Fall Events and Programs: September 2025
Central Maryland
DSAmd is excited to kick off a new season filled with connection, celebration, and opportunities to come together. From family outings to engaging workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall.
The fall season brings Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, and we celebrate with our annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! Step Up 2025 team building is already underway for both Baltimore and the Eastern Shore—gather your friends and family and start your team today!
Please send any registration questions to programs@DSAmd.org.
Best,
Brittany Preston - Programs and Community Coordinator
Virtual Programs
The Improvaneer Method- Fall
September 8
All registrations for the fall virtual sessions of The Improvaneer Method are in the bottom section of the newsletter. Including a new Youth 30-minute session on Tuesdays and an updated Friday session at 5:30 PM!
Nutrition Considerations for Individuals with Down Syndrome -RSVP
September 9 - 7:00 PM
Join us for an informative session on the unique nutritional needs of individuals with Down syndrome, led by registered dietitian Andrea Heyman, MS, RD, LDN.
Birth-5 Resource Hour- RSVP
September 16- 11:30 AM
Join us for the Birth–Five Support and Resource Hour, a relaxed and welcoming space for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age five.
Each session offers helpful information on early childhood development and community services. We’ll also spotlight resources that support families.
Online Support Group: Parents of Children with Complex Behaviors- RSVP
September 16 - 7:00 PM
Parenting a child with complex behaviors can be overwhelming, isolating — and at times, exhausting. But you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
Join our free, judgment-free virtual support group, created just for parents and caregivers.
Self-Advocate Circle: RSVP
September 18 - 6:00 PM
Join Us for a Self-Advocate Check-In! ☕
Every Third Thursday of the Month @ 6 PM. Grab your favorite snack and join us for a cozy and interactive virtual hangout!
All 2025 dates are available for registration.
IEP 101 - RSVP
September 17 - 7:00 PM
Join us for an insightful webinar about the fundamentals of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and how to ensure your child is getting what they need and making progress through the IEP. Led by Attorney Alexandra Rosenblatt from the Law Office of Alexandra Rosenblatt.
Cardio and Dance with Corissa - RSVP
September 20 - 11:00 AM
Corissa worked for ten years to become a certified Zumba and LaBlast instructor - and she can't wait to dance with YOU! Cardio Dance with Corissa is a 45-50 minute workout on Zoom that's full of fun, movement, and great music, on Saturdays
"Fireside" Chat for Black Families - RSVP
September 20 - 10:00 AM
Join Monique for a series of "fireside" chats via Zoom at 10:00 am, where topics of school, medical, and community resources will be discussed and shared between Black families.
Save the Date! Your Guide to Beginning the Estate Planning Journey - RSVP
September 24 - 7 PM
Join us for an informative session with Paul Chmielewski of Cerity Partners and Peter Wayne of Advocacy Trust LLC, a strategic partner of Cerity Partners.. Together, they will explain how Special Needs Trusts can offer peace of mind by: protecting access to government benefit; providing financial stability; and offering compassionate, long-term support.
Getting Started with Sign Language- RSVP
October 7 - 7 PM
Unlock the power of sign language to support your child’s communication!
Learn simple, practical signs that can help infants, toddlers, and children with Down syndrome develop: Early language skills, social interaction, and spoken language abilities
Save the Date! Inclusion 101: What It Is and Why It Matters - Email
October 16- 11:30 AM
Email us to be placed on the distribution list for this event.
Virtual Open House: Housing Options for People with Disabilities in Maryland - RSVP
October 23 - 7:00 PM
Looking for housing solutions in Maryland for yourself or a loved one with Down syndrome? Join us for a Virtual Open House where you can explore a wide range of housing services and residential programs—all in one convenient evening using Zoom breakout rooms.
Dental Health for Adults with Down Syndrome- RSVP
October 29 - 7:00 PM
Join us for a virtual information session focused on supporting the dental health of adults with Down syndrome. This session will cover oral hygiene best practices, common dental concerns in adulthood, and helpful tips for preparing for and scheduling dental appointments
IEP Clinic - RSVP
November 8 - 9:00 AM
Join us for a personalized IEP (Individualized Education Program) Clinic designed to support families and caregivers navigating the special education process. During this small group session, you'll have the opportunity to meet with experienced professionals who can review your child’s IEP, answer questions, and offer guidance tailored to your specific concerns.
