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No matter where you’re coming from or where you are in your journey, there’s a place for you here. The DSDN Rockin’ Dad Retreat brings together dads of children with Down syndrome from across the country for a weekend of connection, encouragement, laughter, and real conversations with people who understand. We’ll see you in Minneapolis! 📅 July 10–11, 2026 📍 Minneapolis Check out our promo video! https://youtu.be/QRKB2OSpCcA Learn more and get registered: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/dad-retreat-registration

This is a free webinar and part of our DSDN Day series. Understanding IFSPs and IEPs Hosted by Jessica Kuss, Director of Community Programs at National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Navigating early intervention and school services can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re hearing terms like IFSP and IEP for the first time. In this webinar, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) will walk through the key differences between an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and what families can expect as their child transitions from early intervention into the school system. We’ll also explore how the unique learning profile of students with Down syndrome can shape educational planning, along with practical ways to advocate for supports that help your child thrive. Watch the webinar here: Understanding IFSPs and IEPs

This is a free webinar and part of our DSDN Day series. When Emotions Run High: Practical Emotional Intelligence for Parenting with Shatanese Reese Parenting comes with moments that stretch us emotionally, mentally, and sometimes all at once. Whether it’s navigating stress, managing expectations, or responding in the middle of a tough moment, how we show up matters. In this engaging and relatable session, Shatanese Reese introduces practical emotional intelligence tools designed to help parents navigate real-life challenges with greater awareness, intention, and confidence. Through a blend of honesty, humor, and real-world application, parents will learn how to pause before reacting, manage emotional highs and lows, and strengthen their connection with both themselves and their children. This session meets parents exactly where they are. Whether they’re early in their journey or have been navigating it for years, and offers simple, sustainable strategies they can begin using immediately. Participants will leave with: A clear understanding of emotional intelligence and why it matters in parenting Practical tools to manage stress, frustration, and emotional overwhelm Strategies to respond with intention rather than react in the moment A renewed sense of confidence in how they show up for their child and themselves Shatanese Reese is an executive coach, speaker, and mother of six, including her son Josiah, who has Down syndrome. With 25+ years of leadership experience, she helps people use emotional intelligence to navigate real-life challenges with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Watch the webinar here: When Emotions Run High: Practical Emotional Intelligence for Parenting

This is a free webinar and part of our DSDN Day series, with an opportunity to connect live with the speakers tonight. Adaptive Potty Training for Children With Down Syndrome Hosted by Potty Training Expert Allison Jandu & Rockin' Mom Taryn Lagonigro Join us for an inspiring and informative DSDN Day webinar designed for parents of children with Down syndrome. This session introduces an adaptive approach to potty training, offering practical strategies that honor each child’s unique developmental journey. Drawing from The Adaptive Toolkit for Potty Training Children with Disabilities, attendees will gain expert insights, real-life experiences, and actionable tools to support readiness, build confidence, and foster independence. Walk away empowered, encouraged, and equipped to navigate this important milestone, at your child’s pace and in their own way. Watch the webinar here: Adaptive Potty Training for Children With Down Syndrome Join us live tonight for Q&A Have questions or want to go deeper on this topic? Join us for a live Q&A with the speakers. Tuesday, May 5 7:30 pm ET / 6:30 pm CT / 5:30 pm MT / 4:30 pm PT You can sign up in advance or simply join at the time: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88356465580?pwd=EtVf7pkVaoDM5aO2ajFbEqq9ByOYkT.1 Meeting ID: 883 5646 5580 Passcode: 098443

This is a free webinar and part of our DSDN Day series, with an opportunity to connect live with the speakers tonight. Building Power Together: Inside NDAC and the Future of Advocacy Hosted by the National Down Syndrome Congress Join Jawanda Mast, NDSC Grassroots Advocacy Manager, for a conversation on building a strong, connected advocacy community through the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC). Featuring self-advocate Jessie Smart, Magaly Diaz (NDSC Multicultural Coordinator), and Chris Newlon (NDSC Resource Specialist), this session explores why NDAC matters, especially within communities like DSDN, and how families can get involved. You’ll also learn about resources designed to support and empower advocates at every stage. Watch the webinar here: Building Power Together: Inside NDAC and the Future of Advocacy Join us live tonight for Q&A Have questions or want to go deeper on this topic? Join us for a live Q&A with the speakers. Monday, May 4 6:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm CT / 4:00 pm MT / 3:00 pm PT You can sign up in advance or simply join at the time: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84588746306pwd=k1x04xbbkm9DjAyb8SefUKQOSbsCK3.1 Meeting ID: 845 8874 6306Passcode: 379588

Support DSDN and enter for a chance to win some seriously great prizes—there’s something for everyone! 🎟️ Limited tickets available, so grab yours now: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-spring-raffle--2026 ✨ 30+ prizes up for grabs 🗓️ Drawing held May 11 Join in, support a meaningful cause, and you might just walk away a winner!

