SMILE on Down Syndrome

10/10/2026

Kayla is a real friend I met several years ago! I have great respect for her and her family!

She didn’t need the Miss Teen USA crown to make pageant history.

At 18, Kayla Kosmalski stepped onto the Miss Teen USA stage after winning Miss Delaware Teen USA 2024 — becoming the first person with Down syndrome to compete in the national pageant.

For Kayla, though, the moment was about more than a title. She wanted other young people with disabilities to see that big goals and big stages could belong to them, too.

And this wasn’t an overnight journey. Kayla entered her first pageant at just five and grew up advocating for disability inclusion. She and her family supported efforts connected to the federal ABLE Act, which allows eligible people with disabilities to save money for qualified expenses without automatically losing certain means-tested benefits.

Delaware later created its own ABLE program through legislation officially known as “Kayla’s Bill,” named in her honor.

Kayla also served as a 2024 ambassador for Hearts of Joy International, an organization helping children with Down syndrome access needed heart surgery.

She didn’t take home the Miss Teen USA crown — but she did leave with Miss Congeniality.

Pretty fitting, really. Her story wasn’t only about winning a crown. It was about being seen, being included, and continuing to show up for the things that mattered to her.

10/10/2026

09/30/2026

Come out and celebrate with us for our 25th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Mile happening THIS Saturday, October 3rd from 9am-noon. It's free to walk. We'll have a variety of food trucks and drink options like Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers Uncle Ted's Just Dang Good Food Chino Taco, and a Cup of Joe Coffee and Bagels!

09/30/2026

With Evansville, Indiana - e is for everyone – We just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/26/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY from our 25th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Mile!!! We can hardly wait until this year's S.M.I.L.E. Mile! Have you registered? We'll see you at Vanderburgh County 4-H Fairground on Saturday, October 3rd from 9-noon to help raise Down syndrome awareness and support individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones. Thank you Data Mail, Inc. Stickers and More Saint Wendel Catholic School University of Evansville University of Southern Indiana Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers Best Home Furnishings Deaconess Women's Hospital The Wanderers American Thunder of Indiana Reitz Memorial High School Castle High School Songbird DJ Service

09/23/2026

📣 EVANSVILLE — JOIN US TOMORROW!
The Indiana Disability Alliance is bringing our 2026 Advocacy in Action Training Series to Evansville!

📅 September 24, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–12:30 PM CT
📍 Evansville Central Public Library
Browning Meeting Rooms A & B
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN 47713

Understanding Public Policy & Making Your Voice Heard

Public policy decisions made at the Indiana Statehouse directly impact individuals with disabilities and their families—from access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to supports that affect quality of life across the lifespan.

With Indiana's 2027 legislative budget session approaching, now is an important time to understand the legislative process and how to make your voice heard.
This interactive training will help participants:
• Better understand Indiana's legislative process
• Identify opportunities for meaningful advocacy
• Connect personal experiences to policy issues
• Build relationships with legislators
• Communicate effectively with policymakers

Whether you are a self-advocate, family member, provider, educator, or community partner, we hope you'll join us!

Presenters:
Dr. Macy Pohl, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana

Rachel Deaton, Director of Training and Legislation for the Autism Society of Indiana

Both represent their organizations as founding members of the Indiana Disability Alliance.
Register in advance:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/autismsocietyofindiana/event/indianadisabilityallianceidaadvocacyinactionunderstandingpublicpolicyandmakingyourvoiceheardsept2426
/
We hope to see you in Evansville tomorrow!