Programs & Resources
Our goal is to reach every family in our area who has a child with Down syndrome and provide programs that are meaningful to all.
We visit families in the hospital and provide whatever support they need.
Special Resource for our Sharing DS Families
Get a custom health and wellness checklist with expert-backed resources for your loved one with Down syndrome.
– Log in and submit their symptoms
– Get Harvard-backed recommendations
– Review the checklist with your PCP
Use Coupon Code “SUMMER23” and get $23 off the regular fee; good until September 23, 2023.
Sign up today at DSC2U.org
Want even more resources for loved ones with Down syndrome? Check out our National Down Syndrome Conference 2023 Resources with over 80+ PDF’s for families.
Core Resources For Families
Angels Among Us - Family Visits
We provide new parent tote bags to parents who give birth or adopt children with Down syndrome.
These bags include several books on raising a child with Down syndrome, resources, and some special gifts. Our new parent kits are valued around $100-125.
Babies with Down syndrome can have medical challenges, like heart defects, intestinal, respiratory problems, developmental delays, hearing/vision impairments. All of this is overwhelming to a new parent – and that is the time where we step in to help.
Our visits offer hope and empowerment, and we let the family know we support them in the days and years ahead.
Educational Advocacy
Our goal is to give children with Down syndrome the most inclusive education possible so that they may grow up to fulfill their dreams and become self-advocates.
- We provide payment for educational advocacy for families through Susan Marks & Advocates.
- Families come to us when they are no longer able to rectify a school situation in which their child is not being fully included in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Social Outreach - Annual Events
- Sharing Walks have been happening for more than 20 years and each year, the celebration focuses on community members who are making a difference, families who love their journeys (even during some tough times) and organizations committed to helping people with Down syndrome through their activities, funding and sponsorship.
- We also host Christmas parties and celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at a special water tower lighting in downtown Gilbert.
- We produce a monthly newsletter (in English and Spanish) with information, activities and resources helpful to our families.
- We also make regular visits to Arizona State University (ASU) and the Mayo Clinic to have our self advocates with Down syndrome speak about their lives with Down syndrome. These discussions have been described as ‘life changing’.
Recreation & Social Activities
Be sure to check out your local city’s Parks and Recreation websites for Therapeutic Recreation.
Chandler Parks & Recreation offers social programs throughout the year and summer camps.
Mesa Parks & Recreation has adaptive sports, recreation and social programs for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. Similar programs can also be found in Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and surrounding cities.
If you live in the West Valley, check out the Peoria Recreation Program and the City of Surprise Therapeutic Program.
Flag Football – One of our Proud Parents, Lynn Ferron, volunteers with AZ Premier Flag Football in Mesa to offer Flag Football to kids ages 5-14 with special needs. Seasons start in the fall and winter typically on Friday evenings at 6 pm at Red Mountain Park. The cost to participate is $25, which includes a t-shirt. Volunteers are always needed. For more information, contact Lynn at [email protected].
Special Olympics Arizona has a variety of adapted recreation opportunities across the state. To view their website, go to https://specialolympicsarizona.org.
Here is an article from Raising Special Kids with some other adaptive sports options across our area: https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/adaptive-sports-arizona-kids
Be sure to check out the South Gilbert Scorpions on Instagram and message them with questions about their sports activities. South Gilbert Scorpions offers a variety of sports activities and are a part of Special Olympics. Some activities they offer include cheerleading, swimming, basketball.
A/R Inclusion offers many options for people with developmental disabilities. From their webpage: “Through social outings, events, health and wellness programs, we strive to unify the world to create a more inclusive society for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.” Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/arinclusion.
The Hip Hop Homies is a dance group that may have openings to be a part of a touring dance ensemble. To learn more or to message the organization, go to their Facebook, Instagram or TikTok channels.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thehiphophomies.
The Colten Cowell Foundation has selected our organization to nominate people ages 5 and up to experience something amazing! If your loved one with Down syndrome loves super heroes, contact us and let us know. We are always looking for people to nominate for the Super Hero experience presented by the Colten Cowell Foundation. For more information on the foundation, please visit this link: https://www.coltencowellfoundation.org.
The School of Ballet Arizona is proud to offer a program based on the successful Adaptive Dance Program of Boston Ballet for children ages 5 – 18. The Adaptive Dance Program at Ballet Arizona is designed to create a class environment that is sensitive to the needs of students with Down syndrome while nurturing their self-expression and developing their movement, social, and rhythmic skills. To learn more, call 602.343.0188 or visit https://balletaz.org/open-special-classes/adaptive-dance-for-down-syndrome/
Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center
5031 E Washington St, Phoenix
602-386-4566 • ability360.org
Two full-size sport courts, indoor suspended track, 35-foot rock climbing wall, fitness center/weight room, group fitness room, aquatic center. Basketball, sit volleyball, power soccer, quad rugby, other team sports. Wheelchair-accessible exercise equipment, lap pool, therapy pool, spa. Pools accessible by chairlift. Lap and therapy pools provide entry by elevator. Lap pool has lowered bench for transferring directly from wheelchair to water.
Arizona Disabled Sports
arizonadisabledsports.com
All-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with all types of disabilities, including orthopedic impairment, sensory deficit and/or neurological involvement.
Arizona Sports Complex
3555 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale
602-670-5003 • arizonasportscomplex/sunshine-league
AZ Sunshine League is a place for children with special needs to play soccer and socialize with others. Sundays at 1:30pm.
