Hi there! We are excited you'll be joining us for DSAA-Mom's Night Out. We collect this information for future communications as well as keeping you posted in case your event has any changes.

Join researchers, caregivers, and advocates for a symposium focused on Down syndrome research and caregiving. This event will feature expert presentations, shared learning, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others in the community. 

Webinar, Tuesday, April 7th 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern time

“Collaboration in IEP Development for Children with Down Syndrome”

Collaboration in IEP Development for Children with Down Syndrome with:

Catherine Trapani, Ph.D., BCBA Trapani Education Consultants

Dr. Trapani, formerly of The Piedmont School of Atlanta, holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in developmental pediatrics at the Kennedy Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is a certified behavior analyst and educator, with over 50 years of experience working with children with special needs and has extensive expertise in IEP development.

Amy L. Talboy, MD, FAAP

Medical Director, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and eXtraordinarY Kids Clinics at Emory, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine

¿Su hijo presenta estreñimiento, reflujo, dolor abdominal u otros problemas digestivos? Acompáñenos en este seminario web especialmente dirigido a padres y cuidadores de niños con síndrome de Down.

En este seminario web aprenderá a reconocer los problemas gastrointestinales más comunes, cuándo buscar atención médica y cuáles son las opciones actuales de tratamiento. Tendrá la oportunidad de escuchar información clara, práctica y basada en evidencia para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de su hijo.

El seminario será presentado por el Dr. Garza, especialista en Gastroenterología Pediátrica y experto en trastornos de la motilidad intestinal.

Originario de la Ciudad de México, el Dr. Garza completó su formación en Pediatría y Gastroenterología Pediátrica en el Hospital Infantil de Cincinnati. Actualmente ejerce en Atlanta, donde es director médico del Programa de Neurogastroenterología y Motilidad en Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)  y profesor adjunto en la Universidad de Emory. Su enfoque clínico incluye los trastornos de la motilidad pediátrica y la endoscopia terapéutica, y es un investigador activo y conferenciante nacional. No se pierda esta oportunidad de aprender directamente de un experto y resolver sus dudas en un espacio pensado para las familias.

🎸 Rockin' our mismatched socks and our own unique style in partnership with 

Alliance Theatre, this World Down Syndrome Day, we’re following Wilbur the mole rat’s lead and celebrating the beauty of standing out. Whether it’s a cool hat or an extra chromosome, life is better when we’re brave enough to be ourselves!

We have RSVP'd 50 tickets for our community! Each family gets an adult and a child with Ds ticket free of cost. If you'd like to order more tickets, you can do so at our negotiated fee. Just add the extra ticket to your order. Please email Denise at denise.arribas@dsaatl.org if you have any questions! 

Event Schedule
1 pm-Crafts and acting Workshop
2 pm-show

About the musical
Approximately 50 minutes, no intermission

Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Directed by Sam Provenzano
Based on the book Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children

Children’s book author and artist Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In a Play) brings another lovable character to life in this exciting family musical. Watch as Wilbur, a clothes-loving mole rat with exceptional style, navigates the pressure to be just like everyone else. With tail-shaking tunes, empowering messages of individuality, and classic Mo Willems humor, this musical is sure to rock audiences of all ages.

Best enjoyed by audiences ages 4+

We're thrilled to announce Megan's World Down Syndrome Day Party, made possible by the Megan Sydney Pay It Forward Fund! 🎉 This year's celebration is for our friends with Down syndrome aged 21 and over, and their friends with intellectual disabilities. You MUST be 21+ since the venue includes a bar. Be ready to eat, drink, and dance, but more importantly, have a fantastic time together! 

**Since the venue only has a small capacity, we are encouraging caregivers to drop your individual with Down syndrome off and then meet with other caregivers at Mellow Mushroom-Dunwoody for pizza on us!**

🎉We are going to the Capitol this Friday 3/20!

💙💛What to expect? 

• 8:30-9:05 am Meet us at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB)
  18 Capitol Sq SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 and have breakfast with Representative Scott Hilton (chicken biscuits provided by his office). If you get there after 9 just meet us at the Capitol.

• 9:30-Walk across the street to the Capitol and take a photo with Representative Scott Hilton and Senator Drew Echols on the staircase inside the Capitol. 

