Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network

Activities for Pre-School/Elementary School Aged Children 

Please note that we are offering these resources as a courtesy and SVDSN is not endorsing, recommending or guaranting the quality of any of these organizations.

Art

Amase. A non-profit, faith-based organization that provides music and art education to individuals with special needs. Based in Cupertino. 

Camps

Camp Via West. Empowering people with disabilities and their families to grow, develop, and thrive by providing essential skill-building and recreational program. For age Youth ages 5-17 for day camp and 7-17 for overnight camp have a structured schedule focused on building social skills.

Educational

Handwriting Without Tears. Embraces the science of reading and of handwriting with a dynamic offering that is intuitive and customizable to student and classroom needs.

Inspired to Learn. Provides free online tutoring and mentoring for elementary-school aged children and adults with Down syndrome.

Sports

AYSO (EPIC). Program for children with physical or mental disabilities. The EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Communities) program provides a safe, fun environment with trained coaches and volunteers who facilitate an enriching experience that the players and their families will cherish forever. Age 4+ with no upper age limit.

Challenger.  The Little League Challenger program is for players with special needs such as autism, Down Syndrome, mental retardation, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other health or medical issues. We accept all players from ages 5 and older.

Down Syndrome Sports Association of America. Their goal to build a pipeline from development stages, to competition and even elite athletes. DSSA not only supports the physical aspect of the game but will work on developing the whole person – with the thought being success in mastering a sport will lead to independence in life. Age requirements depend on sports. 

Special Olympics of Northern California Special Olympics Northern California provides free year-round programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes can begin training for Special Olympics Northern California at age 6 and officially compete at age 8. Learn about the Young Athlete's Program for children starting at age 2.

Therapeutic Services

AbilityPath. Provides a wide range of programs designed to nurture and support a child’s development in a compassionate, inclusive, and fun environment that treats each child as a unique individual. Our team of dedicated specialists is trained to nurture all aspects of a child’s motor, cognitive, communication, and social-emotional development.

Happy Kids Therapy. Provides oral sensory motor therapy is a muscle-based method that targets muscle activation, balancing and strengthening - for the purposes of developing clear speech and proper feeding skills.

Morrissey-Compton. Provides educational testing services, mental health services, speech therapy services and other support for children and adults. Based in Redwood City.