DSAWM

MSU Community Music School: Virtual Music Therapy
2025-12-03 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Michigan
CMS Music Therapists under the direction of Cindy Edgerton, Director of Music Therapy, will be leading monthly “virtual” music therapy events on the first Wednesday of every month. The participants are split up into two groups based on age, each group will have their own unique Zoom link.

These events are meant to be interactive and there will be a lot of moving around! If you have a streamer, scarf, or your own instrument(s), that’s awesome! If not, feel free to use things you probably have at home already. Spice or sprinkle jars become shakers, a pot and a wooden spoon becomes a drum set!

Please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik at 517-381-1410 or at blatsie63@yahoo.com the Saturday before each monthly event with the following information: first and last name of each participant, birthdate, phone number, and email address.

“Together Let’s Sing, Dance, and Jam!” is generously sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Autism Association and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.

DSAWM Closed for Thanksgiving
2025-11-27 00:00 - 23:59 | Michigan

Book Club
2025-11-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Chapbook Cafe at Schuler Books, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month

6:00pm-7:00pm

Schuler Books

Ages 16+

Teens and adults with Down syndrome are invited to join Bobbi for Book Club at Schuler Books on 28th Street. Participants in Book Club will get the chance to read fun books with a group of their peers. After completing a book, members will be invited to a movie night where they will watch a film based on the book they read. All reading levels are welcome. Book Club will meet in the Chapbook Café.

Please email program@dsawm.org with any questions.

Aging with Down Syndrome Meeting
2025-11-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, 49548
Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to this support group that meets every month. The Aging with Down Syndrome Meetings are sponsored by DSAWM and Alzheimer’s Association. Participants share experiences and discuss the process of caring for loved ones growing older with Down syndrome.

Please register HERE if you are interested in attending and email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Mom's Night Out
2025-11-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Rush Creek Bistro, 624 Port Sheldon St SW, Grandville, Michigan, 49418, United States
Mom’s Night Out is a monthly program for mothers raising children with Down syndrome. Each month, mom’s have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost for first-time attendees (excluding alcohol). This month’s gathering will be Brunch at Rush Creek Bistro!

Please email Keri at dsmamas321@yahoo.com if you have any questions and to RSVP!

Buddy Up Tennis
2025-11-22 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-11-15 10:15 - 11:45, 2025-11-08 10:15 - 11:45 | Michigan
Saturdays

MVP Athletic Club, Crahen

10:15am-11:45am

Ages 5+

Buddy Up Tennis is a 90-minute tennis and fitness program specifically created for individuals with Down syndrome, our Athletes. Buddy volunteers are partnered with Athletes to provide support, reinforce instruction, and develop friendships. No tennis experience required!

New Athletes please complete the Buddy Up Tennis Athlete Application and Release Form, click HERE for registration, and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Returning Athletes please click HERE for registration and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

New Buddies please complete the Buddy Up Tennis Buddy Application and Release, click HERE to complete your Background Check/DSAWM Volunteer Form, and sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Returning Buddies please sign up on Sign Up Genius.

Please email GrandRapidsTennis@buforlife.org if you have any questions.

Kalamazoo Cooking Capers
2025-11-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Western Michigan University Kohrman Hall, 2200 Ring Rd S, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49006, United States
DSAWM is excited to bring Cooking Capers back to Kalamazoo every other Friday from 5:00pm-6:30pm! Cooking Capers is an engaging program led by Western Michigan University nutrition students, designed to teach kitchen independence to participants with Down syndrome aged 12 and up (participants aged 12-15 must have a guardian present). We learn kitchen safety, how to follow recipes, and much more! Western Michigan University is allowing us to use their cooking lab for the program which is in Kohrman Hall. Registration is required to ensure we purchase the right amount of groceries. Once you are registered the DSAWM Program Coordinator can send you parking details and a map of where the cooking lab is located.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Dad's Night Out
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Dad’s Night Out is a monthly program for fathers raising children with Down syndrome. Each month, dad’s have the opportunity to enjoy different activities and come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost of meals for first-time attendees if food is included in the event or ordered as part of the gathering (excluding alcohol). This month the dad’s will be doing a Dadsgiving!

RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/AdJL8CtHFMubL6rL9

Please email Rich at rich@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Cooking Capers
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Cooking Capers is a program led by GVSU nutrition students to teach independence in the kitchen for members 12 and older (members 12-15 must have a guardian present). We work on goals and learn kitchen safety, measurements, and more! We cook a delicious 3 course meal each week and enjoy socializing with others. Registrations are required so that we can make sure to accommodate all food allergies and purchase the correct amount of groceries.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Drumming with Arts in Motion
2025-11-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join us on Thursdays from 5pm-6pm for Drumming with Josh from Arts in Motion! This program is for members of all ages and it will be a fun opportunity to work on your rhythm and make some music with friends.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Dance for Teens and Adults
2025-11-19 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join our Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion and our intern Molly! This is an adaptive program for all of our teens and adult members aged 13 and older. We stretch, dance, and play percussion instruments while we listen to participant-selected music!

