Programs & Services for Parents

These resources are designed to help parents get the information and support they need to address the specific joys and challenges of raising a child with Downs Syndrome.

If you are a new parent, make sure you check out our New Parent's Guide first.

Downtown - Our Quarterly Newsletter

The DSACF publishes an information-packed newsletter four times each year (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) as well as special editions. DownTown is the voice of the DSACF and its members and welcomes submissions from parents and other family members, professionals in the field of Down syndrome and more. To start receiving DownTown and other important alerts from the DSACF, join DSACF.

New Parent Information Packets

If you are a new or expectant parent, congratulations! Please call to request an information packet by mail, in person or you can request one online by signing up to become a DSACF member and put "request packet" in the note field.

Parent-to-Parent Connections

The DSACF is comprised of hundreds of diverse families (of all ages of children and adults with Down syndrome, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds, various local counties, etc.) who have tons of information and wisdom to share with each other. We are currently working to formalize a mentor program. If you would like to talk to another family who has experience walking on your same path to a brighter future (whether it's a recent heart surgery or other medical concern, home schooling, private or public school or inclusion issues, transition planning, social and recreation opportunities for adults, etc.). Contact Amy Van Bergen for more infomration.

Other parent to parent connections include:

  1. Playgroup for ages Birth to 5 years, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly at member's homes. More Playgroup Information

  2. Hispanic support and outreach, more information.

  3. Teen Social Group (ages 13-21 years), meeting monthly hosted by member families, more information.

Monthly Informational and Support Meetings

DSACF hosts monthly support meetings usually on the fourth Friday of each month featuring local and state experts on healthcare, early intervention, guardianship options, community resources, estate planning, how to write smart IEPs and more. Meeting Schedule | Location Map

Free Special Clinic for Special People

The DSACF, along with co-sponsors Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Developmental Center for Infants & Children at the Howard Phillips Center, offers an annual free medical screening clinic for children, teens and adults with Down syndrome. The Special Clinic that features professionals such as cardiologists, ENTs, dentists and orthodontists, eye doctors, orthopedists, therapists and many others, as well as community resources. By appointment only. Check the DSACF Schedule four our next clinic (this event is usually held in February or March).

Educational Support/Development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

If you would like some ideas on IEP goals, classroom or school placement, etc you can contact the DSACF for educational support. Trained volunteers are also available to attend your student's IEP meeting. Call 407-478-5621 for assistance or email Amy Van Bergen.

DSACF Therapy Scholarship

UPDATE Spring 2007: due to enormous need and demand for scholarships and limited funds, no further scholarship disbursements will be made until after August 1. Applications will still be accepted but not processed until that date.

Scholarship Application [pdf]

To help support the growth and development of children with Down syndrome throughout Central Florida, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF), through a generous donation, offers a scholarship program for Speech, Language, Physical, Occupational, Sensory Integration and Oral Motor Therapy. Other alternative therapy programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The DSACF Therapy Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 in financial assistance to DSACF member families toward the costs of the mentioned therapies.

Special Workshops & Training

Please see our Event Calendar.

Free Family Day at Universal Studios

Come ride the movies for free with Universal Studios Orlando. One time monthly (usually a weekday), 9 AM- 4 PM at Universal Studios. Limited availability. If you and your family would like to be VIP guests, ride the movies and meet some characters. More information [pdf] or contact us.

Free Day at Cirque du Soleil "La Nouba" and Backstage Tour

More information [pdf] or contact us.

Teen Talk

6 week social skills course offered annually for teens (ages 13-21 years) with Down syndrome. Workshop facilitator is a licensed mental health counselor with significant experience working with childrne and adults with disabilities. See event calendar for future dates.

Buddy Walk

To celebrate October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the DSACF offers this family fun day for families and the community alike at Lake Eola, Orlando. The Buddy Walk is the primary fundraiser for all of the activities, supports and programs offered by the DSACF. For more information see our Buddy Walk page or our event calendar.

Annual Community Champions Awards Banquet

Every year the DSACF honors local individuals, businesses and groups that advocate on behalf of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. The keynote speaker is an adult with Down syndrome and the evening includes dinner and dancing. For more information please see our event calendar.

Disability Awareness Presentations

If you, your school or place of worship or community civic group would be interested in a 20-60 minute disability awareness presentation with facts and myths about Down syndrome, please contact us.

Family Emergency Fund

For DSACF member families, the DSACF offers an emergency fund for those in short-term financial or medical crisis. Contact Amy Van Bergen for more information.

General Resource Information & Referral

The DSACF is currently working on an updated member resource directory. In the meantime, if you have questions about resources (physicians, therapists, schools, etc.) please contact Amy Van Bergen for more information.