DS ACT

DS ACT Night on the Essex Train's North Pole Express
2022-11-12 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Allllll Aboard!
Join DS ACT friends on the Essex Steam train for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, and sugar cookies.
Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!
THIS IS A MEMBERS’ ONLY EVENT AND SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.
Online Registration Only, Beginning at 7:00 pm, Monday, November 7, 2022
**REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED**
For additional information, contact Melody Lehrman at mlehrman@mydsact.org

A Virtual Symposium: Down Syndrome, Aging, and Healthcare
2022-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join DS ACT online for an online discussion of how Down syndrome interacts with the aging process, how support systems are currently positioned to meet this growing need in our community, and the steps we must take to assure that our aging loved ones with Down syndrome receive quality healthcare.
Dr. Brian Chicoine, co-founder, and director of the Advocate Adult Down Syndrome Clinic in Illinois will be joined by panelists from Connecticut representing service delivery, caregivers, and the state.
There is no cost to attend. The session will be recorded and available for viewing at a later date. Please register, even if you are not sure you will be able to attend, so we can send you a link to the recording.

Register

Summer Picnic
2022-07-24 11:00 - 15:00 | Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Rd (Rte 213), Waterford, CT, CT, United States
This event is a benefit of DS ACT membership. Join us for a day of food, friendship, music, and, of course, THE BEACH!
Membership is required for this event. You may renew your membership by clicking the “join us” button on the home page and completing the form as if you were a new member. If renewing your membership would be a financial hardship at this time, please email Shanon McCormick at smccormick@mydsact.org regarding a fee waiver. You can email her as well if you wish to inquire about the status of your membership.
REGISTRATION

Mystic Aquarium Group Trip
2022-06-26 09:00 - 17:00 | Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Spend the day exploring the mysteries of sea life at Mystic Aquarium with friends from DS ACT. We’ve reserved discounted tickets for entrance between 9-10 am just for you! Tickets will be sent to you prior to the event.

Flamig Farm Group Trip
2022-06-05 11:00 | Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Rd, West Simsbury, 06072, United States
Get a peek at the fun side of farm life at West Simsbury’s Flamig Farm.
Tour the farm on a self-guided tour. Enjoy the petting zoo, where you buy some grain at the window to feed the animal ($15 for a large bucket — enough for 10/12 children; $5 for a small bucket — 2-3 cups; or $2 for a cup).
Feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy it under the pavilion. There is some shopping at the farm store too!

You must pre-register through our website to get this discounted ticket rate; however, if you miss the deadline, walk-ins are welcome. You will need to pay the full admission at the window.

DS ACT Stamford Museum and Nature Center
2022-05-22 11:00 - 17:00 | Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT, 06903
Join DS ACT Friends and Family for a visit to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center
There’s so much to explore! From farm animals to nature trails to the Otter Pond, you’ll find something for everyone.
Be sure to visit the website to make your plans and download site maps directly to your phone. Contact Melody Lehrman, mlehrman@mydsact.org for more information.
$6 per person, individuals with Down syndrome register for free. Children under 3 years of age attend for free.

DS ACT Disney on Ice
2022-01-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Webster Bank Arena, 600 Mainstreet, Bridgeport, CT, 06604, United States
Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts at Webster Bank Arena!

Sail away with Moana and Maui as they bravely return the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Follow Miguel’s journey through the Land of the Dead to unlock his family’s history. Sing along with Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine as their adventure takes them to a whole new world. Say “Howdy, partner!” to Woody and his friends and see the Green Army Men fly through the air. See Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf live on ice like never before.

ORDER TICKETS HERE
Contact Melody Lehrman if you require additional information mlehrman@mydsact.org.

DS ACT Night on the Essex Train's North Pole Express
2021-11-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Allllll Aboard!
Join DS ACT friends on the Essex Steam train for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, and sugar cookies.
Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!
THIS IS A MEMBERS’ ONLY EVENT AND SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.
Online Registration Only.
Registration for this event has closed. You will be notified if you have received tickets or been placed on the waitlist soon. When allocating tickets, we give priority to those who have not attended this event in recent years.
For additional information, contact Melody Lehrman at mlehrman@mydsact.org

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk
2021-10-02 10:00 - 14:00 | New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, Connecticut, 06051
It’s time to Step Up for Down Syndrome! Join our friends and families as we kick off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month with a celebration of our community.
Form a team, join a team, or walk on your own — everyone is invited. Enjoy a great day of family-centered fun that includes bounce houses, games, dancing, and food. And did we mention our community?
This event is open to the public. Everyone is a friend at the Step Up Walk! Pre-registration is preferred, but on-site registration will be available.
Register, Donate or Find out More

DS ACT Night at the New Britain Bees Stadium
2021-08-05 18:35 - 20:30 | New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, Connecticut, 06051
Worcester Bravehearts vs. the New Britain Bees

Catch up with friends and warm-up for the October 2nd Step Up Walk when you take yourself and your loved ones out to the ballgame for DS ACT Night!.
Stop by our table in the concourse for a warm welcome and be sure to wow the crowd with your DS ACT shirt, a walk shirt, or our blue and yellow colors. A lucky DS ACT member will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch!
For more information, email Melody Lehrman at mlehrman@mydsact.org.