We’re excited to offer customizable yard signs to proudly celebrate your child leading up to and on World Down Syndrome Day! These signs can be personalized using our free Canva template, and the process is simple and completely free to use (a free Canva account is required). 🪧 How to Customize Your Yard Sign: 1. Open the Template   2. Select “Use Template for New Design”: This will create a copy for you to edit. 3. Add Your Child’s Photo: Upload a picture and drag it into the photo frame (the placeholder with grass and sky). 4. Replace “NAME” with your child’s name. If the name is longer, adjust the font size as needed. That’s it — everything else is ready to go! The design is fully prepped, so you can focus on adding those personal touches. 🫶 Additional Notes: * The QR code on the back links to a World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) page on the DSDN website. Check it out here . * If you’re fundraising for DSDN, you can replace the QR code to your fundraising link. To do this, go to Apps > QR Code in Canva, and enter your fundraiser URL. Move your QR code on top of the existing one. If you need assistance, post in the 2025 Fundraising Group. ✨Printing Options:
 You can print directly through Canva, but for the most cost-effective option, we recommend Imprint.com . Follow these instructions  for printing to get started. The world is truly better with our kids in it! 🎉 Need extra help? Reach out to support@dsdiagnosisnetwork.org or post your question in any group in the App and our team will assist.

Stillwater, MN & Miami, FL (January 20, 2026) — Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN) and Eunie’s Buddies , a Family Support program by Best Buddies International, are proud to announce a new partnership that extends Eunie’s Buddies’s established mentorship program to families served through the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, offering parent-to-parent connection for families navigating the early stages of their Down syndrome journey. The program pairs parents and caregivers seeking support with trained mentors who offer compassionate guidance, lived experience, and a safe space to ask questions and share feelings. Together, the organizations aim to strengthen family connection and ensure that no parent feels alone during or after a Down syndrome diagnosis. “ Our mission has always centered on providing families with timely, compassionate support, ” said Shannon Prausa , DSDN Family Support Director. “ Partnering with Eunie’s Buddies expands our ability to connect parents in meaningful ways and meet families exactly where they are. ” “ At the heart of Eunie’s Buddies is connection: parents supporting parents through lived experience, ” said Cecilia Elizalde , Senior Director of Best Buddies Family Support. “ By partnering with DSDN, we’re expanding the ways families can find guidance, community, and reassurance in those early moments, creating a more seamless and meaningful support system for families of children with Down syndrome. ” Eunie’s Buddies, founded to offer support and resources for families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, brings a strong foundation of community-building and mentorship. About DSDN DSDN is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis. The mission of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents - and the medical professionals who serve them - from the time of diagnosis through age 3 while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections. Our vision is that every Down syndrome diagnosis will be delivered in an unbiased, factual, and supportive way every time and that families can quickly find meaningful connections. About Best Buddies Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). About Eunie’s Buddies: Eunie’s Buddies is the pioneer program of the Family Support initiative, offering families the guidance, connection, and resources they need as they navigate the journey of raising a child with an IDD. Eunie’s Buddies—named affectionately in honor of Special Olympics’ founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver—pairs experienced parents of a child with an IDD with new parents who are expecting, have recently welcomed a baby, or are raising a child up to age eight who has just received an IDD diagnosis.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) is coming up fast, and this year we’re making it easier than ever to celebrate, advocate, and include the people around you. For 2026, we created Rock On 3.21™ sock + swag boxes, ready-made kits you can hand out in classrooms, at work, with friend groups, on sports teams, or around your neighborhood. Everything you need to make March 21 meaningful, without having to plan, shop, or DIY. Each box includes items for 10 people and helps you: • start conversations • celebrate differences • make inclusion visible • give people something they can wear and keep ❗️We only made 200 boxes for this first year so if interested, order quickly! Boxes are available first come, first served. When they’re gone, they’re gone for 2026. See what’s inside: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/rockon321 ✨ How does this work? Easy as pie! 1. Order a ready-made box of socks, with or without extra WDSD swag. 2. Your Rock On 3.21™ package arrives in early March. 3. Hand everything out on or around March 21 to classmates, coworkers, friends, family, or neighbors and celebrate together! Place your order here: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/2026-rock-on-321-boxes-campaign 🌟 Bonus! If you’re participating in DSDN fundraising this year, any amount raised through your Rock On 3.21™ boxes can be added to your fundraising total and can count toward things like retreat registration and travel support. Want to learn more about fundraising for prizes? https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/fundraisinghomebase

