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Winter Program Registration
The purpose of the DSAGC programming is to facilitate intentional opportunities for personal growth. All of our programs are led by certified professionals and/or qualified experts in their field. In addition, we provide volunteers for natural support and encouragement. We want everyone to feel welcome at our programs. We will gladly work with you and/or your loved one to provide the most successful environment for learning or socializing.
Empowerment classes are offered to individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and abilities. These classes are offered on a quarterly basis and may include sign language, kitchen skills, physical therapy, art skills, music therapy, and much more. The purpose of our Empowerment Classes is to truly empower participants to learn a new skill or partake in a new activity. All of our classes have defined learning objectives and are led by certified professionals and/or experts in their field. In addition, we provide volunteers for natural support and encouragement. We want everyone to feel welcome at our programs. We will gladly work with you and/or your loved one to provide the most successful environment for learning or socializing.
Classes typically meet weekly over a 4-6 week period. In general, there is a $20 fee for an entire series of classes and registration is required. We offer financial assistance through our Community Participation Fund (click here). If you have additional questions about payment, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Ages: 0 – 1 years
Dates: Sundays, March 1 - March 29
Time: 3 - 4 PM
Location: ABC Pediatric Therapy - Red Bank, 4325 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Class Instructors: Sarah Davis, PT; Alyssa Taylor, PT; Sandra Koopmans, PT - Each instructing therapist has many years of pediatric experience in working with children who are diagnosed with Down syndrome. Each has a passion that children become independent and reach their full potential.
Program Coordinator: Jena Wells, Early Matters Coordinator
Description: This class is a therapist-facilitated, progressive-building gross motor program focused on milestones for children diagnosed with Down syndrome 0-1 years old. This is a group physical therapy session. Each week, a different topic/technique will be discussed as a group, and then you will have time to practice with the therapist. Parents may ask the therapist about specific questions or concerns regarding their child.There will be one physical therapist at each session to speak with every family. We kindly ask that you do not bring siblings to this class.
Learning Objectives:
Ages: 0 – 5 years
Dates: Saturdays, January 25 - February 29
Time: 9 - 9:45 AM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructor: Rachel James, M.A. ASL/English Interpretation/Interpreter - Rachel has worked as a sign language interpreter in the Cincinnati area for over 20 years. She lives in College Hill with her husband and two daughters, Ella and Natalie. Natalie, who is a kindergartener, has Down syndrome. Rachel is excited to help families learn to use basic signs for communication and fun!
Program Coordinator: Jena Wells, Early Matters Coordinator
Description: This is a family class. Bring the siblings and each parent to learn sign language together for the entire household to benefit! Sign language is intended to help very young children to express their needs and wishes earlier than they could otherwise. Baby signing experts believe that frustration and tantrums can be avoided by closing the gap between desire to communicate and the ability to do so. This is a beginning sign class that teaches basic useful vocabulary for families. Each week follows a content theme: Food, Daily Routine, etc. We will also work on signing one fun song throughout the session. Sign language is intended to help very young children to express their needs and wishes earlier than they could otherwise.
Learning Objectives:
Ages: 0 – 5 years
Dates: Saturdays, January 25 - February 29
Time: 10 - 10:45 AM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructor: Rachel James, M.A. ASL/English Interpretation/Interpreter - Rachel has worked as a sign language interpreter in the Cincinnati area for over 20 years. She lives in College Hill with her husband and two daughters, Ella and Natalie. Natalie, who is a kindergartener, has Down syndrome. Rachel is excited to help families learn to use basic signs for communication and fun!
Program Coordinator: Jena Wells, Early Matters Coordinator
Description: This is a family class. Bring the siblings and each parent to learn sign language together for the entire household to benefit! Sign language is intended to help very young children to express their needs and wishes earlier than they could otherwise. Baby signing experts believe that frustration and tantrums can be avoided by closing the gap between desire to communicate and the ability to do so. This is a sign language course that moves from vocabulary to simple sentences.
