Down Syndrome Network of Arizona

08/22/2026

Congratulations to all our amazing friends on TeamAZCheer who took the silver medal at the 2026 USA Games in competitive/unified cheer.

Special Olympics

08/20/2026

Join the story, be a part of the magic! https://dsnetworkaz.org/events/walk26/

08/20/2026

Public comment closes tomorrow, August 21, at 5:00 PM. Raising Voices Coalition has put together a Call to Action for our local Down syndrome community to review and comment on. AHCCCS is finalizing two policies that shape ALTCS services statewide: the HCBS Needs Tool (HNT), which determines authorized care hours, and the Extraordinary Care Review (ECR), the process for appealing those hours.

Our HNT and ECR Call to Action is LIVE. For over a year, our community has shown up for this process and helped shape how Attendant Care and Habilitation will be evaluated for ALTCS members for years to come. We’ve sat through public forums, round after round, and submitted countless public comments. AHCCCS has listened. Age thresholds moved. Specialty categories got added. Clinician requirements got sharper. And the Extraordinary Care Review, ECR, was added.

Now there’s one more round, and it closes Friday, August 21 at 5 PM.

You don’t have to be an expert in any of this. You just have to share your story, your perspective, your experience. It takes about five minutes to review our draft public comment, keep what aligns with you, and add your own ideas.

The Call to Action includes a full summary of last week’s AHCCCS public forums, what’s currently written in these policies, and what we’re asking AHCCCS to fix, in English and en Español.

We’re asking you to show up one more time. Thank you!

Call to Action: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jRNwDhBj0CPC_oFRSdPVuoOx_tH8BLM8eCTEOb5muAA/edit?usp=sharing

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No necesitas ser experto en nada de esto. Solo tienes que compartir tu historia, tu perspectiva, tu experiencia. Toma unos cinco minutos revisar nuestro borrador de comentario público, quedarte con lo que se alinee contigo y agregar tus propias ideas.

La Llamada a la Acción incluye un resumen completo de los foros públicos de AHCCCS de la semana pasada, lo que actualmente está escrito en estas políticas y lo que le estamos pidiendo a AHCCCS que corrija, en inglés y en español.

Te pedimos que te presentes una vez más. ¡Gracias!

Llamada a la Acción: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jRNwDhBj0CPC_oFRSdPVuoOx_tH8BLM8eCTEOb5muAA/edit?usp=sharing

08/19/2026

Let’s make some music - and some magic.
This developmental class for children 0–5 with Down syndrome blends songs, movement, and musical games that help kids learn, grow, and shine. Caregivers, join in the fun and discover how music supports everyday development. With Higher Octave Healing-ORG.

🎵 Ready to play? Sign up now. https://bit.ly/startwithmusic

08/19/2026

Once Upon A Walk - Nov 21 @ ASU Homecoming - Registration Open- https://mailchi.mp/dsnetworkaz/walk2026

08/19/2026

Siblings

SibShops: A Space Just for Siblings (Ages 13–16) Sibling's are not alone and they matter, too. Being the sibling of a child with a disability comes wit ...

08/18/2026

Back-to-school season is officially here across the Valley! Drop your first-day photos in the comments and celebrate the start of a new year with us.

08/18/2026

Join us for an unforgettable DS Awareness & Acceptance Game Day with the Arizona Cardinals! https://www.gofevo.com/event/DSN

We’re celebrating inclusion, community, and the incredible strength of individuals with Down syndrome — all while enjoying one of the biggest NFL matchups of the season: Cardinals vs. Seahawks.

When you purchase your ticket through our special link, you’re not just going to a football game — you’re supporting awareness, acceptance, and visibility for our DS community.

🎉 Special Incentive:
If five people register by Wednesday, August 19 at 5 PM, our group will receive an exclusive post‑game on‑field photo experience! That means YOU could be standing on the Cardinals’ field, taking photos and making memories you’ll never forget.

🏈 Why Join Us?

Be part of a powerful community moment
Support DS awareness and acceptance
Enjoy an exciting NFL game day atmosphere
⭐️ Help us unlock the on‑field photo experience! https://www.gofevo.com/event/DSN

Grab your tickets, share the link with friends and family, and let’s pack the stadium with love, pride, and Cardinals spirit.
Let’s make this game day one to remember!

08/16/2026

Dads & Male Caregivers - RSVP to join us Tuesday night!
https://dsnetworkaz.org/event/d-a-d-s-group-6/2026-08-18/

08/14/2026

Down Syndrome Network of Arizona is excited to partner with Higher Octave Healing-ORG for Start With Music classes.

https://dsnetworkaz.org/event/start-the-music/2026-09-03/

Are you or someone you know interested in music classes for young children? Our Start With Music classes are the perfect fit for you!

Start With Music is a research-based parent-child developmental music program for all children age 5 and under. Participants in this program engage in a variety of songs and music games designed to support aspects of healthy development including socialization, communication, and pre-academic skills. Start With Music sessions take place in schools and community centers throughout the Phoenix metro area and we have new classes starting up soon! Check our website to see our updated class schedules and locations by using the link below. We can't wait to see you there!

https://higheroctavehealing.org/services/start-with-music/