DS ACT

Raise a Cup to Awareness
2024-03-19 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-20 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-21 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-22 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-23 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-24 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-25 08:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-26 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | BeanZ & Co., 11 East Main Street, Avon, CT, 06001, United States
Just stop at BeanZ & Co. in Avon and grab a beverage to help us raise awareness about Down syndrome and DS ACT’s mission. Keep an eye on Social Media for specific dates for “meet ups.”

World Down Syndrome Day Event at the New Canaan YMCA
2024-03-24 14:00 - 16:00 | New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States

Spring Fling
2024-04-27 12:00 - 15:00 | Fortress City Church, 265 W. Main St, New Britain, CT, 06052
Welcome, warm weather and sunshine back to Connecticut with DS ACT at the 2024 Spring Fling. All ages are welcome, but wow, we love seeing the new little ones at this event!

Be ready for snacks, crafts for all ages, gentle games, and opportunities to meet new friends or catch up with old ones.

There is no charge to attend the Spring Fling. It is a benefit of your membership. To assist in planning, we request that you register with the button below. If you are not an active member but would like to attend, please email Shanon McCormick.

Registration

2024 DS ACT Night on the North Pole Express
2024-11-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Note: THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THE STATUS OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP, EMAIL SHANON MCCORMICK.
Join us for a night on the North Pole Express
The train leaves the station at 6:00 p.m. We’ll welcome the holiday season with a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, and sugar cookies.
Please plan to arrive by 5:30 so everyone has time to board the train. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas and may want to bring their sound-canceling headphones!
A link to request tickets will be shared HERE between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on SUNDAY, November 3, 2024. Priority will be given to those families who have not attended in recent years. If you do not receive tickets at the time of your request, you will be put on a waitlist.
The form has closed

2024 Holiday Party - Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, CT
2024-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Rd, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
2024 Holiday Party and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

This event is limited to active DS ACT members . RSVP is on a first-come, first-served basis, with space for 160 guests. RSVP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CADAE2AA7FA7-51442012-21strong

If you need to join or renew your membership, please visit https://mydsact.org/join-or-renew-your-membership/ For any questions or to request a membership fee waiver due to financial hardship, please contact Melody Lehrman at mlehrman@mydsact.org

While there is no charge for the event, donations to help offset the cost are greatly appreciated! If you’d like to contribute, please visit https://mydsact.org/donate/

SPECIAL GUEST ALERT
A very special guest is making an appearance!

Gifts: We kindly ask that parents bring a wrapped gift for each of their children, clearly labeled with the child’s name. Upon arrival, please hand the gift to the registration table, and we will ensure it finds its way into our special guest’s bag.

We’re looking for generous donations to make this event extra special. If you know a business that would like to donate, we can include them in sponsor signage and future communications. We can send you a donation request template that you can customize.

We look forward to celebrating the holidays together!

Conservatorship, Guardianship, Supported Decision Making
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9S8GOJzpRVG826koX_g0wA
When a child with disabilities approaches age 18, parents and caregivers often find themselves surprised and overwhelmed to learn that they will soon lose the legal right to manage their child’s affairs or make key medical and financial decisions on the child’s behalf. Special Needs Planning is critical to ensure that parents can stay in control, and access key benefits/resources that will be necessary to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood and beyond. In this workshop, you will learn how to navigate the complicated world of special needs planning and cover a number of topics:

Guardianship
Conservatorship
Power of Attorney
Supported Decision-Making
Estate Planning and Financial Considerations

And more!

See flyer for additional information Webinar Event Information Flyer

Coffee Meet Up
2025-03-13 09:30 - 23:30 | BeanZ & Co., 11 East Main Street, Avon, CT, 06001, United States
Join DS ACT at Beanz & Co in Avon for some coffee and conversation. Some members of our Education and Outreach Committee will have a table set up in honor of World Down Syndrome Day. Stop by and say hi, get some ideas on how you can celebrate.

Planning for special needs
2025-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | https://mydsact.org/event/planning-for-special-needs/
This educational event is designed for our clients and families who wish to learn more about special needs planning. We encourage you to invite anyone who you think may benefit to attend.
For additional information, please refer to the event flyer

World Down Syndrome Day Breakfast
2025-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Cosmo’s Bagels & Cafe, 78 Heights Road, Darien, CT, 06820, United States
Join us to start the day with some fresh bagels and coffee.
More information in the event flyer.

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
2025-03-23 15:00 - 17:00 | New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
Join us for a day of fun and celebration. For more information, check out the event flyer.

2025 Spring Fling
2025-05-03 12:00 - 15:00 | Fortress City Church, 265 W. Main St, New Britain, CT, 06052
Join DS ACT for an afternoon of family fun!
at the
Fortress City Church
265 W Main Street
New Britain, CT
Complete Registration form to attend this event.

