Down Syndrome Families of the Midlands

08/17/2026

It’s that time of year again!

Down Syndrome Families of the Midlands is hosting its 3rd annual Free Throw Shootout October 17th @ Meadow Glen Middle School.

This year, we’re not just shooting free throws—we’re shooting for stronger families, greater understanding, college dreams, and a more inclusive Midlands.

Your support will help us host our first-ever DSFM Down syndrome conference on January 23, 2027, at Camp Cole, featuring keynote speakers Liz and Ruby Plachta from Ruby’s Rainbow, along with other speakers, educational opportunities, resources, and activities for families and our community. It will also allow us to continue hosting meaningful gatherings for our community throughout the year, extend resources and support to families navigating a new diagnosis, and raise money to help send a young person with Down syndrome in SC to college through the Ruby's Rainbow program. We've got big dreams. Help us reach them! See the links below:

Sign up to shoot:
tinyurl.com/2026DSFMFreeThrowShooters

Sign up to volunteer:
tinyurl.com/2026DSFMVolunteers

Sign up to sponsor or donate:
https://givebutter.com/dsfmfreethrow2026

08/17/2026

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDoH3mfPPlj4j4e-ygRsoY0i_qeQXntD81EvpN6Rji3-HUvQ/viewform

If you came to our summer social, please fill out a quick survey when you can! Thanks so much!

08/17/2026

Beat the heat with us THIS Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at All Star Gymnastics and Cheer.

All ages. All abilities.

08/09/2026

Such a fabulous time with our community today wrapping up the summer! Thanks to all who came out to be a part of the fun. There is no DSFM without families who keep showing up! More fun coming soon this fall. Stay tuned! Special shoutout to Mary Starbird, Christian Starbird, Mary’s parents (who happened to be visiting from out of town!), and Shelley Franco for all the set up and tear down help today (plus many other families who pitched in as we wrapped things up). Y’all are awesome!!!

08/08/2026

So wonderful for our community!👏

08/04/2026

LINK TO RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUmHhXcF08GvT6j1ZefneyH4x7YRCDildGbe6ZYUrmUK93OQ/viewform

It’s not too late to join us for our summer social! People with Down syndrome of all ages and their families are invited. Come have a slice of pizza and connect with other families! There will be games and activities for everyone to enjoy. Magnatiles for the builders, corn hole and basketballs for the athletes, books for the readers, face painting, games, and more. Hope to see you there! Link to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUmHhXcF08GvT6j1ZefneyH4x7YRCDildGbe6ZYUrmUK93OQ/viewform

Please like and share this post to help spread the word. 😁

08/04/2026

Sensory Night is coming to EdVenture Children’s Museum Columbia!

Families can enjoy the museum in a sensory-friendly environment with reduced lighting, a limited crowd size, educational programming, and resources for parents.

📅 Friday, August 21
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 EdVenture Columbia
🎟️ Admission is free with advance registration

Registration links are not available yet, but EdVenture says they are coming soon. Families can check for updates here: edventure.org/sensorynights

07/28/2026

Pack the Park with the Columbia Fireflies is back on August 25th! Join us for a fun evening with other nonprofits in Columbia. ⚾❤️

Here's the link for tickets, $5 from every ticket is donated to Family Connection of South Carolina: https://www.gofevo.com/event/PackthePark2026fcsc

Family Connection provides support, education, and resources to families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. We help families navigate early intervention, special education, and community-based services through one-on-one assistance, workshops, and outreach. We also connect families to peer support, empowering them to advocate for their children’s needs.

07/25/2026

👏👏👏

We have some good news to share!

South Carolina lawmakers have officially approved the state budget, and they listened to the disability community. One of the biggest threats we faced this year—a proposed $27 million cut to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) was defeated!!

That means the state fully funded HCBS waiver services, helping protect the supports that allow more than 40,000 South Carolinians with disabilities and older adults to live in their own homes and communities instead of being forced into institutions.

Learn more about what this means for you and how it ultimately does not decrease the HCBS waiver waiting lists, and how you can stay involved: https://www.able-sc.org/resource-library/news/protectmedicaidsc26/



[Graphic with text quote copied from the post, includes Able SC logo and additional text, 'Win!,' 'Learn more about this disability win in South Carolina!' Features photo of a disabled white woman in a wheelchair smiling with a caregiver.]