Down Syndrome Indiana Events

Upcoming Events

March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day Celebration

Families of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to join Down Syndrome Indiana and GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis for a rockin’ Dance Party on World Down Syndrome Day! Dance the night away, get pictures on the red carpet, do some crafts, enjoy cookies and drinks, and more!

Time: 6:00 – 6:30 – Sensory Friendly Dance Party
6:30 – 8:00 – WDSD Dance Party
Location: GridIron Hall, Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center,
7001 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254

March 26 – Science Night with the Roper Lab

Join DSI Self Advocates (adults with Ds), DSI Teens, and research students with the Roper Lab at IU Indianapolis for a fun night of science! Isolate DNA from strawberries and other fun science experiments as you join us to learn about Down syndrome research!

Date: Thursday, 3/26

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Science and Engineering Laboratory Building (350 N Blackford St, Indianapolis, IN 46202)

Parking info will be emailed

April 1 – DSI Cuenta Conmigo Monthly Meeting

Cuenta Conmigo es un grupo de apoyo a padres de niños con síndrome de Down en Español. Los temas varían mes con mes. Las reuniones son el primer Miércoles de cada mes de 6 a 8 p.m. en 615 N. Alabama Street, Indianápolis IN 46204. Para mas información contacte cuentaconmigo@dsindiana.org.

Cuenta Conmigo is a Spanish-speaking group for parents who have a child with Down syndrome. The meeting topics focus on a wide range of pertinent information. The meetings will be from 6pm – 8pm located at 615 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Childcare is provided. For more information, contact cuentaconmigo@dsindiana.org.

April 11 – DSI Annual Self Advocate Conference

The DSI Self-Advocate Conference is an annual event designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome through engaging workshops, interactive activities, and inspiring speakers. This conference provides opportunities for self-advocates to build skills, connect with peers, and share their voices. Participants leave equipped with new tools to advocate for themselves and their communities while celebrating their achievements.

Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: DSI (615 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis)
Cost: FREE
Learn more and register at: https://forms.office.com/r/JRdjNk3LWh

April 18 – 1-Day Kids Live Laugh Dance Camp

This 1-day Live Laugh Dance camp is specifically designed for kids with Down syndrome ages 5-9. The camp will meet on Saturday, April 18 from 9am-12pm at Franklin College in Franklin, IN. Participants will be invited to perform in the summer Live Laugh Dance Recital, which will be held at the end of June.

Details:

1-day Live Laugh Dance Kids Camp for kids ages 5-9

Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Franklin College | Student Center, Branigin Room

Cost: The cost of the camp is $40.00, which can be paid at: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_ecbe72a7-2af6-11ee-a442-0a9e22b02eaf&WidgetId=91153408. This cost incudes an event shirt and supplies.

April 22 – Creating a Lifecare Plan; Their Tomorrow Starts with Our Choices Today

Join DSI and Jennie Dopp, ChSNC, from CaringTide for an educational webinar, Creating a Lifecare Plan; Their Tomorrow Starts with Our Choices Today, on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7pm on Zoom. This webinar is designed to help families create a comprehensive plan for their loved one’s future. This session explores essential elements such as support networks, emergency planning, financial strategies, benefits, estate planning, housing costs, employment, caregiving, and strategies for independence. You’ll leave with practical tools and resources to confidently prepare for your loved one’s long-term care and answer the question, “What will happen when I can no longer provide care?”

April 25 – DSI Buddy Walk® Terre Haute

Join Down Syndrome Indiana on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Terre Haute for our 10th Annual Buddy Walk®! Buddy Walk® is a free, family-friendly event open to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and friends, and community supporters. Please visit the link, https://charity.pledgeit.org/TerreHaute , to create a team, join a team, or register as an individual walker. You can also help support Down Syndrome Indiana by making a donation or helping your team fundraise. Donations to this event help support programs, community events, resources, support, and outreach Down Syndrome Indiana provides! If you would like to be a 2026 sponsor of Buddy Walk® Terre Haute or be an Exhibitor at our event, contact Dixie Russell at; dixie@dsindiana.org for any Buddy Walk® Terre Haute questions!

May 23 – DSI Self Advocates and Teens at the 500 Festival Parade

Celebrate the Month of May with DSI!

Join the DSI Self Advocates and DSI Teens on Saturday, May 23 to watch the 500 Festival Parade, a beloved Indianapolis tradition held the day before the Indy 500 and part of the excitement leading up to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

Come enjoy the energy of the parade and celebrate the Month of May with the DSI community.

RSVP today at: 500 Festival Parade Event 2026 – Fill out form

September 19 – Buddy Walk® Lafayette

Buddy Walk® Lafayette is a joyful community celebration that honors individuals with Down syndrome while raising awareness and funds to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana. Families, friends, and community supporters come together to walk, connect, and celebrate the incredible contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. Funds raised help provide vital programs, education, advocacy, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Indiana. Join us on September 19th 2026 at 9 AM at Exploration Acres!

Whether you create a team, join a team, or simply come to cheer others on, Buddy Walk Lafayette is a powerful day of inclusion, celebration, and community.

Sign up or learn more:
https://charity.pledgeit.org/BuddyWalkLafayette2026

October 3 – Buddy Walk® Indianapolis

Join us for the 2026 Buddy Walk® Indy at White River State Park! Check In and Fun Family Activities begin at 9:00am, Opening Ceremony at 10:00am, and Walk at 10:21am.

Click here for more details: https://charity.pledgeit.org/BuddyWalkIndy

Whether you create a team, join a team, or simply come to cheer others on, Buddy Walk Lafayette is a powerful day of inclusion, celebration, and community.

Sign up or learn more:
https://charity.pledgeit.org/BuddyWalkLafayette2026