Empowerment Series typically occur once a week for 3 – 5 weeks. The classes build upon each other and are designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome to try a new activity or learn a new skill.

• Tiny Tots Gymnastics (ages 3 - 5)
• Soccer Shots (ages 6 - 12; 13 - 17)
• Martial Arts (ages 12 - 17)
• Theatre Program (ages 18+)
• Self-Defense (ages 18+)
• Leisure Exploration (ages 18 - 34)
• Lifelong Learning Labs (ages 22+)
• Movement & Motivation (ages 30+)

Enrichment Classes focus on increasing knowledge about a particular topic or enhancing a specific skill. These classes are different from our Empowerment Series because there is only one class to attend rather than a "series" of classes.

• IEP 101 (parents of 0 - 5)
• Play with the Pros (ages 0 - 17)
• Listen and Create (ages 6 - 12)
• Meet the Chef (ages 13 & up)
• Kindness Krew (ages 18+)
• Adaptive Cooking (ages 25+)
• IEP Advocacy (en Español)
• Town Hall Meeting (ages 18+)
• Adult Wellness Fair (ages 18+)
• Virtual Cooking (all ages)
• Virtual Baking (all ages)
• Virtual Bingo (all ages)

Social Opportunities include various learning components, but focus heavily on social networking and building relationships.

• Rise & Shine - New Family Welcome
• Early Matters Weekly Playgroup
• Donuts & Mural Visit (ages 0 - 5)
• Jack-O-Latern Walk (ages 0 - 5)
• Moms Night Out (moms of 0 - 5)
• Parents Night Out (parents only)
• Sibling Social (ages 4 - 17)
• USA Ninja Social (ages 6 - 17)
• School-Age Halloween Party
• Teen Club Halloween Party
• Adult Halloween Party (ages 18+)
• Singles Mixer (ages 18+)
• Reds Hall of Fame Tour (18+)
• Football Watch Party (ages 18+)
• Art and Apps (ages 18+)
• Movie Night (ages 18+)
• Dessert & Dialouge (ages 18 - 34)
• Game Night (ages 25+)
• TRUNK-OR-TREAT (all ages)
• Respite Care (all ages)

We’d love for you to be a part of our DSAGC Cheerleading program! Our cheer squad is open to anyone in grades K – 12. Each cheerleader receives a uniform and pompoms. Our squads have practices in November and then we will have dozens of opportunities to perform throughout winter. Cheerleaders are required to attend practices, but not required to attend every performance. We have multiple performances, so families can attend ones that fit their schedules best.

Typically, we perform at halftime of high school basketball games alongside the high school cheerleading squad. However, we’ve also performed at colleges, minor league baseball games, talent shows, and more! We’ve even partnered with the Cincinnati Ben-Gals for a special night. The dates and times of these performances will be released by the coaches after practices (as this takes a lot of time to coordinate each year). We try to schedule performances in the schools / districts / neighborhoods of our cheerleaders. Be sure to fill out that section of the registration, so we can try to work with your school’s athletic department!

Our Cheerleading program continues to grow each year – we have over 50 cheerleaders! It is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a team while promoting positive awareness in the community!

Kentucky Squad
Coached by Missy Trame and Gayle Trame
Practice Schedule:
October 30 (6 – 7 pm) Lakeside Christian Church – Lakeside Park
November 5 (2 – 3 pm) Hickory Grove Baptist Church – Independence
November 12 (2 – 3 pm) Hickory Grove Baptist Church – Independence
November 20 (6 – 7 pm) Lakeside Christian Church – Lakeside Park

Ohio Squad
Coached by Debbie Schroeder and Joanie Elfers
Practice Schedule:
November 6 (6 – 8 pm) Springdale Nazarene Church
November 13 (6 – 8 pm) Springdale Nazarene Church
November 20 (6 – 8 pm) Springdale Nazarene Church

Our internship program provides a healthy learning environment for adults with Down syndrome as they learn transferrable skills for future employment in the community. All internships are paid, and interns will be a part of the DSAGC staff during their term.

Find Your Way is a new collection of programs focusing on self-determination in adults with Down syndrome. These programs will be geared towards increasing personal independence by putting a strong focus on individual goals and progress tracking.

IGNITE – one-day event for those who are beginning to make self-determination a focus.
ACCELERATE – overnight weekend retreat for those who are comfortable staying overnight and interested in learning skills to help them live a self-determined life.
NAVIGATE – overnight weekend retreat for those who are comfortable staying overnight and considering moving out or living more independently within the next year.
CRUISE – various classes for those who are currently living independently.

At the beginning of each year, we open enrollment for the “Find Your Way” program. Families who choose to enroll will meet with our adult coordinators for a “consultation”. Individuals with Down syndrome, parents/caregivers, and our adult coordinators will work together to determine which of the four programs would be most beneficial for the coming year. Registration will be separate from the quarterly program registration.

Saturday, October 21

Photography Day is an opportunity for DSAGC families of all ages to get pictures taken by a professional photographer in a comfortable setting. Families receive all the photos digitally at no cost. Space is limited and fills on a first-come, first-serve basis.

registration will open late September

Saturday, December 9 from 2 - 5 pm
Cincinnati Museum Center 

This year, we will be celebrating the holidays together at the CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER! Cincinnati Museum Center is a one-of-a-kind, multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark. During the holiday party, your family will have access to the entire museum including the Children’s Museum and Santa Visits. There will be an area for DSAGC families to gather, enjoy treats, and pick up their holiday gift!

November 9 - 11 

We are excited to partner with the National Down Syndrome Society for their annual Adult Summit this year! Hundreds from across the country will be coming to Cincinnati for three days of connection and educational sessions on a variety of topics that address adulthood and aging for the community.

The NDSS Adult Summit covers aging and Down syndrome through a whole-person, comprehensive approach. Content will overlap ages and subject areas, providing attendees with information and practical resources. This conference is a great educational opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, family members, and professionals. 

Separate interactive breakout session tracks for adults with Down syndrome and caregivers/professionals will be available throughout the weekend.

Use code "DSAGC" for a discount.

Buddy Up Tennis is a 90-minute clinic consisting of 60 minutes of professional tennis instruction and 30 minutes of fitness conditioning, for Athletes ages 5 and over. Each of our Athletes is partnered with a volunteer Buddy to maximize their experience. Buddies are required to be at least 14 years old, enthusiastic, energetic and ready to have fun! No tennis experience is required. All Athletes receive a team shirt and racquet.

Buddy Up Fitness is a full body workout class for Athletes ages 12 and over. Our 8-10 station full-body circuit training program is designed to combine activities that both increase heart rate and strengthen muscle mass with an emphasis on core conditioning. Each Athlete is paired with a Volunteer Buddy to help them with proper form and to track progress. Buddy Up Fitness is filled with challenges and fun to help each of our Athletes reach their fullest potential.