March was a month full of energy, connection, and celebration across our DSAW chapters! From engaging community events and family gatherings to impactful programming and outreach, each chapter brought meaningful opportunities to life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Highlights included World Down Syndrome Day celebrations filled with creativity and community spirit, inclusive activities that fostered friendships and independence, and continued efforts to expand awareness and support throughout Wisconsin. Together, our chapters made March a powerful reflection of what it means to be connected, supported, and 3.21 Strong.

Central

Central Chapter

DSAW Central rolled into World Down Syndrome Day with a fun-filled celebration at the roller rink this March! Families and individuals came together for an afternoon of skating, laughter, and connection, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for all abilities. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate community, build friendships, and embrace the joy and energy of WDSD. 💙🛼

Chippewa Valley

March is always one of our favorite months here at DSAW–Chippewa Valley, and this year was no exception! 

We had an absolute blast celebrating World Down Syndrome Day together! The morning kicked off with tons of laughter and excitement at the arcade and trampoline center—such a fun way to get everyone moving and smiling. We then gathered for a delicious pizza lunch, sweet treats, and some fabulous door prizes. To top it all off, families made their way to the waterpark for even more fun! It was truly a fantastic day filled with connection, new friendships, and a joyful celebration of what makes our community so incredibly special. 

We’re also thrilled to have launched our bi-weekly Music Therapy sessions! Participants have been having so much fun exploring and experimenting with new instruments—it’s been amazing to see the creativity and enthusiasm grow each week. 

And of course, our Social Hangout group got together for a night of kingpin bowling, complete with strikes, spares, and a pizza party to keep the energy high. It was the perfect mix of fun, laughter, and time spent with friends. me at the museum!

Fox Cities

March was full of fun, laughter, and great time spent together with our DSAW Fox Cities families!

We started the month with Family Bingo Night, and it brought lots of excitement, cheering, and a little friendly competition. It was so fun seeing everyone get into the games and celebrate the wins together.

We also headed back to Xtreme Air for more jumping, energy, and nonstop smiles. It continues to be a favorite for so many of our families!

To end the month, we made a splash at our WDSD Pool Party. From swimming to playing and simply spending time together, it was such a fun and relaxed way to connect as a community to celebrate those most important to us. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us this month. We love these opportunities to be together and are already looking forward to more fun ahead 💙

Greater La Crosse Area

DSAW’s Greater La Crosse Area had a fantastic World Down Syndrome Day at Myrick Park in La Crosse. We celebrated with pizza lunch, laughter, smiles and cheerful reunions! Some participants were even brave enough to interact with some of the center’s snakes and reptiles.  In March, we also welcomed Terri Couwenhoven to lead a workshop on growth and development during puberty. Participants spent the day learning and growing together.

Green Bay

March was a busy and fun-filled month for DSAW- Green Bay!

Our Winter Book Club concluded 3/1/26 with a gathering at Kompound Cafe. It was inspiring to hear different perspectives, share thoughts, and connect with one another through reading. Stay tuned for our next read happening this summer — we can’t wait to announce the book and gather again!

Families kicked things off by staying active at Fun Fit Friday with GRIT920 on 3/6/26. The group enjoyed an energetic and inclusive workout that focused on movement, strength, and having fun together. A big thank you to the team at Grit920 for creating a welcoming environment and leading such a positive fitness experience for our participants.

Warmer days are on the way, and we’ve been soaking up every bit of winter fun while it lasts! DSAW families had a great time sledding at Winter Park on 3/10/26 —laughing, playing, and enjoying the snowy hills together. We love seeing our families come together and make memories in every season.

DSAW sponsored the Buddy Up Tennis Winter Session. This inclusive program provided athletes with Down syndrome the opportunity to learn and grow through the game of tennis while building confidence, coordination, and friendships. Throughout the winter session, participants worked alongside dedicated coaches and volunteers who helped create a supportive and encouraging environment both on and off the court. 

We were excited to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day together with families and friends during a joyful event filled with a variety of activities including a dance party, photo booth, art stations, an indoor playground, pizza, cookies, and community connection on March 21. It was a great opportunity for families to spend time together, meet new friends, and celebrate what makes our community so special.

To wrap up the month, parents and caregivers participated in our Equip Speaker Series Potty Training Workshop on 3/28/26. Board-certified behavior analyst Alice Belgrade shared her expertise and provided helpful tools during the session. Families learned practical strategies, tips, and encouragement for supporting successful toilet training for individuals with Down syndrome. Thank you to the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation for funding this important learning opportunity and helping us support families with valuable resources and education.

Thank you to all the families, volunteers, and community partners who made March such a wonderful month for DSAW! 💙💛

Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

We were broken hearted to have to cancel our big Blue Harbor WDSD Celebration on 3/15 because of the blizzard that hit the area. The good news is that we are rescheduling this event, now moved to July 12th, at which time we will be able to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor facilities at the resort. We are really looking forward to this event for the summer!

Our 3/21 Teen Hang Out that we hosted on World Down Syndrome Day was a great time! We learned to played Jumanji, got creative with Dinosaur Scribbles, and had snack time with Fritos and bean dip… YUM!! Lots of fun and laughter and what a fun way to celebrate the special day at our building. 

Our Mighty Mountain Movers gathering was held at Mini Mocha this month and it was a total hit with some of our youngest friends. Thank you to everyone who made this day such a treat!

South Central

March was full of connection, creativity, and celebration for DSAW-SC! 💙

We brought families together through events like Mom, Me, and Grandmas Craft Night, SibShop, and our grandparents group at JavaAbilities, while also offering valuable learning opportunities at the Waisman Center’s Day of the Experts and the Transition Fair in Stoughton. Our partnership with Children’s Theater of Madison continued with three exciting rehearsals.

Mid-month fun included The CREW Karaoke, a splash-filled day at Crawdaddy Cove, a High School Musical Movie and Dinner Night, and a playgroup at PlayN Wisconsin. Moms also enjoyed a well-deserved night out at our Rock ‘N It Pamper Party.

The highlight of the month was Gallery 21 in downtown Madison, celebrating World Down Syndrome Day—an inspiring evening of community, creativity, and inclusion.

We wrapped it all up with a fantastic Pizza Ranch fundraiser in Sun Prairie. Thank you to everyone who made March so memorable! ✨

Southeastern WI

March was full of fun, laughter and great times connecting with other DSAW families!  We started the month with a  Sensory Friendly Session at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum where we stretched our imaginations, explored, and met new friends.  We celebrated BIG with 245 people at our World Down Syndrome Day Pool Party!  We were able to take in a show at Racine Theatre Guild and saw Love, Ruby Valentine and finally, rounded out the month with a playdate with our DSAW friends at We Rock the Spectrum!  We’re excited to see what adventures await in April! 

Looking for upcoming events?
DSAW hosts activities and programs across Wisconsin throughout the year. Visit our Events Calendar to find opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the DSAW community.