DSAW Connects: Statewide Summer Programs for All DSAW Chapters and MADSS
COVID-19 can’t stop our summer fun! Register for our summer edition of DSAW Connects!
DSAW Connects: Statewide Summer Programs provide multiple types of curriculum and activities for participants of all ages located anywhere in Wisconsin. People from any of DSAW’s chapters and from the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society are welcome! Not already connected to any of our locations? That’s okay!! All are invited. Our online summer programming runs from June 1 to August 14.
Although we are not able to be hand-in-hand this year, our classes will still be hands-on! Create your own day by picking and choosing which classes work for your family. This year’s goal is the same as always! Our committed and caring staff want to provide YOU with a positive learning experience by facilitating interactive and structured days full of fun activities and educational exercises. All you need is an internet connection to get in on the fun!
Wondering about the potential for in-person programs this summer? We will continue to evaluate all in-person activities as the weeks progress and the global response to COVID-19 unfolds. We have the potential to add back in small group classes/activities and small group day-camp as the summer progresses. However, we are in a unique position to offer you AWESOME virtual summer programming and daily one-on-one services now.
COVID-19 can’t stop our summer fun! Register for our summer edition of DSAW Connects!
DSAW Connects: Statewide Summer Programs provide multiple types of curriculum and activities for participants of all ages located anywhere in Wisconsin. People from any of DSAW’s chapters and from the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society are welcome! Not already connected to any of our locations? That’s okay!! All are invited. Our online summer programming runs from June 1 to August 14.
Although we are not able to be hand-in-hand this year, our classes will still be hands-on! Create your own day by picking and choosing which classes work for your family. This year’s goal is the same as always! Our committed and caring staff want to provide YOU with a positive learning experience by facilitating interactive and structured days full of fun activities and educational exercises. All you need is an internet connection to get in on the fun!
Wondering about the potential for in-person programs this summer? We will continue to evaluate all in-person activities as the weeks progress and the global response to COVID-19 unfolds. We have the potential to add back in small group classes/activities and small group day-camp as the summer progresses. However, we are in a unique position to offer you AWESOME virtual summer programming and daily one-on-one services now.
Statewide Summer Program Requirements
Each program will host up to 20 individuals and will utilize Zoom Breakout Rooms when appropriate to facilitate small group learning. Participants must meet the following requirements:
Each program will host up to 20 individuals and will utilize Zoom Breakout Rooms when appropriate to facilitate small group learning. Participants must meet the following requirements:
- Each course will have a section for individuals ages 18+ and a section for participants under 18. There is no minimum age. If you think your loved one would benefit from our classes, sign them up! If you are unsure if your loved one is ready, contact Chris to see if DSAW Connects is right for you.
- Able to use Zoom and interact with peers over webcam appropriately
- 1:1 in-home support IS available and decided on a case by case basis! Click here if you are interested in signing up for in-home support.
Registration
Please note that submission of this application does NOT guarantee your acceptance into the summer programs. You will be contacted by DSAW-Family Services to confirm your acceptance. Thank you!
Please note that submission of this application does NOT guarantee your acceptance into the summer programs. You will be contacted by DSAW-Family Services to confirm your acceptance. Thank you!
Cost
Each course costs $12.50 per hour. Contact your IRIS consultant, Family Care, or CLTS case manager to help you add these classes into your life/day. If you need help, contact Chris and she will assist you with the process. If you do not have access to one of these funding streams, you can also private pay. Please contact Chris if you are interested in one of our need-based scholarships.
We also have a whole menu of FREE, statewide Summer Fraternal Programs for our friends with disabilities, parents/caregivers, grandparents, families, expectant parents, and more!!
Questions about our summer programs? Contact Chris at chrisg@dsawfamilyservices.org or at 414-327-3729 Ext. 106.
Each course costs $12.50 per hour. Contact your IRIS consultant, Family Care, or CLTS case manager to help you add these classes into your life/day. If you need help, contact Chris and she will assist you with the process. If you do not have access to one of these funding streams, you can also private pay. Please contact Chris if you are interested in one of our need-based scholarships.
We also have a whole menu of FREE, statewide Summer Fraternal Programs for our friends with disabilities, parents/caregivers, grandparents, families, expectant parents, and more!!
Questions about our summer programs? Contact Chris at chrisg@dsawfamilyservices.org or at 414-327-3729 Ext. 106.
DSAW Connects: Statewide Summer Programs Schedule and Sections
Explore our fresh and fun summer classes! Some programs have multiple sections to accommodate participants’ busy lives :) All of these classes and course times are offered with two different sections: one for 18+ and one for participants under 18.
DSAW Connects Statewide Summer Programs are led by DSAW-Family Services staff and volunteers who have been interviewed and background checked.
Explore our fresh and fun summer classes! Some programs have multiple sections to accommodate participants’ busy lives :) All of these classes and course times are offered with two different sections: one for 18+ and one for participants under 18.
DSAW Connects Statewide Summer Programs are led by DSAW-Family Services staff and volunteers who have been interviewed and background checked.

