Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area

06/23/2026

This week, DSCBA member Simon Keenan is competing at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota!

Simon is one of just four athletes representing Northern California in swimming. Over the past year, he has been training in the pool while also building the independence and life skills needed to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

We are so proud of all the hard work, determination, and commitment that brought him to this moment. Join us in wishing Simon the very best!

🏊‍♂️ Good luck, Simon! We're cheering you on every stroke of the way! 💙💛

Visit the ESPN Press Room website for event coverage-
https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/06/espns-coverage-of-2026-special-olympics-usa-games-begins-june-20-live-from-university-of-minnesota-in-minneapolis/

06/23/2026

06/16/2026

What a weekend! 🎉

We had so much fun celebrating at our 5th Annual T21 Fun Run. Thank you to everyone who joined us, cheered us on, and helped make this event such a success.

We're especially grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity and dedication make events like this possible. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive and connected community for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Enjoy a few highlights from the weekend! 💙💛

06/11/2026

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: DSCBA Classroom, 101-J Town and Country Dr., Danville
Registration Link: https://dscba.my.salesforce-sites.com/dscba/ClassSessionRegistration?sid=a0vRh00000bg0MUIAY
When one child has a disability and another does not, estate planning becomes more complex and more important. How do you divide your estate fairly without inadvertently harming your child's public benefits? And what role, if any, should a neurotypical sibling play in managing their sibling's finances? Please join attorney Ellen Cookman for a lively and informative presentation on estate planning for families with children of differing abilities, including a deeper dive into the following issues:
- Should you leave equal or unequal shares to your children, and how do you decide?
- How does a Special Needs Trust protect your child with a disability while preserving their public benefits?
- What is the difference between a Third Party and First Party Special Needs Trust?
- Should a sibling serve as Trustee, or would a Trust Protector role be a better fit?
- What is a Dynasty Trust, and when should you use one for a neurotypical child?
- How can a CalABLE account complement a Special Needs Trust?

Registration is requested. Must be a DSCBA member to participate. Not yet a member? Join for free here, https://www.dscba.org/register.php

06/11/2026

⚾ Join us for DSCBA Day at the Giants on Sunday, July 12 at 1:05 PM as the Giants take on the Colorado Rockies!

🎟️ Save nearly 30% on tickets when you purchase through DSCBA's special link—and the Giants will give back a portion of every ticket sold to support our programs and services. https://www.gofevo.com/event/DSCBA2026

⭐ Purchase your tickets by June 19 for a chance to win a pre-game field visit for four people to watch the Giants warm up!

📺 Watch for DSCBA's Community Spotlight on the big screen during the game, and be sure to stop by our booth in the Community Clubhouse to learn more about our mission and say hello.

Special ticket pricing ends June 19, so gather your friends and family and join us for a fun day at the ballpark!

06/08/2026

PetScreening offers grants to help individuals with Down syndrome experience the companionship of a shelter or rescue pet.
They offer grants of up to $1,000 to cover the first year of pet ownership costs, including adoption fees, veterinary expenses, and food. Please note that this is not a financial need-based grant; anyone with Down syndrome is eligible to apply.

https://www.petscreening.com/downforpets

06/06/2026

Thank you to the national coalition members, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society and GiGi's Playhouse, Inc., for sharing accurate, evidence-based information about Down syndrome.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and the National Down Syndrome Society have teamed up to publish the third edition of the groundbreaking Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information Pamphlet, available in English, Spanish and Icelandic. The third edition

06/05/2026

Today we are excited to announce an important leadership transition at DSCBA.

After 13 years of dedicated service, including the past three years as Executive Director, Teresa DeVincenzi will retire this summer. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, commitment, and lasting impact on our community.

We are equally excited to share that Michelle Slape, DSCBA's Director of Family Support, has been named our next Executive Director. As a longtime member of the DSCBA community, parent, and nonprofit leader, Michelle brings experience, passion, and a deep commitment to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Please join us in thanking Teresa for her years of service and congratulating Michelle as she begins this new role. We look forward to the future and everything we will accomplish together.

Read Teresa's and Michelle's messages to the DSCBA community here: https://mailchi.mp/ee6030496755/dscbaleadershiptransition

05/31/2026

⏰ Early Bird pricing for the T21 Fun Run ends TOMORROW June 1! https://give.dscba.org/event/t21-fun-run/e795731

Don't miss your chance to save on registration for one of DSCBA's most fun and inspiring community events. Gather your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors and join us as we celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome.

A special thank you to our amazing sponsors for helping make this event possible. Your support helps create opportunities, connections, and programs for our community all year long. 💙💛 Wines Rudney Associates Helpers Community & Helpers Artisan Boutique Cornerstone Down Syndrome Care, American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Company, Inc. Vivas Office Branding,

Register today before prices increase!

05/29/2026

Prom season is here! 🎉

A big shout-out to Erick, who attended prom last weekend. His mom shared these great photos, and we loved seeing him all dressed up for the big event.

Hope you had an amazing night, Erick! 💙