone you love with Down syndrome through our 3.21 In Honor of You campaign and we’ll send you a digital, printable card you can share with them letting them know they inspired your generosity.

Our goal is to raise $3,210 for DSACO programs and families!

We invite you to give in honor of someone who means the world to you. Visit https://www.dsaco.net/donate/ to make your gift today!

03/15/2026

Don't miss this upcoming ConnecteDD webinar, “Connecting to Down Syndrome Supports Across Ohio” hosted by ElevateDD!

Join ElevateDD on Tuesday, March 31 to learn how to navigate support systems, build meaningful connections, and engage with regional and statewide partners working to expand access, belonging, and opportunity for people with Down syndrome and their families across Ohio.

Introducing the panelists for our upcoming ConnecteDD webinar, “Connecting to Down Syndrome Supports Across Ohio”!

Join us on Tuesday, March 31 to learn how to navigate support systems, build meaningful connections, and engage with regional and statewide partners working to expand access, belonging, and opportunity for people with Down syndrome and their families across Ohio.

We’re grateful to Beth Smith of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, Toni Mullee of the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, Krista Jensen of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo, and Stephanie Leppert of DSACO: Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio for sharing their expertise and perspective in this important conversation.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pBdp167jTMekik1mbm2Jqw

03/14/2026

As we get closer to World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), we asked a few of our families to share about what World Down Syndrome Day means to them.

Emilio's mom shared with us that "World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) means a special day to celebrate the unique, amazing, and capable people who rock an extra chromosome. It’s a day to spread awareness, educate others about what Down syndrome is, and encourage kindness, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all abilities.

In our family, we celebrate by running or walking 3.21 miles, proudly wear our mismatched socks, and spend the day celebrating with family, friends, and our community at events that honor and uplift people with Down syndrome.

Most of all, it’s a day to celebrate the joy, love, and inspiration that people with Down syndrome bring into the world every single day."

Thank you for sharing, Lucy! We can't wait to celebrate Emilio, and all people with Down syndrome on March 21!

03/13/2026

DSACO's Community Access Fund program is a great way to get out and experience - everything!

Submit your Community Access Fund application by March 15 for payment by March 31.

DSACO members can utilize up to $250 per year for their loved one with Down syndrome, so that they can participate in programs and enjoy activities in their own community.

To learn more about DSACO's Community Access Funds and to submit your reimbursement application, visit https://dsaco.net/families/parents-caregivers/ and click on "Community Access Fund.”

03/12/2026

DSACO is looking for up to eight enthusiastic volunteer coaches to support the 2026 DSACO Golf Academy, held in partnership with First Tee – Central Ohio at Blacklick Woods Metro Golf Course.

The Academy runs Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8 PM, June 3 - August 12 (no session July 1) and serves golfers with Down syndrome ages 12+ of all skill levels, including beginners. Volunteer coaches will assist with skill instruction, encourage participation, and help create a positive, supportive environment where athletes can build confidence, resilience, focus, and sportsmanship alongside their golf skills.

Golf experience is helpful but not required - patience, encouragement, and a willingness to foster inclusion are most important. Don't miss this meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact while sharing the joy of the game!

If interested, please email Boo Krucky at ekrucky@dsaco.net.

03/12/2026

The best season is almost here - Buddy Walk season! 🎉

Registration for the 2026 Columbus Buddy Walk opens on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21!

2026 marks DSACO's 25th Buddy Walk and we cannot wait to celebrate even bigger and better than ever! Join us on Sunday, October 4 at Fortress Obetz as we come together as a community to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Register your Buddy Walk team with at least one paid registrant on March 21 and received a FREE custom team poster to use on walk day! (pictured here)

Who's ready to celebrate this year? Drop your team's name in the comments if you're excited and ready get Buddy Walk season started!

03/12/2026

Forever reliving this moment!

The emotions. The community. The mission.
Thank you and !

03/11/2026

Truly, an unforgettable weekend!

We were honored to be chosen as the Roosters Foundation recipient, a partnership made possible through the advocacy of one of our DSACO families.

Community partners like Roosters Wings enable us to continue supporting families, promoting community involvement, and encouraging a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

And a special thank you to Ohio State University Men's Basketball for all those free throws! 🏀

03/11/2026

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, fashion, and fundraising at the first annual DSACO Derby Day on Saturday, May 2 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM (VIP access at 4PM).

Get your tickets now and join us as we celebrate the excitement of the Kentucky Derby with signature cocktails, festive games, best-dressed contests, and a live stream of the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” This high-energy event will bring the community together to support DSACO’s mission of providing resources, programs, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families across 25 counties in Central Ohio.

Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly; register early to secure your spot! Visit https://www.dsaco.net/events/dsacoderby/ for more details and to purchase tickets.

03/10/2026

Join DSACO and The Ohio State University Students Supporting People with Down Syndrome group for the annual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration, featuring the Proud to Be Me Fashion Show, on Saturday, March 21!

We’re thrilled to be featuring two fashion shows again this year! Come see models with Down syndrome show off their personalities at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM and enjoy other festivities such as:
- a short improv performance by DSACO’s Improv troupes
- a fun vendor area featuring cotton candy and balloon twisting
- opportunities to meet and mingle with other DSACO families and DSACO staff.

Registration to attend this celebration is FREE and we've got a few more spots available for the 12:30 PM show. It's not too late to register and join us for this fun celebration!

Find more details and register at https://www.dsaco.net/events/wdsd/. Every attendee must have a ticket for entry, including people with Down syndrome.

We cannot wait to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome and look forward to seeing our models take the stage! Thank you to our generous sponsor, Our Town Studios!

03/10/2026

As we get closer to World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), we asked a few of our families to share about what World Down Syndrome Day means to them.

Mia's mom shared with us that "To me, World Down Syndrome Day means a day of love, celebrating, and fighting for inclusion for our loved ones! A day to honor their strength and resilience. A day to show the world that our children will teach them about joy, patience, and unconditional love! My lifelong goal will be to teach everyone I know about the significance of 3-21 and the beauty that this day holds."

Thank you for sharing, Laura! We can't wait to celebrate Mia, and all people with Down syndrome on March 21!