Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County

08/09/2026

This 1.5 hour training helps adults gain information and skills to develop and maintain open communication with children, respond to normal as well as concerning sexual behaviors in children, answer children's questions, and give children positive messages. Nurturing healthy sexual development plays an important role in protecting children from sexual abuse.

Date: Wednesday, August 19
TIme: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Where: Virtual

For more information and to register for this event, click on the link in our bio!

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Esta capacitación de 1.5 horas ayuda a los adultos a adquirir conocimientos y habilidades para desarrollar y mantener una comunicación abierta con los niños, responder tanto a los comportamientos sexuales normales como a aquellos que puedan ser motivo de preocupación, contestar las preguntas de los niños y brindarles mensajes positivos. Fomentar un desarrollo sexual saludable desempeña un papel importante en la protección de los niños contra el abuso sexual.

Fecha: Miércoles, 19 de agosto
Horario: 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Donde: Virtual

¡Para obtener más información y registrarse para este evento, haga clic en el enlace en nuestro bio!

08/09/2026

"🌟 2026 Step UP for Down Syndrome Team Incentives 🌟

🎉 Fundraise for a chance to win!

Raise $721 by August 28, 2025, and your 2026 Step UP Walk for Down Syndrome team will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 grocery store gift card! 🛒💙

Whether you're creating a new team or joining friends and family, now is the perfect time to get involved and make an impact.

👉 Create your team or join one today: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026suw/

Together, we're stepping UP for individuals with Down syndrome and their families—one step and one donation at a time! 💙💛"

08/08/2026

🎉 Exciting News! DSNMC Scholarships Are Now Open! 🎉

The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, MD is proud to award 20 scholarships of up to $500 each to help individuals with Down syndrome access opportunities that encourage learning, fun, and cultivate future leaders!
Scholarships can be used for:

• Camps
• Arts and enrichment programs
• Sports and recreation
• Educational opportunities
• Adaptive equipment
• Therapeutic services

📅 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and funding is available until all scholarship funds have been awarded. The application deadline is November 1, 2026, but don't wait—apply early!

To apply: https://dsnmc.org/families/scholarship-program.html

If you need assistance completing the scholarship application or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd be happy to help. Contact Dion Cheatham at [email protected].

We can't wait to help more families access meaningful opportunities this year! 💙💛

08/07/2026

We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. We may feel anxious about an exam at school, new job, medical appointment, disagreement with a friend, or other similar situations. This is typical. However, if anxiety interferes with our day-to-day lives on a long-term basis, an anxiety disorder may have developed.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Some that we see most commonly at the Adult Down Syndrome Center are generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and selective mutism. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was previously classified as an anxiety disorder but now is classified separately. However, many people with OCD also have an anxiety disorder. That appears to be the case for people with Down syndrome who have OCD, too.

In the article linked below, Brian Chicoine, MD, discusses generalized anxiety disorder in individuals with Down syndrome, provides resources for supporting individuals with Down syndrome who are experiencing anxiety, and shares a link to information about other types of anxiety disorders.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/generalized-anxiety-disorder/

08/06/2026

DSNMC is excited to invite you to join us for our annual summer tradition -- a night out at the Splash Park + MiniGolf!

Our event takes place on Thursday, August 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at our usual spot at the South Germantown Recreational Park!

For more information about this event and to register, click on the link in our bio!

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¡En DSNMC nos emociona invitarles a acompañarnos en nuestra tradición anual de verano: una noche en el Parque Acuático y MiniGolf!

Nuestro evento será el jueves 20 de agosto, de 6:00 a 8:00 p. m., en nuestro lugar de siempre, South Germantown Recreational Park.

¡Para obtener más información sobre este evento y registrarse, hagan clic en el enlace de nuestra bio!

08/06/2026

As we gear up for the 22nd Annual Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk on October 24, we're shining a spotlight on the amazing teams raising funds and spreading awareness for Down syndrome. 💙💛

Today, we spotlight Walk With Wags!

To walk with or give to Walk With Wags, check out their team page:
👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026suw/team/1039789/

08/05/2026

For all the girls and women out there!

Many women with Down syndrome are able to become more independent in managing their periods with guidance and practice. Using visuals can help! Our Resource Library has several free visuals about period/menstrual hygiene including:
🔹Story About How to Change My Pad
🔹Story About How to Change My Tampon
🔹Story About How to Change My Period Panties
🔹Story About When to Change My Period Product

The stories are available for free at the link below.
🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/menstruation-period-visuals/

08/05/2026

Do you enjoy working out? SPIRIT Club offers all kinds of physical activities.

Experience SPIRIT Club's inclusive approach where every body is welcome and every exercise can be modified to your ability level.

08/05/2026

LISS Applications are now open! Deadline to apply is September 15.

The Developmental Disabilities Administration's (DDA) Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) program random selection process is now OPEN.

LISS helps children and adults with DD access services, equipment, and more. LISS is only available for people who do not receive other services from DDA.

Recipients will be randomly selected. People who are selected can receive up to $1,000. You must apply by September 15 to be considered.

Learn more: https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/liss.aspx

08/05/2026

Need help sleeping? Here are some good tips!

We often talk about the importance of getting good sleep. These are a handful of the many benefits of sleep:
😴 Provides energy
😴 Improves memory as well as our ability to focus and learn
😴 Promotes a healthy mood and emotional regulation
😴 Improves immune health
😴 Helps balance appetite
😴 and more

The article linked below describes factors that may contribute to sleep difficulties in people with Down syndrome, shares strategies for improving sleep, and provides examples of goals for working towards getting better sleep. The article also includes links to several visuals related to sleep.

🔗 https://adultdownsyndrome.org/resources/lifestyle-medicine-pillars-restorative-sleep/