Learning Objectives:
Ages: 6 - 12 years
Dates: Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11 (no class 1/21)
Time: 5:30 - 6:15 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructor: Miles Meeden, Chef, Indian Hill Winter Club - Miles is married with a three-year old daughter, Olivia, who has Down syndrome. He graduated from Towson University and Midwest Culinary Institute. He has been a professional cook for 18 years. This is his 3rd Kitchen Skills class with the DSAGC.
Program Coordinator: Joanie Elfers, School Age Matters Coordinator
Description: This series introduces participants to basic cooking skills and kitchen safety rules. They will learn how to use basic tools, including measuring cups, a dull knife, and mixing bowls and spoons. Miles will teach and encourage how participants can help in the kitchen at home!
Learning Objectives:
Ages: 13 - 17 years
Dates: Tuesdays, January 7 - February 11 (no class 1/21)
Time: 6:45 - 7:30 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructor: Miles Meeden, Chef, Indian Hill Winter Club - Miles is married with a three-year old daughter, Olivia, who has Down syndrome. He graduated from Towson University and Midwest Culinary Institute. He has been a professional cook for 18 years. This is his 3rd Kitchen Skills class with the DSAGC.
Program Coordinator: Joanie Elfers, School Age Matters Coordinator
Description: This series introduces teenagers to cooking skills to gain some independence in the kitchen, as well as kitchen safety rules. They will learn how to use kitchen tools, including measuring cups, a “Curious Chef” knife, and mixing bowls and spoons. They will also learn how to properly use the toaster and microwave. Please note this series can be repeated to strengthen existing skills.
Learning Objectives:
This class has reached capacity. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please email EmmaG@dsagc.com.
Ages: 18 and up
Dates: Thursdays, February 13 - March 12
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: Professional Reps, 5508 Fair Lane Cincinnati, OH
Class Instructor: Mike Henson, Chef/Food Service Consultant, TriMark - Mike was previously Executive Chef at restaurants including Nada, The Precinct, and Boca. Currently, Mike works with top restaurants around Cincinnati as a commercial food service equipment and supply consultant. He has been doing the cooking series for the last 5 years with our adults and met his wife through volunteering at the DSAGC.
Program Coordinator: Christy Gregg, Adult Matters Coordinator
Description: This is our entry-level Adult Kitchen Skills class. It can be repeated each year to strengthen skills in the kitchen. A professional chef and his assistant will teach adults how to use tools and appliances to prepare meals and oversee participants as they create their very own dishes! Throughout the 5-week session, adults will also learn about kitchen safety and tips to eat healthy! Participants will host a family style dinner for the final night of the series to utilize and demonstrate skills learned.
Learning Objectives:
This class has reached capacity. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please email EmmaG@dsagc.com.
Ages: 18 and up
Dates: Tuesdays, February 18 - March 24
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructors: Calista Hargrove, MSOL, VP of Programs, Cincinnati Works - Calista is an experienced, results-oriented organizational development professional, with a record of achievement in strategic thinking and problem solving in developing and managing workforce development and post-secondary educational support services for individuals with economic disadvantages and/or disabilities.
Program Coordinator: Christy Gregg, Adult Matters Coordinator
Description: By participating in this 6 week interactive series, participants will learn about professionalism, character strengths, interviewing skills, and where to find employment support in their community. At the end of the series, participants will partake in mock interviews and a networking event.
Learning Objectives:
Ages: Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 10 – 14
Dates: Wednesdays; February 12 & February 19
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Class Instructors: Marissa Rowley, Mayerson Academy - For over a decade, Marissa has been dedicated to educational equity, focusing on strong classroom culture both internationally and stateside. Prior to joining Mayerson Academy, Marissa’s experiences included serving as a middle school English language arts teacher and English as a foreign language teacher in Hangzhou, China, as well as coaching and mentoring beginning teachers. Through these varied experiences, Marissa discovered her passion. Strong professional development and positive classroom cultures positively impact equity for all students. Currently, she is applying lessons learned from both classroom and coaching settings to her role as the Thriving Learning Communities Program Manager.