• 10 am- We'll hear the proclamation of 3/21 as the official #WorldDownSyndromeDay! at the House and the Senate 💙💛
  
  🩵PLEASE wear blue, your DSAA shirts or your Ds awareness shirt and of course wear your mismatched socks!

PARKING-254 Capitol Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

**Session is in, so parking will be tricky. PLEASE give yourself plenty of time or consider riding Marta, carpooling, or Uber/Lyft**

Marta information-https://martaguide.com/2010/04/18/marta-to-the-georgia-capitol/

We can't wait to see you there and see how we can create change for our DS Community!

We’re all in this together! Join Dana Lloyd, Supported Decision-Making Coordinator at the Georgia Advocacy Office, and Laura Akins Smith, Special Needs Planning attorney with Kwartin & Levine, LLP, for a presentation on supported decision making and legal guardianship. We’ll be explaining what these options really mean, the pros and cons of each option, and how to enact supported decision making or guardianship for your loved one.

It’s that time of year again to celebrate our BFC mothers, grandmothers, and any special mother figures with our beautiful brunch. Space is limited, so please secure your spot today! The sign-up deadline is Wednesday, 18th.
*Unfortunately, childcare will NOT be provided.

Join us for the Caroline Thome Angel Fund Benefit—a memorable evening of delicious food, specialty drinks, live music, and of course, fun! Your ticket includes food, open bar, and LIVE entertainment. All proceeds support The Caroline Thome Angel Fund.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to make a difference!

DSAA-Mothers Night Out is one of our favorite programs! What is it? A monthly night for our amazing moms to share a bite and a drink as other amazing moms surround them. We alternate areas to make sure our moms can make it! We have one coming up this Friday in Lilburn. Hope you can join us!

Healthy Holiday Habits for All with Lauren Ptomey, PhD, RD, LD Associate Professor, University of Kansas Medical Center.

Considerar a la persona con síndrome de Down como una persona en continuo desarrollo, que experimenta los cambios asociados con el paso por las etapas de la vida, puede seguir siendo un reto para los padres, profesionales y ellos mismos. En no pocas ocasiones las personas con síndrome de Down, pasan por los servicios médicos, desde la pubertad/adolescencia hasta la adultez por una especie de “tierra de nadie”, porque son pocos los facultativos que quieren comprometerse a fondo con su desarrollo en plenitud, muchas veces por desconocimiento. Instruir a las personas con síndrome de Down, en el conocimiento de los cambios corporales y emocionales es de vital importancia, ya que marcan el inicio de etapas fundamentales en su desarrollo, como el cuidado del cuerpo y la enseñanza sistematizada del mismo, asi como la adquisión del pudor, las Directrices del respeto del espacio vital personal y del otro. Informarse como padre o educador ayudara a la persona con síndrome de Down en un actuar de cuidado personal hacia una mejor salud física y mental.

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Oct 23, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nZQbWRpiRQir9VYgKTtbow

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Atlanta Buddy Walk is one of the most meaningful days of the year for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta. It’s more than just a walk—it’s a celebration of our families, our stories, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who inspire us every day. It’s a chance for our community to come together, lift each other up, and be seen, heard, and celebrated.

This year’s theme is Redefine Possible—because at DSAA, we witness every day how our community challenges expectations and shows the world what’s truly possible when people are valued, supported, and loved.

Obstructive sleep apnea is common yet frequently under‑recognized in individuals with Down syndrome. In this webinar, Dr. Ignacio Tapia will present evidence‑based, age‑specific strategies for its diagnosis and management to help families protect long‑term health and quality of life.

Score Atlanta would like to invite the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta to the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic on Saturday, August 16th. Come watch high school football and walk on the field to help flip the coin at the start of the game.

When: Saturday, August 16th, by 12:15 PM, if you would like to walk on the field before the game. We will be flipping the coin for the Brookwood vs. Houston County game at 1:00 PM.

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Tickets: Score Atlanta will cover the cost of the tickets for the Down Syndrome community

Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 13th, to Lindsey.rosenberg@dsaatl.org or by phone at (404)246-7432. Your ticket is good for all four Saturday games, so feel free to bring your daily and stay to watch them all.

