DSDN Day: May 1

A Celebration of Connection, Community, and Support

What is DSDN Day?

DSDN Day is an annual event that brings our community together to celebrate the power of connection, the strength of our network, and the impact of supporting families from the very beginning of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

This year’s theme is Connection. Connection between parents who understand this journey. Connection to trusted information and resources. Connection to a community that shows up for one another from the very beginning.

For many parents, a Down syndrome diagnosis can feel isolating at first. But connection changes everything.

DSDN exists to create these connections from the very beginning. On DSDN Day, we celebrate the parents, families, and community members who make those connections possible.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to May 1st.

What's planned for DSDN Day?

FOR DSDN MEMBERS (Rockin' Moms and Dads):

Virtual Zoom Meet Ups

Join live, interactive conversations with other parents. Pick the time that fits your day best, or come to both. These sessions are parent led, so while the topics are the same, the perspectives and conversations will be different.

🕘 Morning: 11:00a ET / 10:00a CT / 9:00a MT / 8:00a PT

🌙 Evening: 7:00p ET / 6:00p CT / 5:00p MT / 4:00p PT

These sessions are parent led, so while the topics are the same, the perspectives and conversations will be different.

Three breakout options:

💛 DSDN All In

A welcoming space for parents to connect, share, and ask questions about anything on your mind.

🫶 Heart Talk

A space for parents to talk through CHD journeys and experiences with others who truly understand.

🌱 The Younger Years

Support, connection, and real talk from pregnancy through age 3.

Podcast Submissions

We’re excited to launch our new podcast, From Diagnosis Forward, with our first episode dropping May 1. Each episode is built around one question, and is a montage of real stories from parents woven together in an honest and unfiltered way.

Our first episode focuses on preparing after a prenatal diagnosis, sharing what helped parents move forward as they prepared to welcome your baby with Down syndrome.

And we’re already working on Episode 2, focused on birth diagnoses. If you received a diagnosis at birth and are open to sharing what helped you process the unexpected news and begin to move forward, we’d love to include your voice. Your story could be exactly what another parent needs to hear. 💙

Parent Focused Webinar Series

You can watch the webinars anytime starting May 1, then join us for live Zoom Q&As with each speaker over the two weeks that follow.

📣 Building Power Together: Inside NDAC and the Future of Advocacy
Hosted by the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)

Live Q&A: May 4 at 6pm ET, 5pm CT, 4pm MT, 3pm PT

🚽 Adaptive Potty Training for Children With Down Syndrome
Hosted by Potty Training Expert Allison Jandu & Rockin' Mom Taryn Lagonigro

Live Q&A: May 5 at 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT, 5:30pm MT, 4:30pm PT

📘 IFSPs and IEPs
Hosted by Jessica Kuss, National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

Live Q&A: May 6 at 7pm ET, 6pm CT, 5pm MT, 4pm PT

💛 When Emotions Run High: Practical Emotional Intelligence for Parenting
Hosted by Shatanese Reese

Live Q&A: May 7 at 7pm ET, 6pm CT, 5pm MT, 4pm PT

🧠 Early Years Physical Therapy
Hosted by Dr. Sofi Sauce

Live Q&A: May 11 at 7pm ET, 6pm CT, 5pm MT, 4pm PT

🎨 Sensory Play, Real Life: Simple Ways to Support Your Child's Development and Regulation at Home
Hosted by Best Buddies

Live Webinar and Q&A: May 12 at 12:30pm ET, 11:30am CT, 10:30am MT, 9:30am PT

🍽️ Feeding and Swallowing in Children with Down Syndrome
Hosted by Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Live Q&A: May 14 at 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT, 5:30pm MT, 4:30pm PT

Inside the DSDN App, parents are showing up for each other every single day. It’s a space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others who truly get it.

On DSDN Day, we’re bringing even more energy into the app with fun challenges, activities, and a few chances to win prizes along the way. It’s a great time to jump in, explore, and get connected. 🎉

Private • Free • Ad-Free • Moderated

FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY:

This DSDN Day, we’re celebrating the connections that support parents raising children with Down syndrome. Join our $5 Connection Challenge to help fund the next evolution of the DSDN App, adding tools for private and small group conversations between parents who understand the journey.

Support the $5 Connection Challenge

Coming Soon! Our DSDN Day Sponsor Showcase highlights the organizations that help strengthen connection within the Down syndrome community. Their support helps ensure that families receiving a diagnosis can find information, encouragement, and a welcoming community.