​​​​​DSPNT Respite Night

Saturday, March 7th

4:00-7:00 PM

The Hills Church – WFW Campus (2828 Longvue Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76108) and DSPNT have partnered to provide a Respite Night for DSPNT families with children ages 2 months to 12 years old, as well as siblings 12 years old and younger. Families must provide food for their children. All volunteers will complete required training and a background check if they are 18 years or older. Registration is closed for this event. Please reach out to amy.leith@thehills.org for more info. 

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DSPNT Adult Fossil Rim Trip

Wednesday, March 11th

9:00-11:00 a.m.

Join DSPNT for a trip to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043)! Participants will enjoy a 2-hour educational tour of the wildlife center and animals on Wednesday, March 11, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. This event is for adults with Down syndrome who are 18 years or older. Please note: All adults with Down syndrome are required to pay a $20 fee at the gate. This fee includes free admission for one adult or caregiver to attend with the self-advocate. This is NOT a drop-off event, and a caregiver must remain with the self-advocate for the duration of the tour. All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Fossil Rim. To reserve your spot, please register at FOSSIL RIM.

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March Self-Advocate Day- Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2nd 

Friday, March 13th

-OR-

Wednesday, March 18th

9:00-3:00PM

Join us from 9AM-3PM for Self-Advocate Day for individuals aged 18 and older with Down syndrome. The day will include programs that support building educational, social, health and wellness, and independent living skills.  Space is limited to 12 participants and will take place at our office.  Lunch is included. We are offering two days in March. Please only sign up for one day.  Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2nd. Please register at Self-Advocate Day. 

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SPEAK

Thursday, March 19th

12:00-1:00PM via Zoom

SPEAK (Sessions Promoting Education, Advocacy, and Knowledge) is a free monthly educational program for parents, community members, educators, and professionals. A Zoom link will be sent out three days before the event. This month, Dr. Katie Frank will present on "Cultivating Effective Social Skills for Successful Community Participation". Social skills are not inherent. They are an abstract concept that most individuals with Intellectual Disability need to be taught and learn. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Frank will introduce common social skill challenges and offer strategies to teach skills to facilitate socially appropriate behavior and form meaningful relationships. Resources developed from social skills groups offered at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, Illinois will be shared. Please register at SPEAK.

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World Down Syndrome Day

Saturday, March 21st

11:00-2:00PM

This year, we’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at Dream Park in Fort Worth (2001 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107).  We will have games, food trucks and fun celebrating together! This event is FREE for ALL ages! Please visit WDSD to register and for info on WDSD t-shirts, DS101 presentations and more.

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Networking/ Resource Zoom

Wednesday, March 25th

6:00PM via Zoom

Join us for a bi- monthly Zoom meeting that can be utilized to share resources and connect with other families. This month will be for the parents of adults (18+) with Down syndrome. The link for the meeting will be shared after registration. Registration closes on Tuesday, March 24th. Please register at Resource Zoom.

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Teen/Adult 321 Kitchen Crew Cooking Class

Thursday, March 26th

6:00-7:00PM via Zoom

Join us for a fun and interactive teen/adult virtual cooking class on Thursday, March 26th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom! Once you register, you’ll receive an easy recipe one week before the class, along with a list of ingredients and supplies to gather ahead of time. On cooking night, a guest chef from the community—often a partner connected to the Down syndrome community—will lead everyone through the recipe step-by-step. While the food is cooking, the chef may also share a little about their organization. Families will cook the same recipe at home alongside the chef, making it a shared and delicious experience for all. Please register at 321 Kitchen Crew. 

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Teen/Adult Sing & Swing Spring Fling

Friday, April 10th

6:00-8:30 p.m.

Join us for our Sing & Swing Spring Fling on Friday, April 10th, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at Eagle’s View Church (5440 W Bailey Boswell Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76179). The evening will be full of food, dancing, and karaoke fun! This event is for individuals with Down syndrome, ages 13 and older, and is a drop-off event. Registration closes on Friday, April 3rd. Please register at Spring Fling. 

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You Can Make a Difference in Alzheimer’s Research Presentation

Thursday, April 23rd

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join Neurologist Dr. Brendan Kelley and Research Coordinator Tania Romero from UT Southwestern as they share current research findings, discuss what they mean for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and explore how you can be part of the next chapter in Alzheimer’s research. This is for parents and caregivers of a loved one with Down syndrome who is 18 years or older. Dinner will be provided and space is limited. This event will take place at the DSPNT office (1000 Bonnie Brae Avenue, Suite 155 Fort Worth, Texas 76111). Registration closes Thursday, April 16th. Please register at RESEARCH. 

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Self-Advocate Retreat

May 1-3, 2026

DSPNT has been awarded an opportunity to take 12 self-advocates (individual with Down syndrome ages 18 and older) on a retreat to West Texas. We will spend two nights participating in programs and activities that promote independence.  Transportation and meals are all provided.  DSPNT staff will attend alongside some specially trained and screened volunteers. Interested participants should read the info sheet thoroughly before deciding to attend.  Because space is limited, preference will be given to self-advocates who actively participate in DSPNT programs and events. Please apply at SA Retreat. ​​

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Our Special Heroes Golf Benefit
Monday, June 1st at 9AM
Waterchase Golf Course, Fort Worth

30 years later, and our golf benefit is still going strong and supporting the Down syndrome community.

Money raised at the Our Special Heroes Golf Benefit directly supports programs that encourage health, wellness and inclusion including iCan Shine Bike Camp, and Buddy Up Pickleball.  All of these programs use trained volunteers and specially modified equipment that help individuals with Down syndrome gain new fitness skills, gain independence and confidence, and create opportunities for inclusion with their family and peers.  During our tournament you will get to meet some of our special heroes and hear what DSPNT means to them.  Register or see sponsor details at GOLF.

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iCan Shine Bike Camp

June 1-5, 2026

-OR-

June 15-19, 2026

DSPNT is excited to collaborate with Cook Children’s to bring two iCan Shine Bike Camps to our community. Bike Camp will be held at Game On Sports Complex (2600 Alameda Street, Fort Worth, TX 76108). Please register for Bike Camp at BIKE CAMP.

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DSPNT is awarding 10 scholarships for Bike Camp. To be considered, please complete THIS scholarship application. You will be notified if you receive a scholarship. After attending all five days of Bike Camp, DSPNT will mail a reimbursement check for the cost of camp.

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