Healthy Relationships 101: A Guide for Individualswith I/DD- RSVP
November 13 - 7:00 PM
Join us for an interactive and supportive session designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) explore what it means to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Otolaryngology (ENT) & Down Syndrome: Key Considerations for Care - RSVP
November 18 - 7:00 PM
Join us for an informative session tailored for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Melinda "Nina" DeSell, an experienced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the Department of Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins, will provide valuable insights into common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) concerns for individuals with Down syndrome.
Young Adult Hangout - Email
Wednesdays - 7:00 PM
Our young adults meet virtually weekly. Please email if you would like to join the group!
Cooking Class - Email
Sundays - 5:00 PM
Join DSAmd volunteer extraordinaires, Gabrielle and Michelle, as they host a weekly Zoom cooking class!
In-Person Events
DSAmd Down to Box- Anne Arundel County
August 28 - November 20
Teen and Adult Thursdays @ 6 PM
DSAmd Down to Box provides individuals with Down Syndrome the essential tools to enhance coordination, develop self-defense skills, and improve physical fitness through boxing techniques. Help us spread the word! We need at least 6 participants per class to keep our programming going.
The Improvaneer Method- Howard County Library Central Branch- RSVP
September 6 - 12:00 PM
Join Director Diamond for fun, creativity, and connection to celebrate the end of summer. Perfect for all skill levels!
Siblings welcome!
IMPROVAGANZA and Moms’ Day Out- Laurel - RSVP
September 7 - 1:00 - 3:00 PM
IMPROVAGANZA! with an additional creative art activity, offering a blend of fun, creativity, and connection. Perfect for all skill levels, this event is designed to inspire and entertain.
Moms' Day Out is hosted by Markita during this event. All RSVP links can be accessed using the same link.
Fall Music Group- Bel Air - RSVP
September 8
Bel Air Music Group, led by Erin Keenan, a board-certified music therapist with Augmenting Ability. Two age group options are available to support different developmental stages. This fall season is offered in two sessions. View the RSVP for all details. Siblings are welcome to join.
CRAB Sailing- Annapolis *New Date* - RSVP
September 18 - 10:00 AM
Join us for a day on the water! CRAB’s accessible group sailing experience is designed for individuals of all abilities to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay with comfort, safety, and fun.
Register by September 7.
Thunderhead Bowling Bash- Taneytown
September 28 - 1:00- 3:00 PM
Join us for Bowling Bash at Thunderhead Bowl! For individuals with Down syndrome and siblings. RSVP includes bowling, shoe rental, pizza or hotdog/chicken fries, drink, and bumpers.
DSAmd Down to Box @ Unboxed- Timonium
October- December
Wednesdays Youth/teen @ 5- 5:30 PM
Fridays Teen & Adult @ 1:00 PM
DSAmd Down to Box provides individuals with Down Syndrome the essential tools to enhance coordination, develop self-defense skills, and improve physical fitness through boxing techniques.
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk -
October 25
Step Up for Down Syndrome Baltimore (formerly The Baltimore Buddy Walk®) is central Maryland’s largest and most-recognized Down syndrome awareness event. Through this event and all of our work, we highlight that individuals with Down syndrome are vital and valued members of our larger communities. Step Up with Us!
Make it stand out
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk-Salisbury-
November 1
Join us for the 1st annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Eastern Shore! Through this event and all of our work, we highlight that individuals with Down syndrome are vital and valued members of our larger communities. Step Up with Us!
Yinjas at YogaMouth Collective- Essex - Register
Wednesdays - 5:30 PM
Come test out your ninja skills! We'll have challenges the whole family can do together. No prior ninja experience is required!
Select DSAmd Membership or DSAmd Drop In at registration.
A Mother's Rest: Moms Retreat - Register
March 20-23, 2026
Please register by July 15, 2025, to confirm your room.
Treat yourself to a well-deserved break at The Terrace Guest House, the nation’s first year-round caregiver wellness inn, located in the heart of charming New Market, MD. This beautifully restored 1798 tavern offers a peaceful, cozy escape just for moms of children with Down syndrome.
Dads' Night Out - Email
2nd Wednesdays - 7:00 PM
Dads meet monthly at various locations. Email David if you are interested in joining.
DSAmd fuels this initiative financially, The Improvaneer Method provides the framework and Directors are paid to deliver the curriculum.
Virtual sessions begin the week of September 8.
