Down Syndrome Network

Down to Earth Nutrition
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Zoom
We’re honored to begin a Down to Earth Nutrition Series with Karla, a mom and nutrition professional whose journey began with her son, Leeon, who was born with Down syndrome. From the very beginning, Karla paid close attention to his health, immunity, and long-term well-being, searching for ways to truly support his body and prevent future challenges. Through years of observation, research, and lived experience, she learned how powerful nutrition and food quality can be. What began with supplements evolved into a family-wide shift toward organic, whole foods – a decision that led to noticeable improvements in her son’s immunity, thyroid health, digestion, and overall strength, as well as her own. Karla’s story is rooted in listening to her child, trusting what she saw, and understanding that real wellness is not a short-term diet, but a long-term lifestyle. For her full story, please visit: https://karlacubilla.wpcomstaging.com/journey/
Join us on February 23 from 6–7 PM for the first webinar in this series as Karla shares her story, the nutritional changes they made and why, and what you can start doing today to support your own family’s wellness.
RSVP to join us online. Here’s the zoom sign up link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mmhlUoKRQGSXbuuk8-KLrA

UPLifted Voices
2026-02-24 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-03 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-10 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-17 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-24 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-31 16:00 - 16:50 (America/Phoenix) | DSNetwork Enrichment Center, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd Suite 103, Tempe, AZ, 85283-3953, United States
Join us for UPLifted Voices!
A singing group designed especially for teens and tweens—come sing, laugh, and learn healthy vocal habits in a fun ensemble! Expect to explore a variety of popular music genres while practicing vocal techniques like proper breathing, clear enunciation, and pitch matching. No experience required—just bring your enthusiasm and your voice!
Facilitated by Board‑Certified Music Therapists from Higher Octave Healing, UPLifted Voices (and its sister program UPBeat) not only nurtures musical skills but also supports social, communication, and cognitive development through joyful group music-making.
Details at a Glance:
Date: Tuesdays, from Sept. 2, 2025 – May 26, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 4:50 PM
Location: DSNetwork Enrichment Center, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd Suite 103, Tempe, AZ
Register for UPLifted Voices

UPBeat Percussion Ensemble
2026-02-24 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-03 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-10 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-17 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-24 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-31 17:00 - 17:45 (America/Phoenix) | DSNetwork Enrichment Center, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd Suite 103, Tempe, AZ, 85283-3953, United States
Join us for UPBeat Percussion!
A lively percussion group crafted especially for teens and tweens—come play hand drums and rhythm instruments, make music with friends, and have a blast learning together! No experience needed—just bring your energy and curiosity.
Facilitated by Board‑Certified Music Therapists from Higher Octave Healing, UPBeat (and its companion UPLifted Voices) nurtures musical, social, communication, and cognitive growth through joyful group music-making.
Details at a Glance:
Date: Tuesdays, from September  2,  2025 – May  26,  2026
Time: 5:00 – 5:45 PM
Location: DSNetwork Enrichment Center

Register for UPBeat

Down Syndrome Caregiver and Community Education Day
2026-02-28 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | AZ
Join Phoenix Children’s and Barrow for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment at the inaugural Down Syndrome Community Education Day.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment at the inaugural Down Syndrome Caregiver and Community Education Day, an event designed for families, caregivers, and professionals supporting individuals with Down syndrome.
This year’s program will feature leading specialists and advocates sharing current evidence-based insights and practical tools to enhance quality of life and lifelong development. Topics include Down Syndrome Regression Disorder, as well as Transition Planning and Self-Advocacy to help families and youth prepare for greater independence and confidence.
Register Here