DS ACT Annual Summer Picnic
2021-07-10 10:30 - 15:00 | Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Rd (Rte 213), Waterford, CT, CT, United States
This event is a benefit of DS ACT membership. Join us for a day of food, friendship, entertainment, and, of course, THE BEACH!

Membership is required for registration. You may renew your membership by clicking the “join us” button on the home page and completing the form as if you were a new member. If renewing your membership would be a financial hardship at this time, please email Shanon McCormick at smccormick@mydsact.org regarding a fee waiver. You can email her as well, if you wish to inquire about the status of your membership.

National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-26 | Online
It’s a Brand New Day
Learn from some of the best from the comfort of home. Join the National Down Syndrome Congress for its virtual national conference.
Experts from around the country share updated information and best practices to help you make the most of life with Down syndrome.
Registration is especially affordable this year and sessions will be recorded!

DS ACT Family Day at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center
2021-06-13 11:00 - 17:00 | CT
Join the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut for family fun at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center! There’s something for everyone, from otters to farm animals to nature trails and a playground. Individuals who have Down syndrome attend free; family members receive a discounted rate.
You MUST reserve your ticket by midnight on June 3, 2021. For additional details, please email Melody Lehrman at mlehrman@mydsact.org.

Please note: You must select the number of tickets below for the tickets button to light up, allowing you to proceed with your purchase!
TICKET SALES HAVE CLOSED

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk
2020-09-26 12:00 - 14:00 | CT
Rather than meeting at the Bees Stadium in New Britain as we had originally planned, we’re going to switch things up for safety and celebrate in our communities all over Connecticut. While we will miss connecting with everyone in one location, this is an amazing opportunity to share what DS ACT is all about where it matters most – in our hometowns!
There will be challenge activities leading up to the day of the walk, and on September 26th, we’ll stream guest appearances, shoutouts, photos, and fun. Stay tuned for the details!
PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN US BY REGISTERING A TEAM, JOINING A TEAM OR MAKING A DONATION AT www. ds-stride.org/stepupconnecticut. We want to be sure that DS ACT’s programming, education, and advocacy for families who live with Down syndrome continues.

LuMind IDSC Family Weekend
2020-09-18 - 2020-09-20 | Great Wolf Lodge
“The LuMind IDSC Family Weekend provides families an opportunity to connect and meet other families in the Down syndrome community while their loved ones with Down syndrome enjoy time among new and old friends. It’s fun for the whole family and for all ages!”

We would love for you to join us at the 2020 Family Weekend, as this event is a great way to foster community through fun and friendships. The LuMind IDSC Family Weekend will be located at the Great Wolf Lodge on September 18-20, 2020! To learn more and find a Great Wolf Lodge location near you, click here.

World Down Syndrome
2020-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
Join 21 Strong, the DS ACT family support group as they celebrate World Down Syndrome Day for the tenth year in Collaboration with the New Canaan YMCA!
This well-loved event features singing with Miss Janine, a Mini Kid Zone for Mini Kids (under age 3), arts, crafts and snacks, Ballet with Guest Artist Sandy Ross, Floor Hockey and Basketball, a martial arts demonstration and more!

21 Strong WDSD Celebration New Canaan YMCA
2020-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States

Paint and Cupcake Party!
2020-03-21 14:30 - 16:15 | Wonderland Parties, 915 Sullivan Ave, South Windsor, CT, 06074, United States
Let your inner artist out and enjoy a tasty snack to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration at the Connecticut Children's Museum
2020-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | The Connecticut Children’s Museum, 22 Wall St, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States
It’s Story Time with Just Jessica author Fred Wills!
Just Jessica is the real-life story of a girl who’s rocking her extra chromosome, written and illustrated by her dad, Fred Wills. Fred will be reading from the book and sharing his experiences as Jessica’s dad. Each family in attendance will receive a free copy of Just Jessica to take home!
Admission includes access to the full museum, and is free to those who pre-register by March 15th. Admission at the door on the 21st is $10 per person.
The doors open at noon and Story Time begins at 2 pm. Other WDSD activities, crafts, snacks, etc. will be available between 1 pm and 3 pm. The museum closes at 5 pm.
Parking is available on the street at no cost. For more information, please email Lisa Stevenson at lstevenson@mydsact.org.

