Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network

Activities for Pre-teens/Teens

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. 

Art to Heart. Art to Heart offers regular hand-building ceramics class in Cupertino to SVDSN members. SVDSN subsidizes part of the cost. Appropriate for children and adults age 10+.

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.

PALS.  PALS Programs mission is to create inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome. Our volunteer-led programs change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire a world of belonging. Includes programs for 12-17.

Educational

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

Social/Recreational

Night to Shine Prom. Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older.

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.

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. Swimming is 13+.

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.

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.

Therapy 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.

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