July Newsletter
Dear DSACO Families,
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!
MONTHLY CALENDAR
To register for any of this month's events, Click Here
IMPORTANT EVENTS COMING UP:
JULY TUTORING
For families seeking ongoing academic support, we offer Free Tutoring, a no-cost option focused on individualized learning. Tutoring sessions are designed to support academic goals such as reading, math, communication, and homework assistance, while meeting each learner where they are.
TUTORING WITH BETTIE: REGISTER HERE
MONDAY TUTORING WITH RACHEL:REGISTER HERE
READING WITH HANNAH!
Join us for Reading with Hannah every Thursday from 10–11 a.m. at the DSACO Office! Hannah, a proud self-advocate with Down syndrome and DSACO employee, loves sharing stories, smiles, and a love of reading with young children. Come enjoy a fun-filled hour of books, friendship, and summer learning in a welcoming environment perfect for little readers!
July 2nd- REGISTER HERE
July 9th- REGISTER HERE
July 16th- REGISTER HERE
July 23rd- REGISTER HERE
July 30th- REGISTER HERE
FOOD CRITICS
Food Critics is heading out for a sweet summer treat! Join us for a special Ice Cream Social edition of Food Critics, where participants will gather to enjoy delicious frozen treats, connect with friends, and share their thoughts on the overall experience in a fun and welcoming environment.
July 7th | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM at The Baked Bear
NORTH SIDE: REGISTER HERE
SOUTH SIDE: REGISTER HERE
JULY BASKETBALL CAMP
Join DSACO for a fun, high-energy 2-day basketball camp designed for teens and adults with Down syndrome! This inclusive camp focuses on building skills, confidence, teamwork, and having a great time on the court
JULY 10-11
$65 T Shirt included
KYLEE'S KITCHEN
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.
July 10,17,31
EAC SPLASH PAD
Get ready to cool off and make a splash! Join us for a morning of fun in the sun at Duffner Park Splash Pad. This Elementary Adventure Club event is the perfect way to kick off summer with water play, snacks, and friends. Don’t forget your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen!
Date: Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
DSACO CLUB PAINTING NIGHT
Join us for a creative and wild evening at the OKC Zoo! This special painting experience is inspired by one of the Zoo’s most beloved residents, Girlfriend the alligator. Participants will be guided step-by-step as they create their own alligator-themed masterpiece while enjoying a unique night surrounded by nature, wildlife, and conservation.
JULY 16TH 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
DSACO TEEN HANGOUT
Join us for Teen Hangouts at DSACO—a fun and welcoming space designed just for teens ages 13–19 to connect, build friendships, and enjoy time together in a supportive environment. Held at the DSACO office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., these hangouts will feature a variety of activities tailored to participants’ interests, with options that may include games, creative projects, life skills, and social activities.
July 25th
SUMMER SWIM CAMP
DSACO is partnering with British Swim School to offer an inclusive Swim Camp focused on water safety, life skills, and fun. This program aligns with Oklahoma State Waiver requirements, allowing families to self-pay or use waiver funds through their Individual Plan.
JULY 27-29
Employee of Record Binder P2P Workshop
Join DSACO for an Employee of Record (EOR) Binder P2P session designed to help families understand and organize the important documents and responsibilities involved in serving as an EOR for their loved one receiving services through DDS.
July 30th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
In-Person & Zoom
AUGUST BASKETBALL CAMP
Join DSACO for a fun, high-energy 2-day basketball camp designed for teens and adults with Down syndrome! This inclusive camp focuses on building skills, confidence, teamwork, and having a great time on the court
AUGUST 7-8
$65 T Shirt included
🚢321 Launch Moms Cruise Retreat 2027🚢
Moms, it's time to recharge, connect, and make unforgettable memories together!
Join fellow DSACO 321 Moms for a relaxing 4-night Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the beautiful Carnival Horizon. This special getaway is designed 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
BOOK HERE: https://b2traveladventures.com/321-launch/
✨💙INCLUSION SPOTLIGHT💙✨
Josie Kohn
Josie’s summer internship at DSACO through the Inasmuch Foundation Community Fellowship has been a dream come true. A longtime participant in DSACO programs, Josie was thrilled to be placed with an organization so close to her heart. During her internship, she worked on a variety of projects—from assembling New Parent Bags and painting artwork for the Self-Advocacy Classroom to giving office tours and speaking at Mix & Mingle events. Her favorite part has been sharing about DSACO alongside staff members. This experience has helped Josie grow in confidence, especially in public speaking, and given her a sense of pride in contributing to her college tuition. Her family is grateful for the opportunity, and Josie says working at DSACO felt like being with family—the very best kind of job.
DSACO IS HIRING!
We are currently seeking a Marketing & Fundraising Manager and an Employment Consultant to join our team and help us continue empowering, educating, and enhancing communities.
Interested in applying or know someone who would be a great fit? Visit dsaco.org/news-updates to learn more and apply today!
Join DSACO at the Oklahoma State Capitol on July 20 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM as we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA! Hear from several DSACO self-advocates as they participate in a panel discussion and share their experiences promoting inclusion and self-advocacy.
Join DSACO at the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Convention in Orlando, Florida, July 23–26! Connect with families, self-advocates, and professionals from across the country while learning, networking, and celebrating the Down syndrome community.
Learn more and register: https://ndsccenter.org/convention/convention.html
Mark your calendars for the DSACO Festival & 5K on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Myriad Botanical Gardens!
Join us as we celebrate the extra 21st chromosome and come together for a morning of movement, community, and fun. Create a team, gather your friends, family, or coworkers, and walk or run in support of acceptance and inclusion. Whether you’re joining the 5K, the 1-Mile Fun Run, or the Awareness Walk, there’s something for everyone.
The event is free and open to the public, with a full morning of activities including a race, awareness walk, and a festival filled with games, music, food trucks, and more.
Start your team today and register to run or walk! Help us make an impact by raising awareness and supporting programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families right here in central Oklahoma.
DSACO Up For Discussion!
DSACO is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new informational podcast — DSACO: Up for Discussion!
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/