Buddy Up Tennis
2026-02-28 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-07 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-14 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | AZ
DSNetwork has partnered with Buddy Up for Life to offer a 90-minute tennis and fitness program designed for children and adults with Down syndrome – consisting of 60 minutes of professional tennis instruction and 30 minutes of fitness conditioning, for athletes ages 10 and over. This adaptive program enables athletes to flourish, succeed and reach their fullest potential by providing a unique environment that combines fitness and social activities. Each of the athletes is partnered with a volunteer Buddy to maximize their experience.
Session Dates: Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 21, Feb 28, Mar 7, and Mar 14
Clinic Date/Time: Saturdays, 12:00 – 1:30pm
Location: Indian School Park & Tennis Center, 4289 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
6 Week Clinic Fee: $115 total*
*All Athletes receive a team shirt and racquet. (Returning Athletes, please bring your shirt and racquet). Scholarships Available.
ATHLETE REGISTRATION
We are looking for Volunteer Buddies.
BE A BUDDY

Salsa Dance Class, Jan-Feb Session
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Be Kind Community Education Center, 731 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
Salsa/Partnering Dance Class With The Be Kind Crew®
DSNetwork is partnering with The Be Kind Project, a nonprofit that inspires humanity and kindness through education and youth programs. Known nationally for their school programs and performances, The Be Kind Crew® will lead an 8-week salsa / partnering dance series
Program Schedule:
– When: Saturdays, Jan 10 – Feb 28, 2–3PM
– Where: Be Kind Education Center, 731 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007
– Who: Tweens through young adults with Down syndrome
– Cost: $45 for 8 weeks *scholarships available
– Spots: Limited to 20 participants
Come move, groove, and be part of something uplifting.
Register Today

Hip Hop Dance Class, Jan-Feb Session
2026-02-28 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Be Kind Community Education Center, 731 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
Hip Hop Dance Class With The Be Kind Crew®
DSNetwork is partnering with The Be Kind Project, a nonprofit that inspires humanity and kindness through education and youth programs. Known nationally for their school programs and performances, The Be Kind Crew® will lead an 8-week hip hop dance series
Program Schedule:
– When: Saturdays, Jan 10 – Feb 28, 3–4 PM
– Where: Be Kind Education Center, 731 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007
– Who: Tweens through young adults with Down syndrome
– Cost: $45 for 8 weeks *scholarships available
– Spots: Limited to 20 participants
Come move, groove, and be part of something uplifting.
Register Today

Down to Earth Gardening
2026-03-01 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Spaces of Opportunity, 1200 W Vineyard, Phoenix, AZ, 85041, United States
Is one of your goals for 2026 to get your family outdoors and off screens?
Come dig in with us.
Thanks to the support of Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and Spaces of Opportunity, DSNetwork’s Down to Earth Garden is a healing and therapeutic program where individuals and families come together to connect with one another, with the Earth, and with a sense of calm.
In the garden, we learn how plants grow and nourish us, experience the rhythms of the seasons and harvest, and place our hands in the soil. This outdoor space invites us to slow down, enjoy fresh air and sunshine, build community, and experience a deep sense of peace and belonging.
All are welcome!
Every Sunday starting back on Jan 4 from 10 am to 12 noon. *Beginning 3/8, start time will move to 9AM.
Register Now

Down to Earth Gardening
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-22 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-29 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Spaces of Opportunity, 1200 W Vineyard, Phoenix, AZ, 85041, United States
Is one of your goals for 2026 to get your family outdoors and off screens?
Come dig in with us.
Thanks to the support of Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and Spaces of Opportunity, DSNetwork’s Down to Earth Garden is a healing and therapeutic program where individuals and families come together to connect with one another, with the Earth, and with a sense of calm.
In the garden, we learn how plants grow and nourish us, experience the rhythms of the seasons and harvest, and place our hands in the soil. This outdoor space invites us to slow down, enjoy fresh air and sunshine, build community, and experience a deep sense of peace and belonging.
All are welcome!
Every Sunday starting back on Jan 4 from 9 am to 11 am. *note earlier start time to do increasing morning temps!*
Register Now

D.A.D.S. Group
2026-03-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | Old Spaghetti Factory, 1418 N Central Ave, Phoenix, 85004
6 – 8 pm
D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) provides a time and place for dads and other male caregivers of a loved one with Down syndrome to come together and support each other. The group has meetings each month to discuss aspects of Down syndrome, listen to speakers and talk about our kids.
Location: Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Phoenix 1418 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
*DADS are responsible for their own dinner
RSVP FOR DADS APPRECIATING DOWN SYNDROME

Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol
2026-03-19 08:30 - 14:30 UTC | State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, United States
Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol will bring together advocates, families, professionals, and individuals with Down syndrome to learn, connect, and inspire meaningful change in Arizona. This impactful event provides a platform to explore our community’s legislative priorities, champion advocacy efforts, and gain valuable resources and tools to empower the Down syndrome community.
Whether you join us in person, sponsor the event, or both, you’ll help amplify awareness, strengthen advocacy, and create opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome across our state.
RESERVE TICKETS BY MAR 11
Donate to Day at the Capitol
**This event is free to attend. All net proceeds from donations and sponsorships for Day at the Capitol will be distributed equally among the four participating local Down syndrome organizations: DSNetwork, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, SANDS, and Sharing Down Syndrome.
Agenda: Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Agenda: Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol, Thursday, March 19, 2026

8:30 to 9:00 am Check-In, Continental Breakfast & Networking at the State Capitol Executive Tower
9:00 to 9:45 am Welcome by Self Advocates, including Amy Bockerstette of I Got This Foundation, and Opening Remarks by Arizona Legislators
10:00 to 11:00 am Observe Senate & House Legislative Proceedings
10:15 to 11:30 am Legislative Meetings/Packet Drop-Offs
11:15 to 11:45 am Performances by Hip Hop Homies & Others on the Hayden Lawn
12:00 to 1:00 pm LUNCH and Keynote Address by Kandi Pickard, NDSS President & CEO, and Zane Garcia Ramadan, DDD Assistant Director
12:30 to 2:00 pm Legislative Meetings/Packet Drop-Offs
1:30 to 2:15 pm Capitol Museum Tour (optional) – Must RSVP, limited tickets available
2:00 to 2:30 pm Debriefing and Call to Action

**Note: Agenda is subject to change and is flexible due to legislators’ schedules.
For more information, contact Liz Perez – Liz@DSNetworkaz.org
RSVP for Day at the Capitol
Volunteer for DATC
Learn about the Capitol Museum Tour
Prepare for your Trip to the Capitol Museum

World Down Syndrome Day
2026-03-21 | Pioneer Community Park, 8755 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, 85345, United States
Free to Families
Join us for a fun-filled day at Pioneer Community Park, located at 8755 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345 (SAME LOCATION AS LAST YEAR). This event is a celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, a day to promote inclusion and raise awareness about Down syndrome.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family including a game truck, barrel train rides, crafts, music, bubbles, balloons, dinosaurs, princesses, superheroes, sports, food trucks, resource tables and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to meet incredible individuals with Down syndrome and learn more about their unique abilities.
Come and show your support for the Down syndrome community. Let’s celebrate diversity and create a more inclusive world together. We can’t wait to see you there!
What is World Down Syndrome Day? DSNetwork in collaboration with GiGi’s Playhouse celebrates World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a global awareness day officially recognized on March 21st. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world gather and participate in events to raise public awareness.
RSVP Now
Rock Your Socks on 3/21
Volunteer at WDSD

Mom's Night Out Sound Bath
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | DSNetwork Enrichment Center, 1445 E Guadalupe Rd Suite 103, Tempe, AZ, 85283-3953, United States
Moms and female caregivers!
Join us for a Moms’ Sound Bath at the Enrichment Center during the Spring Equinox. Come relax!
Free. Donations encouraged.
RSVP for Sound Bath

Down To Box Gilbert
2026-04-02 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Selfmade Gym, 874 E Warner Rd #103, Gilbert, AZ, 85296, United States
Down To Box Spring Sessions
Down to Box is high-energy, engaging, and targeted boxing training specifically catered towards individuals’ needs and abilities.

Note, it is only 5 sessions so if you purchase ALL you can schedule a free 1:1 with Cassie any time in the month of April to make up for the missing class.
