Resources for Professionals
The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland partners with schools, healthcare providers, employers, therapists, and community organizations to create more inclusive environments where individuals with Down syndrome and other diverse learners can thrive.
Through interactive training, consultation, and educational resources, we provide practical, evidence-based strategies that strengthen inclusion, communication, engagement, self-advocacy, and belonging across classrooms, workplaces, healthcare settings, and community programs.
Our professional learning experiences are designed to be engaging, actionable, and responsive to the unique goals of your organization.
What We Offer
Tailored Educational Trainings: We provide tailored trainings, workshops, and partnership opportunities for professionals seeking to build more inclusive and supportive environments.
We believe that individuals with disabilities should be included in conversations about disability. Whenever possible, our professional development opportunities feature self-advocates with Down syndrome and other intellectual & developmental disabilities who share their experiences, insights, and expertise alongside DSAmd staff & professional partners.
Training topics may include:
Inclusive Education & Classroom Practices
Supporting Students with Down Syndrome
Communication, Engagement & Social Connection
Disability Awareness, Inclusion & Belonging
Self-Advocacy, Independence & Life Skills
Transition Planning for Adulthood
Community or Workplace Inclusion & Disability Confidence
Health Considerations for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Team Building, Collaboration & School Culture
Improv for Engagement, Communication & Learning
Disability Resources for Families
Ethics & Intersectionality of Race, Culture, and Disability
Customized professional development based on organizational goals
Featured Back-to-School Professional Development
Building Connected Teams & Inclusive Classrooms
An interactive professional development experience that combines improv-based team building with practical inclusive classroom strategies.
Educators strengthen communication and collaboration while learning approaches that foster engagement, belonging, and success for all learners.
Part 1: Improv for Team Building & Classroom Engagement
Through engaging improv activities co-facilitated by adults with Down syndrome, educators strengthen communication, collaboration, adaptability, and trust while learning techniques that can be used to increase student participation and engagement.
Part 2: Inclusive Classroom Strategies for All Learners
Explore practical, evidence-based approaches that support communication, engagement, accessibility, and belonging for students with diverse learning needs.
Participants will:
Strengthen staff relationships and team culture
Build confidence in creating inclusive learning environments
Learn strategies that support engagement and participation for all students
Leave with practical tools that can be implemented immediately
Ideal for: Back-to-school professional development days, faculty retreats, and school-wide staff training.
Resources to share with families
“Thank you so much for getting right back to me. You are on top of your game!!”
– Angela
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about what you are looking for or just reach out to us directly using one of the methods at the bottom of the page.