Registration is now open for the following programs:



• All-new monthly Hip Hop Dance Classes at Muv Dance & Fitness in Leander for ages 13+ begin on Saturday, August 31. Dancers will learn hip-hop techniques, stay active, and make new friends!
• Choir Program for ages 13+ begins on Saturday, August 17. Participants will learn multiple songs to prepare for a performance at Buddy Walk®!
• Super Stars Play Program at MyGym for ages 3-10 begins on Friday, October 4. This program enhances motor skills, social interactions, and self-expression through inclusive playtime, music, gymnastics, and parent participation. Siblings welcome!
• Speak Your Heart for ages 18+ begins on Saturday, September 14. Participants will learn to write and deliver a speech as well as focus on small-group social skills.

Registration is still open for the following programs:

• Line Dancing for ages 13+ begins again on Saturday, August 10 at 1:00 pm for seven weeks.
• Creative Movement for ages 4-7 begins again on Sunday, September 8 at 1:00 pm for six weeks.
• Contemporary Dance for ages 8-12 begins again on Sunday, September 8 at 2:00 pm for six weeks.

Family Weekend at Kalahari Resorts

Join DSACT for a fun weekend at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6! We have arranged a discounted hotel block for DSACT and Sam's Adventure Camp families, with options for one or two-night stays. Enjoy a weekend packed with waterpark fun and community building, where families can explore the resort at their own pace and participate in optional social gatherings throughout.

September Adult Supper Club

Join us for the upcoming Supper Club at Central Market Cafe on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 where a small group of DSACT members will meet to enjoy dinner together. This is a great opportunity for DSACT adults to continue developing skills such as ordering food, paying at a restaurant, and engaging in conversation with friends.

25th Annual DSACT Buddy Walk® 

Did you see that the 25th Annual DSACT Buddy Walk® registration is now open? This event brings together over 1,400 members of the Central Texas Down syndrome community for our biggest fundraiser of the year, featuring activities like our famous walk, a dance party, mini golf, pedal boats, a petting zoo, and more.

Funds raised support essential DSACT programs, like the recreational programs, medical outreach, and social events listed in this newsletter. You can get involved by creating or joining a team, donating, volunteering, or sponsoring the event. Join us for a day of fun and support our great mission!

DSACT Newsletter Archive

In case you missed a previous newsletter, we now have an archive of the five most recent newsletters on our website. Go to the Resources for Parents & Families Page and scroll down to 'DSACT Newsletter Archive' to take a look!

DSACT Dell Resident Family Interviews

DSACT partners with UT Austin Dell Medical School, where residents meet with DSACT members to learn about their family's medical experiences, particularly the impactful diagnosis conversation. By participating in this project, medical residents develop an understanding and appreciation for the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome and the concerns they and their caregivers face.

• Saturday, August 10 @ 12 pm: Family music class for ages 0-3 (evite sent, email us to ensure you're on our list for next time)
• Saturday, August 17 @ 7 pm: Teen semi-formal dance (registration required)
• Saturday, August 24 @ 5 pm: Adult swim party (evite sent, email us to ensure you're on our list)
• Saturday, September 7 @ 7 pm: Adult semi-formal dance (registration required)
• Saturday, September 21: Lunch & Learn with Nicole Eredics, author of Inclusion in Action (more details to come)
• Sunday, September 22: Adult volunteer event to make items to sell at Buddy Walk (more details to come)



Do you want to host a social event for parents/caregivers or your family member's age group? Our wonderful community of family members helps to increase our social event offerings. Email Julia Forslund to learn more!

Down Syndrome - Autism Connects is hosting a Virtual Down Syndrome Symposium on Saturday, August 17. Learn more here.

The Arc of the Capital Area is hosting an Empowerment Day on August 17 to discuss the supports they provide. They will be answering one on one questions regarding employment, education, navigating services, waivers and more. Learn more here.

NDSC is hosting a webinar on August 21 called "Building Independence Skills Across the Lifespan," with Hina Mahmood, Senior Registered Occupational Therapist from Down Syndrome Resource Foundation. Learn more here.

My DSC is hosting a webinar on September 12 called "Is it Sensory or is it behavior?" Learn more here.

NDSS Adult Summit in Orange County: Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 - Saturday, Nov 16, 2024. Learn more here.

VELA is hosting virtual courses for parents and caregivers on topics like Special Education, Transition to Adulthood, Autism, and Caregiver Wellness this fall. Learn more here.

Lifelong Learning With Friends: Now enrolling for fall courses. Learn more here.