PROGRAMS
The Down Syndrome Association of Houston is here to help and support you throughout your journey as the parent, family member, or caregiver of an individual with Down syndrome. Please read below to learn more about the programs and services we offer. If you have any questions about any of these programs or services, email us or call our office at (713) 682-7237.
“Congratulations!” Program
The purpose of the “Congratulations!” Program is to “congratulate” parents of newborn babies with Down syndrome. In a world where others often express sorrow for the birth of a child with Down syndrome, DSAH says with pride, reassurance, and passion, “Congratulations!” Contact our office or your hospital’s social worker to request a “Congratulations!” gift bag at no cost… or complete this form. Watch this short video about our Congratulations! Program.
Hear and Here: We Hear you and are Here for you.
The mental health of individuals with Down syndrome and their families is one of our top priorities. The Hear and Here initiative is a safe space for our members to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences with us, so we can help as much as we can in needed areas. This is done for both English and Spanish-speaking families.
Throughout the program, we offer personalized attention by scheduling a Zoom or an in-person meeting to offer support in any important topic area. Our goal is to help all members of the family, with an emphasis on our individuals with Down syndrome, so this program seeks to give them emotional support, and behavioral and emotional self-regulation strategies always under circumstances adapted to their needs.
We also utilize workshops for parents, siblings, and primary caregivers with various topics, providing tools that can be implemented in their daily lives for the common well-being of the family. Some of the topics are emotional intelligence, resilience, coping strategies, assertive communication, sensory alterations and strategies for better management, sexual education, and the importance of creating support groups. It is important to mention that the content of this program will be regularly updated with topics that provide information based on the needs of families and the current social and economic world we live in.
Community groups
Community groups are the heart of DSAH. They provide local support, resources, and events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. In a city as large as Houston, bringing resources to parents is instrumental in meeting our mission and vision. To join a community group, call our office or contact us via email for more information.
ARTS AND ACTIVITIES
Arts and activities programs take place throughout our Greater Houston service area on a regular basis. Whether it’s art clinics with Miss Reena, dance lessons with the Houston Ballet, therapeutic horse experiences with Sire stables, or bloom fitness classes at the Center for Pursuit. Call us, sign up for our newsletter or check our social media pages for details.
soccer team and clinics
DSAH UNITED recently represented Houston in a 5-aside tournament in Guadalajara Mexico playing against teams from Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Along with our advanced team, we encourage adults and children of all ages and abilities to attend our monthly clinics to have fun, get some great exercise and fresh air, and learn the basics of the sport. E-mail our very own English coach Mike at mroberts@dsah.org for more details.
DSAH Resource Center
DSAH prides itself on being able to provide accurate information and timely referrals to any individual with Down syndrome and their family members. If you have questions, need information, or referrals related to Down syndrome, please call our office at (713) 682-7237 or email at info@dsah.org.
WORKSHOPS to empower and educate
As a mission-driven nonprofit, DSAH prides itself on providing individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and the community that serves them access to high-quality, relevant information in the form of short and thoughtful education workshops. Past workshops have included topics on IEP support, potty training, special needs planning, and the Medicaid Waiver programs. Please call our office at (713) 682-7237 or email info@dsah.org to learn about past and future workshops.
