SVDSN is offering new and expectant parents of babies with Down syndrome the opportunity to connect with trained parent mentors who share the same or similar life circumstances. The new parent will receive support and guidance from the paired parent mentor during the first year following birth.

We also offer a monthly support meeting to new parents (child age 0 to 1) where they can connect with fellow new parents. We occasionally invite guest speaker (speech pathologists, occupational therapists, older kids parents) to cover in topics each month.

For any questions about this program, contact our Family Support Coordinator (svdsnwelcome@gmail.com).

Click here for our flyer.

We are parents of children with Down syndrome who have found the support of other parents to be priceless in navigating our children's educational journeys and the IEP process. Each child with DS has her/his own unique educational needs. While we may not be trained advocates and lawyers, many of us are happy to share information, resources, and our experiences to help you become a better advocate for your child. Most parents reach out by posting questions in our SVDSN Discussion Group.

Click here! 

How can I sign up?

Become SVDSN member and look for the announcement from SVDSN Programming for the family to sign up in the fall. 

Operation Housecall Picnic

Each year around May, SVDSN hosts a picnic to celebrate Stanford Genetic Counseling students who are graduating that spring. All SVDSN families are welcome to join the picnic! It's also a great chance to chat with our program director to find out more about this program.

What is Parent Sharing? 

The Ready or Not (RoN) Transition Group is a group of parents supporting each other through the process of planning the transition to adulthood for their children with Down syndrome. The group meets monthly to discuss topics such as conservatorship and alternatives, financial planning, medical transition, housing options, post-secondary education, employment and independent living skills. In addition to sharing books and information at meetings, RoN maintains an online drive with additional resources. Future plans include hosting guest speakers on financial planning and post-secondary education opportunities. RoN is open to everyone but is primarily geared toward parents with teenagers.

What is Learning Without Tears?

SVDSN subsidies 50% of the LWT workshop costs for registered SVDSN members. We try to register as group to take additional group discount for in-person workshops. Look for the future workshop announcement from SVDSN programming for the instruction of how to register together. If no in-person classes are offered by LWT, take a virtual class and submit Fund Request to get reimbursed 50% of your class fee payment. 

SVDSN members often organize ad hoc family dinners around the Bay area. Feel free to suggest one. It is a great way to connect informally. 

Event Date - Normally early December.

Great to network with other families and celebrate holiday spirit. Click here to watch promo video. 

Event Date - Normally late summer

Perfect family event filled with fun and crafts andgames. Build friendship with other families. Click here to watch video from prior event. 

Super Sprouts is a play group for age 1 to 5 years old.

This play group meets monthly with various formats to connect. If you would like to join this play group, please e-mail to svdsnwelcome@gmail.com.

Click here for our flyer.

The Go-Getters! is a play group for school age K through 6.

This play group meets monthly with fun activites including occasional field trips, joined play date with Super Sprouts etc. If you would like to join this play group, please e-mail to svdsnprograms@gmail.com.

Click here for our flyer.

Cool Ties is a group for parents and Self-advocates of age 15 to 30. Parents meet monthly by zoom to chat and also plan some fun activities for our young adults. We communicate using Cool Ties Google Group.  If you would like to join this google group, please e-mail to svdsnprograms@gmail.com.

SVDSN Taiko began as inclusive taiko (Japanese-drumming) workshops for people with Down syndrome and their families in collaboration with the world-renowned taiko drumming group San Jose Taiko back in 2018. (See this video about how SVDSN started learning taiko.)  

SVDSN Taiko focuses on bringing together self-advocates, celebrating their individuality and providing them with another means to express themselves through the creativity and energy of playing taiko together. SVDSN Taiko highlights the joy and magic of playing taiko with others. 

Check our SVDSN Calendar for future classes. In the summer, we have one-time workshops so you can try out taiko with us. You can also read information on the Taiko For All page and watch our promo video from WDSD 2022! 

Classes are held on Sunday morning (indoor and outdoor weather permitted) and are designed to all ages and abilities. 

We work on breathing, core strengthening, fun games and relaxation. Classes are open on a monthly basis and limited to 5 pairs (adult and self-advocate)

Whenever and whoever has itch to gather fellow moms or dads to go out and connect, share laughter and tears along our journey, this event happens! Registered SVDSN members will coordinate and schedule the event using our Social Forum on our Membership Page.