It's here! The fall raffle is jam-packed with exciting items -- something for everyone! From ornaments to gift cards, Down syndrome advocacy gear, home decor, Taylor Swift Limited vinyl, and more!  Here’s how it works:  Buy a ticket for $5, $10, or $20 — each ticket = 1 chance to win!   Only 200 tickets available per item (except for the 50/50 raffle!). Grab as many tickets as you want — no limit!   Tickets are available until they sell out or midnight on November 30. Winners will be drawn on December 1 and notified by  December 2 Physical prizes ship by December 8! Don’t wait — once the tickets are gone, they’re GONE. Get your tickets here: https://form.jotform.com/DSDN/dsdn-fall-raffle--2025

We’re looking for 500 parents to raise $500 this season to help support DSDN’s mission! 🙌 Not sure of all we do? Here’s a quick snapshot: 🎁 Welcome gifts for new parents 💌 Care cards for extended hospital stays 🕊️ Memorial gifts for grieving families 💬 100+ online parent support groups 🫶 Adoption grants 🌟 Annual Rockin’ Mom® and Rockin’ Dad™ Retreats 🎟️ Retreat scholarships 👶 Expectant and new parent resources 💻 Webinars and virtual meetups 👩‍⚕️ Outreach to medical professionals — equipping them with up-to-date, unbiased information and resources for delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis When you raise $500, you’ll earn a free registration to the 2026 Rockin’ Mom® or Rockin’ Dad™ Retreat or a $100 Staycation Gift Card! 🎉 And that’s just the start!🏆 You’ll also have chances to win monthly prizes to keep you motivated — and the more you raise, the more you can earn: ✨ Travel support to next year’s retreat ✨ Named donations in your honor to a local organization ✨ VIP experiences during retreat weekend 👉 Head to dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/fundraisinghomebase to sign up and start fundraising today! 💡 Need help, ideas, or a little motivation?Join the Fundraising Group here in the app — your DSDN team and fellow fundraisers are ready to cheer you on every step of the way.Go to Groups > Other Groups to find it! 💙

Haz clic para ver en español ⬇️ We had so much fun last year seeing all of the creative, adorable, and hilarious costumes you and your families wore that we just had to bring it back again this year! We can’t wait to see all the amazing pictures shared within our community. It’s the perfect way to connect, show off your creativity, and maybe even inspire others to join the fun! How to participate: 👉 Create a post IN YOUR BIRTH GROUP with the subject: Costume Contest. A little housekeeping: 📸 You can share as many photos as you’d like, but only one entry per person will count. 👨‍👩‍👧 Only entries posted within birth groups will be eligible. 🕛 Deadline to enter: Midnight on October 31st. 🎉 We’ll randomly select the winner on November 2nd! Don’t miss out — post your picture and join the fun. You never know… you might just take the crown this year! 👑💙 🎭✨ ¡El Concurso de disfraces virtuales de DSDN ha VUELTO! ✨🎭 El año pasado nos divertimos tanto viendo los disfraces creativos, adorables y divertidísimos que ustedes y sus familias usaron, ¡que este año tuvimos que volver a disfrutarlos! ¡Nos morimos de gana de ver todas las fotos que se compartan en nuestra comunidad! Es la forma perfecta de conectar, presumir tu creatividad, ¡y quizás hasta inspirar a otros a unirse a la diversión. Cómo participar: 👉 Crea una publicación EN TU GRUPO DE NACIMIENTO con el asunto: Concurso de Disfraces. Un poco de organización: 📸 Puedes compartir tantas fotos como quieras, pero solo se contará una por persona. 👨‍👩‍👧 Solo se considerarán las participaciones publicadas en los grupos de nacimiento. 🕛 Fecha límite para participar: 31 de octubre a medianoche. 🎉 ¡Seleccionnaremos al ganador al azar el 2 de noviembre! ¡No te lo pierdas! Publica tu foto y únete a la diversión. Nunca se sabe... ¡quizás te lleves la corona este año! 👑💙