Description: Every child has the capacity to express their own unique combination of 24 character strengths, such as curiosity, perseverance, teamwork and creativity. In this two part session, we will explore how becoming a strength-based parent/grandparent can be accomplished by flipping our scripts from “what is wrong” to “what is strong” in our children. Research shows using a strength-based parenting approach helps children reach their full potential and improves parent-child connections. We will first explore our own signature strengths and how they influence our parenting and our second session will focus with some quick ideas to get started on your own journey to strength-based parenting and spotting.
“Our minds are wired for what’s wrong. It’s easy for all of us to be clouded by problems and deficits. This can result in us not “seeing” our child. Do you want to be more positive in your parenting? Learn how to be a “strengths-based parent”? If yes, this is the class for you! I fully support this program and it’s wonderful instructors from the innovative Mayerson Academy!" - Dr. Ryan Niemiec, parent of a child with Down syndrome, bestselling author, and a leading international figure in character strengths practices.
These classes are just one day and designed specifically for adults with Down syndrome to learn and/or practice a specific skill to foster personal growth. These topics may include Voting, Internet Safety, Introducing Yourself, Laundry, Using a Smart Phone, and more! This is a new initiative, so currently, we offer one Personal Development class each quarter. If well received, we hope to offer a different class each month for all ages.
To keep the price reasonable for our adults with Down syndrome, our Personal Development Classes cost $5 to attend. We offer financial assistance through our Community Participation Fund (click here). If you have additional questions about payment, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Ages: 18 and up
Dates: Wednesday, January 22
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: Tablespoon Cooking Co., 1719 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH
Class Instructor: Jordan Hamons, Chef & Owner — Tablespoon Cooking Co. and Daniel Jones, Culinary Assistant — Tablespoon Cooking Co. Tablespoon Cooking Co. specializes in hands-on cooking classes taught by professional chefs, private events and catering. Tablespoon is located at Findlay Market in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. More information can be found on our website at www.tablespooncookingco.com.
Program Coordinator: Christy Gregg, Adult Matters Coordinator
Description: In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to safely use a knife in the kitchen. They will work with professional chefs to learn how to hold a knife and then practice chopping, slicing and dicing. Our focus will be on commonly used fruits and veggies such as apples, oranges, carrots and celery. We aim to encourage safety, confidence and independence in the kitchen… and have a ton of fun while we learn!
Learning Objectives:
This class has reached capacity. If you are interested in joining the waiting list, please email EmmaG@dsagc.com.
Jordan and Daniel, Tablespoon Cooking Co.
Ages: 18 and up
Dates: Saturday, February 22
Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Location: Xavier University
Program Coordinator: Christy Gregg, Adult Matters Coordinator and Emma Daniels, Adult Matters Engagement Coordinator
Description: OWN: Optimizing What’s Next is a one day event that is based from our popular Independent Living Retreat. OWN focuses on community service, learning new skills, making friendships and gaining or increasing your OWN level of independence.
Saturday Morning - the group attends classes to learn new skills. Classes may include money management, healthy eating, character strengths, communication, cooking and relationships.
Saturday Mid-day - the group participates in various community service projects. This teaches the importance of giving back and builds confidence.
Saturday Afternoon - the group gets to socialize off-campus. Social events may include a sporting event, pottery, bowling and more!
Registration Opens: December 1
Registration Closes: January 18
Lottery Draw & Waitlist Updates: January 19 - 21
ALL Paperwork Due: January 31
LOTTERY DRAW will be held for all those who register as a repeat attendee. All individuals who registered will be updated about if they have received a spot during the identified dates. If for any reason NEW spots are not filled by date, those spots will be added to the lottery draw.
We accept 25 OWN attendees per year. Attendees must reside within our 12 counties, have Down syndrome and be 18 or older. 13 spots will be reserved for NEW* attendees. NEW Attendees are specified as anyone who has never attended or has not attended the event for the last two years.
On the 21st of each month, we host an educational workshop for parents, community professionals, relatives, and advocates (ages 15 & up). Workshop topics change each month and local experts present in their area of expertise. Some 21 Series topics include Sensory Processing, Puberty, Healthcare Transitions, and much more!
All of our 21 Series are FREE to attend, but registration is required.
Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Presenter(s): Celia F. Schloemer, MA and Christy Gregg, CTRS - Celia is the Family Support Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati-University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, (UCCEDD). In this role she supports individuals with disability and their families across the life span, connecting them to resources, assisting them in accessing information and offering trainings that improve outcomes. Celia has more than 12 years’ experience working directly with families of school-aged children with disabilities as an educational advocate. She is a certified Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador for the state of Ohio. She is on the Lead Team for the statewide Community of Practice Supporting Families and an active member of the National Community of Practice Supporting Families. Christy Gregg is the Adult Matters Coordinator for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC). Christy is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), having graduated from the college of Mount Saint Joseph with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. She has over 17 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She worked as a program coordinator for supported living and waiver services, and also has a wealth of experience in recreation-based programs. She has a passion and personal connection for her work through her younger brother, Michael.
Description: In this session, attendees will learn about supports beyond the system of services and how to plan for the future. One will learn how to develop a vision for “wants” and “do not wants” for a future life for youth and adults. One will also gain an understanding about tools they can utilize in the future planning process.
Learning Objectives:
Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Presenter(s): Jena Wells, DSAGC Early Matters Coordinator and Christina M. Miller M.A., BCBA, COBA - Jena has a Bachelor Degree in Family Community Services. She has worked at the DSAGC for six years now. She also has four boys, with her third son Ashton, who happens to have Down syndrome and uses visual schedules regularly. Christina Miller earned her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University and has been working in the field of autism & other developmental disabilities for almost eight years. She has experience in severe problem behavior, early intervention & social skills in a variety of settings including, residential, home and school. She is passionate about teaching others how Applied Behavior Analysis can have a positive impact on their daily life. She is now the Senior Clinician at Trumpet Behavioral Health.
Description: During this educational class for caregivers, we will be learning about why visual schedules are important. Through a parent perspective and a professional behavioral therapist perspective, we will dive into the how, why, and actually make a visual schedule.
Learning Objectives:
We offer a wide variety of social opportunities throughout the year. We believe good friendships contribute to increased feelings of belonging, purpose, happiness, reduced stress and improved self-worth and confidence. Ongoing social opportunities include Community Groups and Social Clubs. We also offer unique get togethers each quarter to foster friendships and encourage networking. These socials include dance parties, picnics, and recreational fun!
Many of our social opportunities are FREE to attend, but registration is required.
Ages: 6 - 17 years
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 1 - 2:30 PM
Location: 4727 Red Bank Road Cincinnati, OH 45227
Description: USA Ninja Challenge is an obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and field. A parent, family member, or friend must accompany the participant on the obstacle course. A snack will provided to everyone who attends!
Learning Objectives:
Ages: 18 and up
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Choose a location (Matthew 25 Ministries, Sweet Cheeks Diaper, or Action Ministries)
Description: World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 (3/21) to symbolize the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome present in people with Down syndrome. To celebrate, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's adult program is giving back to the community! Grab a friend or family to volunteer alongside you, and sign-up for one of the three volunteer projects.
Buddy Up Tennis® is a 90-minute clinic consisting of 60 minutes of professional tennis instruction and 30 minutes of fitness conditioning for Athletes ages 5 and up. No tennis experience is required. All Athletes receive a team shirt.
These programs are organized by parent volunteers Lisa Arnold and Kathy Szudejko and led by tennis professionals with natural supports from 'buddy' volunteers. Athletes can attend just one session. a few sessions, or the entire season. Buddy Up Tennis® is a national program with over 24 participating cities. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is a proud partner.
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati offers financial assistance through our Community Participation Fund (click here). If you have additional questions about payment, please reach out to your Program Coordinator. We would be more than happy to assist you.
January 11
January 25
February 8
February 22
March 7
March 21
April 4
April 18
May 2
May 16
May 30
June 13
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 (3/21) to signify the 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome present in people with Down syndrome. One way you can celebrate is to sign-up to walk or run in the World Down Syndrome Day 5K/10K!
This 5K is EXTRA special! In honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) we incorporate "3-2-1" into many race elements. We celebrate all things Down syndrome...from the race distance of 3.21 miles to the race fee of $32.10. Come out with your friends, family, neighbors or coworkers and walk or run with us.
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