Parent Education and Support

Parent Education and Support Mission: To create parent connection opportunities, while providing education and support.

What we do to Support Parents:

Helping Hands -This program provides gift baskets, hospital bags, gift cards, and visits to families that have a loved one with Down syndrome in the hospital.

Hospital Bags – A Hospital bag is a bag of useful items provided to families of children with Down syndrome that suddenly find themselves trapped in the hospital due to the unexpected diagnosis of cancer or other medical situations. The following are provided in a hospital bag:

Disposable shavers and shaving cream
Shampoo and Conditioner
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Zip lock bags
Bars of soap and deodorant
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Hairbrushes and combs
Ponytail holders and nail files
Hand lotion
Unisex adult socks
Antibacterial wipes
Pads of paper, pens, and dry erase markers

For more information about Helping Hands please contact our office at 925-7617 or email info@dsindiana.org.

Hand to Hand - This program will help to provide those in need with gently used clothing, furniture, children’s toys and adaptability items free of charge. If you have a child with Down syndrome or a disability and are in need of any of these items, please e-mail Jenni at hand2hand4indy@aol.com.
Three examples of how this program can work are as follows:

1. A child is unexpectedly hospitalized. The family can request clothing, especially pajamas that snap down the front to accommodate necessary medical procedures while wearing more comfortable clothing.

2. A self advocate (adult with Down syndrome) moves into a new apartment and is in need of furniture and dishes to furnish the apartment.

3. A single parent has a child with Down syndrome and has a serious financial need.

The family can request items from Down Syndrome Indiana such as gently used clothes that have already been altered to fit a child with Down syndrome. How does it work? If you are in need of any of these items, please just contact Jenni Renfro by e-mail at or by phone at (317) 835-2492.

Storage space for this program was generously donated by D and D’s Strictly Storage.

Memorials - Sending memorial to families and accepting donations in honor of a deceased love one.

DSI Community Groups

Cuenta Conmigo

Cuenta Conmigos is a Spanish-speaking group for parents who have a child with Down syndrome. We have speakers that are scheduled to speak at each meeting. The topics focus on a wide range of pertinent information. Meetings are on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Down Syndrome Indiana office from 6pm to 8pm. Childcare and food are provided.

For more information contact Firany Briceno, Outreach Coordinator, by e-mail at or by phone at (317) 925-7617.

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome, or D.A.D.S. is a DSI group of fathers with children who happen to have Down syndrome. We host regular meetings where our members come together to share insights and experiences.

D.A.D.S. meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at Georges Neighborbood Grill, at the intersection of 71st street and Binfor on Indianapolis' North side.

Location: Georges Neighborhood Grill

6935 Lake Plaza Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46220

On the web at dadsnational.org

For more information contact Stephanie Glowner, Parent Support and Education Coordinator, by e-mail at stephanie@dsindiana.org or by phone at (317) 925-7617. To contact D.A.D.S. by e-mail.

Mom’s Night Out

Mom’s Night Out is a program designed especially for moms, grandmas, aunts and loved ones of individuals with Down syndrome. The program meets at a designated restaurant on alternating sides of town and downtown Indianapolis. Dinner is provided free of charge to the first 25 to R.S.V.P. This allows participants respite time, networking opportunities and an evening out that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Mom’s Night Out provides a unique experience for participants to come together to meet new moms, share personal stories and experiences related to the birth and parenting of individuals with Down syndrome.

R.S.V.P. for this event online or by e-mail at register@dsindiana.org or phone (317) 925-7617.

For more information e-mail info@dsindiana.org or call (317) 925-7617.

The Lafayette Area Down Syndrome Organization

The Lafayette Area Down Syndrome Organization provides information and support for families touched by Down syndrome. Local outreach includes, but is not limited to, new parent packets, personal family contacts, and group meetings and events.

L.A.D.S.O. meets the 3rd Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted.

Location: Bethany Presbyterian Church

3305 Longlois Dr

Lafayette, IN 47904

To learn more about LADSO click here.

For more information, please contact Renee Petrie by e-mail (rjpetrie@msn.com).

Family Events

Holiday Party - Down Syndrome Indiana has an annual holiday party each year in December. To learn more about this year's coming event please contact our office at info@dsindiana.org or call (317) 925-7617.

Family Picnic- Down Syndrome Indiana has an family picnic each year in the summer. To learn more about this year's coming event please contact the office at info@dsindiana.org or call us at (317) 925-7617.

Birthday Club – Birthday cards are sent to individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. To be added to our birthday club listing online please register for an account here. You may also contact please contact the Down Syndrome Indiana office by phone at (317) 925-7617 or email info@dsindiana.org. Please be sure to include the name and birthdate of the individual who will be receiving the card.