Down Syndrome Network

UPBeat Percussion Ensemble
2026-03-17 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-24 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-03-31 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-04-07 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-04-14 17:00 - 17:45, 2026-04-21 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

D.A.D.S. Group
2026-03-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-21 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

Down to Earth Gardening
2026-03-22 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-29 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-19 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

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

UPLifted Voices
2026-03-24 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-03-31 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-04-07 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-04-14 16:00 - 16:50, 2026-04-21 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

Down To Box Gilbert
2026-04-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-16 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.

Spring Social
2026-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States
Pyle Recreation Center – 655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
Ages 13 yrs+
DSNetwork is collaborating with City of Tempe Adaptive Rec for Once Upon a Disney Dance; this will be a magical event where guests dress as their favorite characters or wear their favorite Disney shirts and dance to classic Disney songs in an enchanting, Disney-inspired setting. Experience an evening of joy, music, and memories. DJ, door prizes, treats, selfie photo area, and fun will be provided. This program is for individuals with disabilities. Caregivers do NOT need to register.
Register for Dance Social

2026 Lights, Camera, Auction! Gala
2026-04-11 18:30 - 22:00 UTC | Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, 85008
That’s Amore!
At DSNetwork, we’re not just serving pasta, we’re serving purpose. This is not your typical gala. No black tie. No long speeches. No pretense. Just an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, connection, and meaning.
Inspired by the timeless charm of an Italian dinner party with a touch of vintage casino flair, That’s Amore brings our community together. Think mid-century Italian supper club sophistication: relaxed, joyful, and full of heart.
Here, stories are the feast, and every guest brings their own.
Join us for the 11th Annual LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION Awards Gala.
April 11, 2026 @ Sunset 6:30 pmPhoenix Zoo
Reserve your Seats Today

Down To Box West Valley
2026-04-16 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-23 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Proving Ground MMA, 12851 W Bell Rd. St. 102, Surprise, 85378, United States
Special Strong brings DSNetwork’s Down to Box Program to the West Valley!
Adaptive Boxing for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Dates/Time:
Every Thursday 3-4 PM
April 16 – May 21

Location:
Proving Ground MMA
12851 W Bell Rd. St. 102.
Surprise, AZ 85378

Benefits of participation:

Physical Vitality
Weight Wellness
Discipline & Focus
Social Connections
Emotional Wellbeing
Joyful Engagement

Sign-Up Now!
Down to Box is high-energy, engaging, and targeted boxing training specifically catered towards individuals’ needs and abilities.

Pickleball Session
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Picklr, 1315 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, 85284
Get ready to serve up some fun! Join us at The Picklr on APRIL 18 for a Pickleball Session for individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+. Whether you’re brand-new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, this 90-minute session is tailor-made for you—this is your time to shine on the Pickleball court!
Sponsored by SPARC
Time: April 18, 10 AM – 11:30 PM
Place: The Picklr 1315 W Elliot Rd, Tempe, 85284
Cost: FREE – Donations accepted!
No experience necessary. Coaches and volunteers on site!

RSVP for Pickelball

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Valley Youth Theatre
2026-04-18 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N 1st Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
We have 50 total passes to the show available, so we need to know which date you would like to attend, please fill out one interest form per family.
Sat. April 18 – 3:30 PM or Sun. April 19 – 12:00 PM
Valley Youth Theatre 525 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Let us know your interested!