DSAW Connects: Move & Groove
Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 9:00-10:00 AM OR Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 3:00-4:00 PM
Get your sweat on while having fun! We will learn new moves and dance to your favorite music.
Course Objectives: Physical fitness, self-expression, learning new movement styles and routines

DSAW Connects: Body Blast
Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00-10:00 AM OR Tuesday/ Thursday 3:00-4:00 PM
A modified and inclusive fitness class for all abilities! Fun workout music and socialization with friends will enhance your experience and keep fitness fun!
Course Objectives: Physical fitness, improving flexibility, stress reduction, body strengthening
Tuesday/ Thursday 9:00-10:00 AM OR Tuesday/ Thursday 3:00-4:00 PM
A modified and inclusive fitness class for all abilities! Fun workout music and socialization with friends will enhance your experience and keep fitness fun!
Course Objectives: Physical fitness, improving flexibility, stress reduction, body strengthening

DSAW Connects: Let’s Get Connected
Monday - Friday 10:00-11:00 AM OR 4:00-5:00 PM
Learn how to make new friendships while strengthening current relationships!
Course Objectives: Understanding the importance of safety and boundaries, social and speech development, collaboration
Monday - Friday 10:00-11:00 AM OR 4:00-5:00 PM
Learn how to make new friendships while strengthening current relationships!
Course Objectives: Understanding the importance of safety and boundaries, social and speech development, collaboration

DSAW Connects: Creative Corner
Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM OR Tuesday/ Thursday 2:00-3:00 PM
Participants will experience a variety of creative mediums including: cooking, art, writing, and more!
Course Objectives: Cultivating imagination, encouraging self-expression and creativity in an educational setting, exploring individuality
Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM OR Tuesday/ Thursday 2:00-3:00 PM
Participants will experience a variety of creative mediums including: cooking, art, writing, and more!
Course Objectives: Cultivating imagination, encouraging self-expression and creativity in an educational setting, exploring individuality

DSAW Connects: Around the World
Monday - Friday 12:00-1:00 PM
Take a trip around the world right from your own computer! Experience new cultures, foods, and languages from different countries across the world.
Course Objectives: Cultural understanding, recognition and appreciation of differences
Monday - Friday 12:00-1:00 PM
Take a trip around the world right from your own computer! Experience new cultures, foods, and languages from different countries across the world.
Course Objectives: Cultural understanding, recognition and appreciation of differences

DSAW Connects: Boost your Brain
Tuesday/ Thursday 1:00-2:00 PM
School may be out, but learning is always in! From mindful meditation to crossing the midline, learn a variety of activities that will teach you brand new ways to boost your brain!
Course objectives: Educational curriculum designed to enhance problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, confidence, and brain health
Tuesday/ Thursday 1:00-2:00 PM
School may be out, but learning is always in! From mindful meditation to crossing the midline, learn a variety of activities that will teach you brand new ways to boost your brain!
Course objectives: Educational curriculum designed to enhance problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, confidence, and brain health

DSAW Connects: Media Madness
Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Explore challenges and benefits associated with technology and our expanding social network all while enjoying popular media.
Course Objectives: Computer and technology literacy, internet safety, online social etiquette
Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Explore challenges and benefits associated with technology and our expanding social network all while enjoying popular media.
Course Objectives: Computer and technology literacy, internet safety, online social etiquette
Registration
Please note that submission of this application does NOT guarantee your acceptance into the summer programs. You will be contacted by DSAW-Family Services to confirm your acceptance. Thank you!
Click here to register a loved one who is age 18+ for any of our summer programs.
Click here to register a loved one who is under age 18 for any of our summer programs.
Please note that submission of this application does NOT guarantee your acceptance into the summer programs. You will be contacted by DSAW-Family Services to confirm your acceptance. Thank you!
Click here to register a loved one who is age 18+ for any of our summer programs.
Click here to register a loved one who is under age 18 for any of our summer programs.
Virtual Course Testimonials
See what others have said about DSAW Connects!
See what others have said about DSAW Connects!
- "I absolutely love DSAW's programs. It has really changed (my son's) life. He has so many more opportunities."
- “Oh my goodness! That class is PERFECT for (my daughter)!! It is exactly what she needs. Socialization in a large group, following directions, and exercising!! I am so excited how well she progressed with it as well! She wanted nothing to do with it in the beginning and by the end she was all in!!!! The little things that make me so proud and happy!! I am so excited for these opportunities!”
- "This is a wonderful program that (my son) is involved in at home due to Covid-19. It has kept him very social and interactive with his peers. Thank you to DSAW for providing this program! It's made our home life a lot of fun. The teachers Jen and Brittany are amazing."
- “DSAW saves the day: God Bless all of you at DSAW! The programming is just outstanding and has saved us! Thank you thank you thank you!!”
- "Just a quick note to thank you for holding these virtual classes and allowing (my son) to join. He misses seeing his friends so much. I can see that it is good for his soul to at least see these guys on the computer screen. When DSAW started offering these classes (before they went virtual) I felt badly that logistically it would be difficult for (my son) to participate since we are in Oshkosh. This has worked out very nicely."
- "Jen and Brittany are the best! (My daughter) has been doing virtual classes with the Down Syndrome Association and they are amazing! Tonight Jen and Brittany went above and beyond (like usual)."
- "Today was the best day ever! I'm so grateful DSAW found us!! Jen and Brittany sure did some awesome brainstorming! I was blown away by (my son's) spontaneous accurate answers today! It was one of those moments I wish for every day yet, it rarely happens--WOW! THANK YOU!!"
- "I’ve been really pleased with the classes and the way the kids have had the chance to get to know each other. Thank you for everything!"