Welcome to this month’s DSACO newsletter! Each month, we share the latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. From community highlights to helpful resources, our goal is to keep you connected, informed, and celebrated. Join us as we embrace inclusion, advocacy, and the joy that defines the DSACO community!

To register for any of this month's
events, Click Here

                                                                    IMPORTANT EVENTS COMING UP:

Tutoring in November! REGISTER HERE

DSACO offers FREE tutoring to children (age 3+), teens, and adults with Down syndrome. Students will be tutored by our three experienced tutors, Ms. Bettie, Ms. Julie, and Ms. Rachel B. They use the first tutoring session with each new student as an “Assessment Session” to meet each student and analyze where they are academically, evaluate areas of strength, and determine areas that need focus. DSACO's tutors create an individualized learning plan for each student and incorporates dynamic, interactive learning approaches to keep each student engaged and excited to learn. Progress is the goal with each student and our tutors do a phenomenal job of making learning fun.

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Kylee's Kitchen REGISTER HERE

Join DSACO for a fun and interactive cooking experience at Kylee's Kitchen! This class is specifically designed for individuals with Down syndrome, ages 13 and up, and focuses on using microwaves and air fryers to prepare easy and delicious meals.

November 6 & 20 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at DSACO

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TeenCONNECT (Ages 13-19) RSVP HERE

TeenCONNECT is led by Lisa Olivencia, a DSACO mom, and is a fun, welcoming Saturday designed just for teens ages 13–19 with Down syndrome! It’s a chance to hang out with friends, make new connections, and enjoy a day that’s all about being a teen.

November 7 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at DSACO (Please note the time change)

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MOMs Bunco RSVP HERE

Get ready for an afternoon of fun and laughter at our MOMS Bunco Game Day! Whether you're a pro or new to the game, it’s a great way to unwind and connect with other moms in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Please bring a finger food to share—everything else will be provided. Come roll the dice and enjoy some well-deserved mom time!

November 8 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at DSACO

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Food Critics RSVP HERE

Calling all food critics! Join DSACO for a fun outing to explore local restaurants, try new foods, and share your opinions on the dining experience. Participants will enjoy great food and time with friends while building independence, practicing social skills, and discovering new favorite places to eat.

We offer outings at two locations:
📍 Northside: Bricktown Brewery
5516 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73142
📍 Southside: Southside
1630 SW 104th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73170

November 10 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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New Parent Breakfast RSVP HERE

Enjoy a casual breakfast while connecting with other new parents, meet DSACO staff and families, and learning more about the resources, programs, and support available through DSACO and in OKC. Whether you’re looking for information, friendship, or simply a chance to meet other families who understand your journey, you’ll find a welcoming community here.

November 14 | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, we hope you and your family have time to slow down, enjoy special moments together, and celebrate the people and things that make life wonderful. We are so thankful for our DSACO families, volunteers, supporters, and community who make our work so meaningful throughout the year!

Please note that the DSACO office will be closed November 25–27 so our team can enjoy the holiday with their families. We will resume regular office hours following the holiday.

From our DSACO family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy, and joy-filled Thanksgiving! ❤️

🇺🇸 Make Your Voice Heard on Election Day 🇺🇸

Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day! People with Down syndrome CAN vote, and we hope you DO vote. If you haven't voted yet, here's some information to help make your trip to the polls tomorrow easier.

Make a plan to get there. Find your polling place at this link and decide who will take you there.

If you need a ride, the National Down Syndrome Society is partnering with Lyft to give a free $21 Lyft ride code to help you get to the polls. Get your Lyft code here.

Pack your photo ID. You'll need it to vote.

Do your homework. Use the National Down Syndrome Congress' Voter Toolkit to prepare to go to vote. You can find a sample ballot here. Mark who and what you want to vote for on the sample ballot, then take it with you to vote so you don't forget your choices.

Know your rights to access assistance. People with disabilities have the right to vote, and you can request assistance if you need it. Oklahoma voters with disabilities may receive help from someone of their choice (with certain exceptions), and polling places are required to provide accessible voting options. You can also request assistance from a poll worker. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need to make your voting experience accessible and comfortable! Learn more about Accessibility for Disabled Voters in Oklahoma.

Send us your photo so we can share it on social media. We love seeing you making your voice heard! Email your voting photo to info@dsaco.org.

Happy voting!

❤️ Wonderfully Made Day | November 12 ❤️

Every individual brings unique gifts, purpose, and possibilities to our world. Wonderfully Made Day celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other abilities while inspiring communities to advance inclusion, understanding, and opportunity.

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate Wonderfully Made Day—a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the individuality, strength, and beauty of the incredible people who make our communities stronger.

On Wonderfully Made Day, we come together to recognize the amazing qualities each person brings to our community. Every individual is wonderfully made and deserving of love, respect, and opportunity. Let's shine a light on the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusion!

We invite families to join the celebration by sharing how they are celebrating Wonderfully Made Day on social media. Be sure to tag DSACO so we can celebrate alongside you and share in the joy!

Be on the lookout for more ways to celebrate a day dedicated to the exceptionally wonderful members of our community. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

To learn more about the origins of Wonderfully Made Day, visit Empower Society, 21, Inc.

🚢321 Launch Moms Cruise Retreat 2027🚢  

Moms, all aboard! It's time to recharge, reconnect, and make unforgettable memories together!

Join fellow DSACO 321 Moms for a relaxing 4-night Western Caribbean cruiseaboard the beautiful Carnival Horizon! This special getaway is designed just for moms raising children with Down syndrome—a chance to enjoy friendship, laughter, encouragement, and a little well-deserved time away.

☀️ June 10–14, 2027
🚢 Ship: Carnival Horizon
📍 Departure Port: Galveston, Texas

Whether you're looking to relax, make new friends, or simply enjoy some time for yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with moms who just get it!

READY TO SET SAIL?

BOOK HERE: https://b2traveladventures.com/321-launch/

✨💙Self-Advocate SPOTLIGHT💙✨
Sienna Boyd    

Sienna fell in love with karate after a Sensei visited her school and let the students try breaking a board. Now a white belt with a yellow stripe, she’s thriving in class—kicking, running, and proudly shouting “KIAI!” Karate has helped Sienna improve her focus, follow directions, and build discipline, all while having fun. She’s the only student in her class with special needs but is treated just like everyone else, which has boosted her confidence. Her family is so proud of her determination and joyful spirit—always eager to show off her moves with a big smile. Sienna may still be working on breaking the board on the first try, but she never gives up.

DSACO Up For Discussion!

DSACO is thrilled to announce the launch of Season 3 — DSACO: Up for Discussion, launching November 21st!

This podcast is all about spreading awareness, celebrating the incredible individuals with Down syndrome, and honoring the AMAZING caregivers, siblings, and families who support them every day.

Go listen now — we’re live on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music!!

Our podcast episodes drop on the 3rd and 21st of each month at 3:21 PM.

Visit: https://rss.com/podcasts/dsaco-up-for-discussion/

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