Two Road Brewery WDSD Fundraiser
2020-03-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Two Roads Brewing Company, 1700 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT, 06615, United States
Our #AwesomeAmberSkye Walk team knows how to throw a party — and you’re invited! A $25 donation gets you dinner, dessert, a beer ticket and a raffle ticket, along with an evening of music and fun with friends.

World Down Syndrome Day Dance Party!
2020-03-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, 1040 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT - Connecticut, 06511
Get Down with DJ Joe for Down Syndrome Awareness!
We’re joining our friends at the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center for a party! It’ll be great fun for all ages with our own DJ Joe spinning tunes, crafts, a photo booth, snacks and good times.
Register by March 17th and we’ll save your space on the dance floor!

Disney on Ice
2020-01-04 19:00 | Webster Bank Arena, 600 Mainstreet, Bridgeport, CT, 06604, United States
Dream Big Dreams with DS ACT at Disney on Ice!
Celebrate the New Year with friends at a Disney on Ice performance at Webster Arena — this is a special group rate for reserved seats. Contact Melody Lehrman for questions or additional information.

“Believing is just the beginning for your favorite Disney heroes at Disney On Ice presents Dream Big! Miguel aspires to be a musician and journeys through the Land of the Dead to unlock his family’s history. Moana and Maui bravely restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Anna and Elsa save their kingdom while the Disney Princesses inspire with stories of strength, determination and kindness. Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved songs and stories that give you a reason to believe!”

DS ACT Annual Meeting
2019-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | MidState Arc, 200 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT, 06450, United States
The Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut invites you to attend it’s annual meeting on Monday, December 16th at the MidState Arc, 200 Research Parkway, Meriden, beginning at 6 pm.
The evening will include a review of our successes and challenges in the past year and a preview of the year ahead, followed by election of directors to the board. A light dinner will be served.
We look forward to closing out the year among friends and supporters with this last celebration of our community and the many people who make our work possible.

An Evening on the North Pole Express
2019-11-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Join DS ACT for an evening of holiday cheer on the North Pole Express! We’re filling a car for a 90-minute ride on Essex Steam Train, headed for the North Pole. Meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, and sing Christmas carols while snacking on cookies and hot chocolate. Be sure to wear your toastiest pajamas!
This is a free event available ONLY to DS ACT members with an ACTIVE membership, and tickets are restricted to immediate family only. You can sign in to your member profile to check your membership status, or to renew it. Simply click the “forgot password” button if you cannot remember your password on the log in page. If you need assistance, email Shanon McCormick at smccormick@mydsact.org.
Seating is limited and priority will be give to those families who did not attend last year.
Departure time is promptly at 5:30 pm. It is suggested that you arrive by 4:30 pm.
Additional details of this activity can be found on the Essex Steam Train website.

DS ACT Annual Convention: The Recipe for Success
2019-10-19 08:00 - 17:00 | CT
Keynote Speaker: Colette DiVitto
Owner, Collettey’s Cookies

Collette Divitto is a force of nature. Born 28 years ago with Down syndrome, she is now a successful businesswoman and an inspiration to millions.
As the mastermind behind her namesake cookie company, Collettey’s Cookies (www.colletteys.com), Collette has become a global sensation, traveling the world sharing her inspirational journey. From a marginalized young woman repeatedly rejected for employment to powerhouse entrepreneur, humanitarian, and spokesperson, Collette creates jobs for people struggling to find employment. Her cookie company employs over a dozen marginalized individuals and she dreams of bringing her message to all employers.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Online registration CLOSES Friday, October 11th. Scroll to the bottom of the page to register
View the DS ACT Annual Convention: The Recipe for Success schedule & directory.

Connecticut Buddy Walk: Stepping Up for Down Syndrome
2019-09-28 10:00 - 14:00 | New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, Connecticut, 06051
We’re ready for fun — how about you?
Take a short walk to help us raise awareness about Down syndrome!
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment including, a DJ and dancing, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, games, a touch-a-truck display, food trucks and more.

Join a team, start a team, or make a donation. Registration and additional information available at Connecticut Buddy Walk

Annual Convention
2017-11-04 | CT
Save the date, details to follow.

Buddy Walk at Rentschler Field
2017-09-30 | CT
Save the date, more details to follow.

Summer Picnic
2017-07-08 | CT

Toilet Training Your Child with Special Needs - New London
2017-06-07 18:00 - 20:00 | CT
The Connecticut Family Support Network is offering Toilet Training Your Child with Special Needs by Ashley Hickey. Registration is required and space is limited. See Toilet Training pdf for more information.
Wednesday, May 24th, (time TBD) in Glastonbury. Contact Pat Stavola pstavola@ctfsn.org
Wednesday, June 7th, 6-8 pm in New London. Contact April Dipolllina adipollina@lmhosp.org
Norwalk time and date TBD. Contact LaVerne Moore lmoore@ctfsn.org