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Developmental Sports
2025-11-18 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-11-11 18:15 - 19:00 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join DSAWM, Autism Support of Kent County, and Special Olympics in our Developmental Sports program. This program will be on Tuesdays from 6:15pm-7:00pm in the SOMI Auxiliary Gym. Developmental Sports is a program designed to teach members aged 8-13 how to participate in a team sport. Participants will be introduced to the basics of team sports play and start to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to play as a team. Developmental Spors will also help build cognitive and social skills and allow kids to see the possibilities in their athletic careers. Sports offerings will vary each week, with each week of the program focusing on a different team sports. Sports will be repeated multiple times throughout the session to help develop and strengthen skills. Email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Please complete 2 quick registrations if you would like to participate:

https://dsawm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dsawm/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2433&

and

https://forms.gle/APaNxKtsxxvefmBF9

Young Athletes
2025-11-18 17:30 - 18:15, 2025-11-11 17:30 - 18:15 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Join DSAWM, Autism Support of Kent County, and Special Olympics in our Young Athletes program. This program will be on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-6:15pm in the SOMI Auxiliary Gym. Young Athletes is a sport play program designed for members aged 2-7. Participants will be introduced to the basics of sports and start to build their gross motor skills for future sports participation. Young Athletes also helps to build cognitive and social skills. Email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

Please complete 2 quick registrations if you would like to participate:

https://dsawm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dsawm/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2432&

and

https://forms.gle/Qo31XvBKV38PTmgb6

Shape Up for Older Adults
2025-11-18 16:00 - 16:45 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
We’re excited to partner with Senior Neighbors to bring a new Shape Up option for members aged 45 and older. Members aged 45 and older are still welcome to attend our Monday Shape Up program but this new version will feature modified exercises for those who may need extra physical guidance. While our members work out, caregivers can enjoy workshops, support, and meaningful connections.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Shape Up
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548
Shape Up is a fun and exciting health program for members 14 and older. We will meet on Mondays from 6pm-7:30pm in the SOMI Athlete Hub. There will be 45 minutes of nutrition education and 45 minutes of exercise. Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/96053773711?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every week.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Lakeshore Dance
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417, United States
Join us for our monthly Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion at the Loutit District Library, typically held on the third Monday of each month from 6:00pm-7:00pm! This adaptive program is open to members age 6 and older. We’ll stretch, dance, and play fun percussion instruments while listening to participant-selected music! Occasionally, room availability at the library may require us to shift the date or time, and email updates will be sent whenever changes are needed.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Lakeshore Dance
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417, United States
Join us for our monthly Dance program with Molly from Arts in Motion at the Loutit District Library, typically held on the third Monday of each month! This adaptive program is open to members age 6 and older. We’ll stretch, dance, and play fun percussion instruments while listening to participant-selected music! Occasionally, room availability at the library may require us to shift the date or time, and email updates will be sent whenever changes are needed.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Grand Rapids Gold
2025-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Michigan
The Grand Rapids Gold basketball team is donating free tickets for DSAWM members for their game on November 16th at 3pm! Here is the link if you would like tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Downsyndrome31

There is a limit of 6 tickets per group. When getting tickets, it will show a cost initially but the balance will go to zero once you check out. Please email admin@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

21 Shades Party/Fiesta
2025-11-15 12:30 - 14:30 | Hearts for the Arts, 1141 Quarry Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
We are having another 21 Shades party at Hearts for the Arts! 21 Shades is a support group for families of color and multicultural/multiracial families who are part of the West Michigan Down syndrome community. The party will be on November 15th from 12:30pm-2:30pm. This is a FREE event! We will be painting a winter themed picture.

Please fill out this short form if you would like to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhAfdg7qp-wqO8fwj3-vBD-H9U80GdyE2VoRjJK6s3aK_LVA/viewform?usp=dialog

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions!

¡Tendremos otra fiesta de 21 Shades en Hearts for the Arts! 21 Shades es un grupo de apoyo para familias de color y familias multiculturales/multirraciales que forman parte de la comunidad del síndrome de Down del oeste de Michigan. La fiesta será el 15 de noviembre de 12:30 pm a 2:30 pm. ¡Este evento es GRATUITO! Pintaremos un cuadro con temática invernal.

Por favor, completa este breve formulario si deseas asistir: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScq7AyYcx9eYch1zwRQhPplyvbmq_LizJV5SsMPo4_BPq1NYg/viewform?usp=dialog

Por favor, envíe un correo electrónico a program@dsawm.org si tiene alguna pregunta.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Production of Frozen
2025-11-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
We’re excited to partner with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as part of their Community Preview Night program! This special opportunity allows our members and families to enjoy an exclusive first look at upcoming productions. Join us for a free performance of Frozen on November 13th, 2025!

Please click HERE to reserve your tickets. October 30th is the last day to reserve tickets.

Please email program@dsawm.org if you have any questions.

Kalamazoo Parent's Night Out
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | One Well Brewing, 4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49001, United States
This Parent’s Night Out gathering is for parents raising children with Down syndrome. Parents will have the opportunity to come together to connect, share stories, and support each other. DSAWM covers the cost of meals for first-time attendees if food is included in the event or ordered as part of the gathering (excluding alcohol). If you are a parent raising an individual with Down syndrome come out to One Well Brewing on November 13th at 6:00pm!

Please email Nicole at nicolehill79@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Independent Living Skills
2025-11-10 17:00 - 18:00 | DSAWM Board Room, 160 68th St SW Suite 110, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
This series of workshops for individuals 14+ will focus on a variety of skills one needs to work towards independence. We will meet every Monday from 5pm-6pm in the DSAWM board room. Please send topic suggestions and questions to our Program Coordinator, Maria, at program@dsawm.org.

Here is the zoom link if you are unable to participate in person: https://zoom.us/j/97658800068?pwd=[REDACTED] This zoom link will be the same for every week.

Please register HERE if you would like to participate!