I Got This Foundation Golf Program, aka, The IGT Golf Academy is a program for athletes ages 16+ with intellectual disabilities to enjoy a 4-week introduction to golf, led by professional golf instructors. The specially designed curriculum, which serves to build confidence and a love for the game of golf, includes an introduction to golf basics; golf equipment; golf Instruction (drive, chip, putt), and much more. The culmination of the IGT Academy is a Skills Showcase where athletes have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities alongside their playing partners, in front of family, friends, and sponsors. To learn more, visit https://www.igotthis.foundation.
Higher Octave Healing is a non-profit music therapy organization in Tempe, Arizona. We are dedicated to increasing the quality of life and promoting empowerment. To achieve this we provide a variety of therapy, research, resource, and community outreach programs.
Our music therapists work with a variety of children, teens, and adults across the Phoenix metropolitan area. In our work we address the cognitive, social, physical, emotional, psychological, neurological, and sensory needs of each individual. From there, we utilize the rhythmic and harmonic components of music to create a unique treatment plan for each individual. All therapeutic applications of music are provided by a degreed, Board-Certified professional.
To learn more, visit https://higheroctavehealing.org.
Innovative Employment
Please note: Our organization, SDSA, hires people with Down syndrome and/or their caregivers, for special project based work, including speaking engagements at ASU and the Mayo Clinic, event or program assistance, administrative work and more. Most of this paid work is done through grants and special donations.
Finding employment for adults with Down syndrome may take many forms. Below are some opportunities to explore:
The HOPE group offers a program to help with finding employment for people who are neurodiverse. They have connections with neurodiverse employers and offer support through their very own employment specialists. They work very hard to help people in rural areas of Arizona, too. To learn more, contact, hopegroupaz.com.
In addition, parents can become paid caregivers of their own children with special needs. You may wish to contact HOPE group about this, as well as All Aboard Services, which has been a loyal sponsor of our programs for many years. All Aboard Services serves the East Valley. To contact All Aboard Services, please visit www.allaboardaz.com.
You can see a complete list of providers for the state of Arizona by clicking below:
https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/vendors-providers/current
Angels for Higher helps facilitate the hiring of individuals with Down syndrome to work as Greeters in fully inclusive environments at athletic venues, university campuses and performing arts centers. To learn more, visit angelsforhire.org or email Robert Hendershot at [email protected].
Spencer’s Place is located in the West Valley (Surprise, AZ). Spencer’s Place is a project created in partnership with Employed and Overjoyed Foundation to introduce equal employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Spencer’s Place provides adults with disabilities job training and direct skill development to earn a paycheck, build relationships, gain a sense of purpose, and show the community the beauty of diversity and inclusion. To learn more, visit https://spencersplaceaz.com.
The GiGi Prep program is a progressive learning program for adults The classes meet two times each week for 6 weeks. The program encompasses self-confidence, fitness and nutrition, as well as social and academic lessons. GiGi University (GiGi U) is a comprehensive and progressive learning program tailored specifically for adults with Down syndrome. GiGi U is a 15-week instructional program designed to motivate adults with Down syndrome to achieve their highest potential in the real world while developing their abilities in the areas of health & fitness, communication, and career skills with emphasis on job interviewing, communication skills, money management, public speaking, customer service, team building and wellness. To learn more, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/career-development-programs.
Pathway To Work is a nonprofit with programs that prepare adults with disabilities for the working world. Visit their website at azpathwaytowork.org or call them at 480-307-6295.
ARIZONA AT WORK provides services, without cost, across 12 regional areas and 47 local workforce offices throughout the state. ARIZONA at WORK provides job seekers with a variety of services and resources to aid in the pursuit of employment opportunities such as skills development, job search and other related supports.
Click here to view their website: https://arizonaatwork.com
The Best Buddies Jobs program secures jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves.
The Jobs program places focus beyond the typical jobs in which a person with IDD might be placed. Best Buddies focuses on finding work that matches the job seeker’s interests and talents. For more information, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/jobs/
For more information about general employment and employment services and opportunities for people with disabilities, be sure to visit this website: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities/community-resources/employment
Online Classes and Support for Caregivers
Raising Special Kids offers may classes and webinars on topics such as behavior support, financial planning, IEP training, and much more. Be sure to check out their website to learn about important classes and information sessions that may help you. To visit their website, please go to https://raisingspecialkids.org. Follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletters.
Please also see our sections on Spanish Resources, Mental Health, and Guardianship under The Programs dropdown menu for more specific topics.
Additional Resources
Arizona Early Intervention Program (under 3)
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Provider List
Social Security Disability Information
Educational Advocates
Legal Assistance
National Down Syndrome Congress
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation
TASH (The Association for the Severely Handicapped)
Food Banks
Multiple Services, including emergency shelter
Reece's Rainbow - International Adoption for Down Syndrome
National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. EIN: 86-0822557.
Our Arizona State Tax Qualifying Charitable Organization and our QCO Code is 20543.
Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona is a part of the Fry’s Community Rewards Program.
Receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit when you to direct a portion of your state tax dollars to support Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona. This incentive is at no cost to you. 1. Donate up to $800 (up to $400 if filing single) to Sharing Down Syndrome AZ and receive a credit on your taxes for the full amount of your donation.
2. Provide your donation receipt and our QCO code 20543 to your tax preparer.
**For more information on the AZ Charitable Giving Tax Credit visit AZDOR.gov.