Annual Summer Picnic at Camp Harkness
2025-07-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Rd (Rte 213), Waterford, CT, CT, United States
Join DS ACT at the beautiful beach at Camp Harness for a day of fun with friends and family. We’ll provide a catered lunch, live music, and maybe a few games and crafts. All you need to bring is your swimsuit, sand toys, and sunscreen!
This no-cost members-only event is a benefit of your DS ACT membership. Your membership must be active to register. If you are unsure of your status, please email Shanon McCormick.
Registration has closed but if you are still interested, please email Karen Sawyer at ksawyer@mydsact.org

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Block Party
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 | New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, Connecticut, 06051
We cannot wait for this year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! It’s not just a walk, it’s a party celebrating loved ones with Down syndrome.

2025 21 Strong Holiday Party
2025-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Rd, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
2025 Holiday Party and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
This event is limited to active DS ACT members. RSVP is on a first-come, first-served basis, with space for 160 guests. CLICK HERE TO RSVP

If you need to join or renew your membership, please visit https://mydsact.org/join-or-renew-your-membership/ For any questions or to request a membership fee waiver due to financial hardship, please contact Karen Sawyer at ksawyer@mydsact.org

SPECIAL GUEST ALERT
A very special guest is making an appearance!

Gifts: We kindly ask that parents bring a wrapped gift for each of their children, clearly labeled with the child’s name. Upon arrival, please hand the gift to the registration table, and we will ensure it finds its way into our special guest’s bag.

While there is no charge for the event, donations to help offset the cost are greatly appreciated! If you’d like to contribute, please visit https://mydsact.org/donate/

World Down Syndrome Day Gala
2026-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury, CT, 06795, United States
Please join us as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and mark the 40th anniversary of the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT).
The Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) was founded in 1986 by a compassionate physician and dedicated parents who sought to create advocacy and social support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
In 2018, CDSC was rebranded as the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT)—a name that reflects our mission to support individuals with Down syndrome across the state more effectively. This transformation has allowed us to expand our advocacy efforts, enhance community programs, and connect families to the resources and information they need to thrive.
Over the past eight years, DS ACT has strengthened its organization, increased visibility and accessibility, and introduced innovative programs that serve our vibrant community.
We are thrilled to enter this exciting new chapter and invite you to join us at our World Down Syndrome Day Gala—an evening to meet our board, honor our volunteers, connect with community partners, and, most importantly, eat, dance, and celebrate together!

July Ponte Club Dinner 2026
2026-07-09 18:00 - 22:00 | La Bella Vista, 380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury, CT, 06795, United States
Please join us for this wonderful fundraiser to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut.
This is a family style, prix-fixed sit-down dinner service at La Bella Vista in Waterbury hosted by the Pontelandolfo Club. It is a four course dinner with red and white wine provided on the tables. A cash bar is available for other beverages. Cost is $45/person payable in cash or check (no Credit Cards) at the venue on the night of the event.
There will also be a raffle, for those interested.
To join us please call 203.527.4006 for reservations, state that you are with the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT)
For menu details, click Menu Details for July 9 Event – DS ACT

Annual Summer Picnic at Camp Harkness
2026-07-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Rd (Rte 213), Waterford, CT, CT, United States
Save the Date!
Join DS ACT at the beautiful beach at Camp Harness for a day of fun with friends and family. We’ll provide a catered lunch, live music, and maybe a few games and crafts. All you need to bring is your swimsuit, sand toys, and sunscreen!
This no-cost members-only event is a benefit of your DS ACT membership. Your membership must be active to register. If you are unsure of your status, please email Karen Sawyer.
Registration has opened. To sign up for this event, click on this link.

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Block Party
2026-09-26 10:00 - 15:00 | New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, Connecticut, 06051
This year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is extra special as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut!
For four decades, we’ve been building intentionally inclusive communities and providing resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Now it’s time to come together and celebrate all we’ve accomplished—and all that’s still ahead.
As part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, walk registration is FREE for everyone! While registration is free, we encourage every participant to sign up so we can show the strength of our community. Every registration helps demonstrate the impact of our mission and supports future sponsorship and fundraising efforts.
Join us as we Step Up for Down Syndrome, honor 40 years of making a difference, and celebrate the incredible individuals and families who inspire us every day.
💙 Register today. Support DS ACT Step Up Walk 2026 | PledgeIt for Charities🎉 Celebrate 40 years.👟 Step Up for Down Syndrome.
#StepUpForDownSyndrome #DSACT40 #40YearsOfImpact #CelebrateInclusion #StepUp2026

Shaping the Future of Disability Rights: 2026 NonPartisan Candidates Forum
2026-10-07 13:00 - 19:30 | Bristol Event Center, 112 Century Dr, Bristol, CT, 06010
Learn What You Need to Know Before Elections in November!
This is a nonpartisan educational forum with candidates/surrogates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, and United States House of Representatives for all five Connecticut districts answering questions on disability topics.
All candidates appearing on the general election ballot for these offices, including independent and petitioning candidates, will be invited to participate.
**English, Spanish and ASL**
Free Event | Food and Beverages | Disability Resource Tables — More details and registration available early September.
Pre-registration will be required. Accommodations can be requested at registration.
