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 Workshops
SELF DETERMINATION presented by State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Learn what Self Determination is and how it can benefit you!
Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 6:30-8:00pm
If you missed any past workshops, shoot us an email and we can send you video links when possible! PD@dsacc.org, 559.228.0411
DSACC IS BRINGING THE IMPROVANEER METHOD TO THE CENTRAL VALLEY!
The Improvaneer Method is an improv program created for individuals with developmental disabilities, and not only do we have fun learning improv, we teach some very important skills that will increase social and workplace opportunities like –
- TEAM WORK
- LISTENING
- FOCUS
- SELF CONFIDENCE
- PROBLEM SOLVING
- QUICK THINKING
- ADAPTING TO CHANGE
All instruction during this program involves games, interaction, and improvisation designed to build the skills listed above.
This 5-week improv course will be FUN, FUN, FUN! Participants will meet twice a week – every Monday & Wednesday for 90 minutes from 4:00-5:30pm
Session 1: August 28, 30, September 6, 11, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27, and October 2, 2023.
Session 2: October 30, November 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27, 29, December 4. Registration will open in September.
BUDDIES, BOUNDARIES & BODIES: relationships from a-z
Thanks to the generosity of The Fansler Foundation, we are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind program for individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 13-21.
Is your kiddo struggling to make friends? Too friendly with strangers? Or overly enthusiastic about dating but not really understanding what that means? Then this is a program for them!
Buddies & Boundaries will introduce and explore what relationships are- from familial relationships, how to make friends, and (depending on the group) may touch on boyfriend girlfriend relationships. Over the course of 8 weeks, this program will introduce our young friends with developmental disabilities the skills & confidence to recognize the different types of relationships in their lives and prevent them being taken advantage of.
More about our facilitator: Susan Akbiyikian is a retired psychologist who has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities for over 20 years. Akbiyikian has partnered with DSACC to prevent the abuse of teens & adults with Down syndrome & other intellectual disabilities for the last 14 years and continues to promote healthy relationships for all.
Cost $20 per participant, Space is limited to 15 individuals.
Fresno:
- 8 Consecutive Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15pm beginning September 6
- 1491 W Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA
Visalia:
- 8 Consecutive Thursdays from 5:15-6:15pm beginning September 7
- Location to be announced
SIB SHOPS
Thanks to the generosity of the Fansler Foundation, DSACC is proud to offer SIB SHOPS! Sibshops provide young brothers and sisters with peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting.
They are lively, pedal-to-the-metal events where sibs who have a brother or sister with a disability will: Meet other sibs:
- Have fun
- Talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with others who “get it”
- Play some great games
- Explore how other brother and sisters handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters
- Laugh
- Learn about the services their brothers and sister receive and have some more fun!
Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 9-12:30pm
- At the ARC Loewen Achievement Center: 4490 E Ashlan Avenue
- $10 per kid
- Recommended ages 8-13
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.