PROGRAMS
DSACC hosts numerous events & programs throughout the year for members and the community at large to help educate, support, create social opportunities, and raise awareness of the value and potential of those touched by Down syndrome or other developmental and cognitive diagnoses.
Programs and events include Relationship Training, Workshops, Play Groups, Support Groups, two major fundraisers, and much more!
More Programs
TINY TOTS
DSACC invites our littlest friends with Down syndrome (ages 8 weeks–5 years) and their parents to join us for Tiny Tots, a fun and welcoming playgroup designed to connect families in a relaxed, supportive environment. Some sessions offer guided play and learning opportunities, while others are open play. All Tiny Tots events are FREE.
Tiny Tots meets monthly at two locations:
Fresno Location (DSACC Office)
3rd Monday of each month
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
1491 W Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
Clovis Location (Inclusive Kids)
4th Saturday of each month
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
30 W Shaw Ave, Suite 111, Clovis, CA 93616
BOWLING CLUB
DSACC invites members ages 13 and older to join us for Bowling Club, a casual and social monthly meetup at Fresno State’s bowling alley. This is a great opportunity to bowl, connect, and spend time with other members and families.
This is not a drop-off event. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay, bowl, and connect with other families.
Bowling Club meets monthly:
Bulldog Bowl (Fresno State Campus)
2nd Monday of each month
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5280 N Jackson Avenue, Fresno, CA 93740
Thanks to a generous donor, bowling is FREE.
RSVP required:
Please RSVP by the Friday prior by emailing info@dsacc.org or texting 559-825-4981.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
DSACC’s Virtual Workshops are offered as part of our Parent2Parent program and take place four times a year, at the end of each quarter. These workshops are designed to support parents with practical tools, resources, and knowledge on a variety of relevant topics.
Sessions may cover areas such as emergency preparedness, financial planning, advocacy, and other topics that empower families at every stage of the journey. Each workshop is led by knowledgeable presenters and provides an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect — all from the comfort of home.
Virtual Workshops take place:
First Wednesday of March, June, September, and December
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Held virtually
Topics and registration details vary by session.
Click here to view upcoming Virtual Workshops on our event calendar.
LATCH LACTATION PROGRAM
The LATCH Lactation Program supports mothers of children with Down syndrome by connecting them with education, resources, and encouragement to support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding offers important health benefits for both mother and baby and may also support oral development, bonding, and overall well-being.
We understand that breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome can come with unique challenges, but with the right support, many families find it to be a positive and rewarding experience. Our goal is to provide helpful resources, build a supportive network, and make the breastfeeding journey feel as smooth and supported as possible.
New mothers and lactation professionals are encouraged to contact the DSACC office to receive a free copy of Breastfeeding & Down Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide for Mothers and Medical Professionals by Ella Gray Cullen, RN, CLC.
For more information, please contact the DSACC office at 559.228.0411 or email info@dsacc.org
PRINT 21
Print21 is a vocational and creative program that empowers individuals with Down syndrome through meaningful, hands-on work in screen printing. Participants build real-world skills in design, production, customer service, and day-to-day business operations while creating custom printed merchandise for the community.
Most of the Print21 team members are individuals with Down syndrome, and they play an active role in every step of the process. This program supports confidence, independence, teamwork, and pride as participants learn on the job and grow their skills in a supportive work environment.
For more information or to place an order, please contact the DSACC office at 559.228.0411 or email print21@dsacc.org.
PARK AND PLAY
PARENT2PARENT
Parent2Parent is a monthly support group hosted by DSACC in partnership with Exceptional Parents Unlimited. It provides a safe, welcoming space for parents at every stage — from newborns to seniors — to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Each session may include guided discussion, guest speakers, or open conversation focused on relevant parenting topics. Parent2Parent is offered both in person and virtually, allowing families to participate in the way that works best for them.
Parent2Parent meets monthly: (DSACC Office)
First Wednesday of each month
6:30AM – 7:30 PM
1491 W Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
Meeting details may vary for holidays or special circumstances.
GRUPO APOYO
Grupo de Apoyo, en colaboración con DSACC y Exceptional Parents Unlimited, es un grupo de apoyo mensual diseñado para padres de habla hispana en todas las etapas de la crianza, desde recién nacidos hasta adultos mayores. Este grupo ofrece un espacio acogedor para la conexión, el apoyo entre pares y el intercambio de experiencias.
Cada reunión puede incluir oradores invitados que abordan temas relevantes y útiles para las familias, así como oportunidades para compartir y aprender juntos.
Grupo de Apoyo se reúne mensualmente:
Oficina de DSACC
Segundo miércoles de cada mes
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
1491 W Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA
PARENTS REACHING OUT (PRO)
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) is a parent-to-parent support program for families who have recently received a Down syndrome diagnosis. Trained parents share their personal experiences to offer encouragement, understanding, and a welcoming connection during the early stages of a family’s journey.
PRO parents do not provide medical advice or referrals. Their role is simply to listen, support, and help new families feel less alone by sharing what life is like raising a child with Down syndrome.
Family Mentors may also share their experiences with healthcare providers, students, and educators to promote understanding and compassionate care for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Interested in getting involved? If you have a child with Down syndrome and would like to support other parents, we would love to have you join us as a Family Mentor. If you are a new parent and would like to connect with an experienced parent, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please contact the DSACC office at (559) 228-0411 or email info@dsacc.org
SOUTH VALLEY PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
The South Valley Parent Support Group offers emotional support, connection, and education for families touched by a disability, not just Down syndrome. This group is open to families at all stages and focuses on building community, sharing experiences, and gaining helpful tools related to raising a child or adult with a disability.
Support groups are facilitated by DSACC and Bright Start staff and may be offered virtually as needed. Meeting details are not currently determined.
For more information or to inquire about upcoming meetings, please contact Stephanie Caldera at Bright Start at scaldera@tcoe.org or (559) 740-4321 ext. 6528.
NEW PARENT SUPPORT BAGS
DSACC’s New Parent Support Bags are designed to provide families with helpful information, resources, and encouragement following a Down syndrome diagnosis. These bags are thoughtfully curated to support parents during the early days of their journey, offering educational materials, local resources, and messages of support from the DSACC community.
The goal of this program is to help families feel informed, supported, and connected as they begin navigating life with a child with Down syndrome. Support Bags may be shared through healthcare providers or directly with families to ensure timely access to trusted information and community support.
For more information about this program or to inquire about receiving a New Parent Support Bag, please contact the DSACC office at info@dsacc.org
SELF ADVOCATE TEAM
The Self-Advocate Team is designed for individuals with Down syndrome to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their voices within the community. This group provides a supportive and inclusive space where participants can connect with peers, share experiences, and learn how to advocate for themselves in everyday life.
Through guided discussions and activities, self-advocates explore topics such as self-expression, independence, relationships, community involvement, and personal goals. The group encourages participants to speak up, make choices, and take an active role in decisions that affect their lives.
The Self-Advocate Team supports empowerment, inclusion, and lifelong growth while fostering meaningful connections among peers.
For more information about the Self-Advocate Team, please contact the DSACC office at info@dsacc.org.
OUR MISSION
To enhance the quality of life for all people whose lives are touched by Down syndrome.
OUR VISION
We envision a community that demonstrates acceptance, inclusion and appreciation for those who have Down syndrome.