Our Workshops
Conferences
A large conference with nationally known speakers is typically scheduled bi-annually. Conferences have focused on social issues, healthcare, behavioral issues, sexuality, abuse prevention, estate planning and education techniques.
We are devoted to providing pertinent educational opportunities that empower our membership and community to become better educated about people with Down syndrome, the challenges they face, and how to help these individuals achieve their life goals.
Smaller Scale Workshops and Talks
Periodically, we schedule smaller scale workshops and programs that cover topics related to Down syndrome in the areas of parenting, education, healthcare, recreation, therapies, self advocacy, sibling issues, behavior, and life planning to name a few.
More Programs
Virtual Workshop on Regression and Down syndrome with Dr. Jonathon Santoro, MD
Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 6:30- 8:00 pm
Join DSACC to learn more about what regression is, who it effects, and get all your questions answered.
How to work with teachers to implement successful accommodations & adaptations
We welcome Stanford professors Lakshmi Balasubramanian, Ph.D. and Renee Starowicz, Ph.D. as they take us through a 2 part workshop on how to work with teachers to get the most out of adaptations and accommodations in the classroom & at home.
- Thursday, April 20 & 27 from 6:00-7:30 pm
- Register in advance for this 2 part series HERE
About the presenters:

Prior to joining Stanford, Lakshmi worked as a special education teacher and inclusion specialist in a large public school district for 14 years. During this time, she spearheaded the design and implementation of inclusive education programs at the school district in grades K-12. Additionally she has worked as a professional development facilitator nationally and internationally on a variety of topics related to inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Renee Starowicz earned her Ph.D. from the Joint Program in Special Education at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) and San Francisco State University (SFSU). Her work is focused at the nexus of interactional communication and Disability Studies in Education (DSE). Her dissertation work looks at the use of communication resources and the embodied experiences of disabled adults in a community-based transition program that supports participants from a trauma-informed and Neurodiversity lens. She is the Data Services Manager and Co-Executive Director of the Federal Statistical Research Data Center at the D-Lab at the University of California, Berkeley. Renee co-teaches the Disability and Access in the Elementary Classroom course with Dr. Balasubramanian and Dr. Lemons at Stanford University.
Potty Training Tips & Tricks with Lina Patel, PsyD
Lina Patel, PsyD is an Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of
Colorado School of Medicine, practicing at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Patel is the Director of the
Down Syndrome Behavioral Health Collaborative, a virtual clinic providing tele-behavioral health
services to children, teens and young adults with Down syndrome. She provides consultation with
schools, parent training regarding the management of challenging or unsafe behaviors, toilet training,
and desensitization to medical devices (such as hearing aids and CPAP) and procedure-related distress.
She has worked with hundreds of individuals with Down syndrome. Outside of her clinical work, she
conducts research as the Director of Neurodevelopmental, Behavioral and Cognitive Assessment at the
Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Additionally, she has presented to numerous organizations
across the country and internationally and is the coauthor “Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome:
Lose the Diapers, Not Your Patience”.
- Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 pm
- Register in advance for this meeting HERE
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.