• 10 a.m. – St. Pius X vs. Dunwoody

• 1 p.m. – Brookwood vs. Houston County

• 4 p.m. – McEachern vs. Walton

• 7 p.m. – Douglas County vs. North Gwinnett

We're thrilled to announce our partnership once again with Decatur Community Players! This summer, we're presenting "Aristocats Kids," a delightful 30-minute musical.

Theatre isn't just about acting; it's about enhancing social skills, boosting self-confidence, and empowering our incredible self-advocates. Our summer camp offers a comprehensive experience where participants will refine public speaking skills, gain confidence in singing and dancing, and appreciate the importance of teamwork. It's more than just a camp; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Age range for Aristocats camp is 10-21yo. You don't have to be available for all Saturdays, but the last 2 Saturdays are important since we have a final presentation.

*Aristocats dates are Saturdays in June and July from 10 am-12 pm at 

Decatur Community Players is located in East Decatur Station 141 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030

• June 7, 14, 21, 28 

• July 12 and 19th (rehearsal and show)

*Please note that we won't have a camp on Saturday, July 5th, due to the Fourth of July Weekend.

**Capacity is 20 actors per class 

***$75 for the 6-week course

If you have any questions, please email denise.arribas@dsaatl.org

Please join us on zoom! To register please click the button below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We have an East Cobb Mom's Night Out coming up, and we would love to know if you can make it. Sign up and let us know you're coming; the First drink/app is on us! 

We know that individuals with Down syndrome are social beings and want to have healthy relationships. This is a skill they need to learn as it may not be inherent. In this session, parents and caregivers will learn about topics that should be addressed and how to talk about them. Resources will be shared including visual supports, books, and free online resources.

Katie Frank PhD, OTR/L, has worked as an occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center since 2016 and in the field of occupational therapy since 2001. Dr. Frank earned her degree in occupational therapy from Saint Louis University and her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Most of her work has been with individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Dr. Frank’s experience includes treatment and evaluation as well as facilitating groups for people with Down syndrome, conducting trainings for staff, families, and caregivers, and offering a variety of other educational opportunities across the United States. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is the immediate past-President of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA.

The documentary captures the legacy of Gene Stallings, renowned for leading Alabama to a national championship and his global humanitarian efforts. Beyond football, Stallings’ dedication to his family and advocacy for individuals with special needs, particularly his late son John Mark, is highlighted. The film explores Stallings’ coaching career, his impact on players and staff, and the values of compassion and respect that define his philosophy. It underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in caring for loved ones, reflecting Stallings’ commitment to doing right and inspiring others to do the same.

$40 Bama In Atlanta members / $50 General Admission

Your ticket includes 1 soft drink, UA souvenir cup & more

Q & A with the Film Producers / Silent Auction / Live Auction / Win 2025 Football Tickets & more!!!

Portions of all tickets sold will be donated to a local down syndrome organization.

https://dorightstallings.com/

Come kick back with fellow fathers at Painted Park. No agenda—just a chance to relax, connect, enjoy some good company, and play fun games. Hope to see you there! 

*$10 ticket includes food, drinks, and activities! 

We're thrilled to announce our partnership once again with Decatur Community Players! This summer, we're presenting "Aristocats Kids," a delightful 30-minute musical.

Theatre isn't just about acting; it's about enhancing social skills, boosting self-confidence, and empowering our incredible self-advocates. Our summer camp offers a comprehensive experience where participants will refine public speaking skills, gain confidence in singing and dancing, and appreciate the importance of teamwork. It's more than just a camp; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Age range for Aristocats camp is 10-21yo. You don't have to be available for all Saturdays, but the last 2 Saturdays are important since we have a final presentation.

*Aristocats dates are Saturdays in June and July from 10 am-12 pm at 

Decatur Community Players is located in East Decatur Station 141 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030

• June 7, 14, 21, 28 

• July 12 and 19th (rehearsal and show)

*Please note that we won't have a camp on Saturday, July 5th, due to the Fourth of July Weekend.

**Capacity is 20 actors per class 

***$75 for the 6-week course

If you have any questions, please email denise.arribas@dsaatl.org

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.