Empowerment Series

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 work on a skill. Registration is required. For most series, there is a one-time $20 fee to participate for the entire series. DSAGC families are welcome to use our Community Participation Fund to help cover the cost.

Below are the Empowerment Series available for Spring 2023. New Empowerment Series are offered each quarter.

Winter (Jan, Feb, Mar - registration opens Dec 1)
Spring (Apr, May, June - registration opens Mar 1)
Summer (July, Aug, Sept - registration opens June 1)
Fall (Oct, Nov, Dec - registration opens Sept 1)

Spring 2023 Empowerment Series

Music Therapy with Kim

Ages: 0 - 7
Date: Thursdays (April 6, 13, 20, 27)
Time: 5:30 – 6:15pm
Location: Piano Players Music Studio – 8479 Mason Montgomery Road, Suite 1, Mason, OH 45040
Cost: $20
Description: In this class, parents and children will interact through discovering instruments, learning new songs, movement, and sensory exploration all while working towards developmental milestones in communication, social, and motor skills.
Register

Jump Start Swim Camp PRESCHOOL

Ages: 3 - 5
Date: June 5 – June 9
Time: Group A: 9 - 9:30 am, Group B: 9:30 - 10:00 am, Group C 10:00 - 10:30 am, Group D: 10:30 – 11 am, Group E: 11:00 - 11:30 am, Group F: 11:30 - 12:00 pm
Location: Goldfish Swim School - 7058 Ridgetop Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069
Cost: $30
Description: This swim camp is a great way to introduce the fundamentals of water safety and get your child water ready in a hurry! The Jump Start Clinic includes five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons that focus on everything from teaching the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique.
During this camp these are the skills we will be working on
• kicking with support
• breath control going underwater
• gliding
• front and back float
• simple freestyle
• rollover safety skill
**A parent or caregiver will be required to be in the water and participate with their child during this class.
Register

Jump Start Swim Camp SCHOOL-AGE

Ages: 6 - 15
Date: June 12 – June 16
Time: Group A: 9 - 9:30 am, Group B: 9:30 - 10:00 am, Group C 10:00 - 10:30 am, Group D: 10:30 – 11 am, Group E: 11:00 - 11:30 am, Group F: 11:30 - 12:00 pm
Location: Goldfish Swim School - 7058 Ridgetop Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069
Cost: $30
Description: This swim camp is a great way to introduce the fundamentals of water safety and get your child water ready in a hurry! The Jump Start Clinic includes five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons that focus on everything from teaching the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique.
During this camp these are the skills we will be working on
• kicking with support
• breath control going underwater
• gliding
• front and back float
• simple freestyle
• rollover safety skill
**A parent or caregiver will be required to be in the water and participate with their child during this class.
Register

Movement and Dance

Ages: 6 - 12
Date: Saturdays (April 1 – 22)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Location: DSAGC Empowerment Center - 4623 Wesley Ave, Suite B Cincinnati, OH 45212
Cost: $10
Description: Join Miss Julie and her lovely assistant, Megan, for an hour of movement, expression, and fun! We will learn some simple choreography and combine it with our own unique dance moves.
Register

Theatre Program

Ages: 12 - 17
Dates: Mondays (April 17 – May 22)
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
Location: DSAGC Empowerment Center - 4623 Wesley Ave, Suite B Cincinnati, OH 45212
Cost: $40
Description: Want to have fun, be a better you, and maybe even a star?! Jump in with both feet to this exciting partnership with DSAGC and American Legacy Theatre! With a commitment to making a more equitable tomorrow through accessible theatre, we are making sure you are empowered to be the best version of you! This multi-week program will have elements of both individual and collaborative exploration that focuses on storytelling around themes and ideas important to you. This will include movement, vocalization, improvisation, and more! Our hope is to adapt flexibly to the needs of the group and improve your skills to be ready to share some of your work with friends and family on May 22. No previous theatre experience required. However, we do ask that you commit to regular attendance and have a very open and positive mindset. We can #BreaktheWalls together! This program is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.
Register

Intro to Golf

Ages: 13 and up
Dates: Wednesdays (April 19 – May 10)
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Meadow Links and Golf Academy - 10999 Mill Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
Cost: $20
Description: Join golf pros from Hamilton County Park District to learn some basics of golf! They will introduce various golf swings and discuss the rules and etiquette of the game. Golf clubs and balls will be available for use, but feel free to bring your own if you have them.
Register

Safe, Strong, Thriving: Self-Defense

Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Mondays (March 6 - March 20)
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: DSAGC Empowerment Center
Cost: $20
Description: This series of classes will provide a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations - from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. We will practice all 5 safety principles of Empowerment Self-Defense—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, activities, and hands-on, gross-motor technique practice. Key lessons will include communicating and respecting personal boundaries, understanding consent, knowing when to leave an unsafe situation, and getting support when you need help. A primary caregiver is required to attend each session.
Register

Lifelong Learning Labs: Math

Ages: 22 - 34
Dates: Tuesdays (April 18 - May 23)
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: DSAGC Community Room – 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Cost: $20
Description: Our Lifelong Learning Labs are for those who have graduated high school and are looking to continue working on their educational skills. Our instructor will work on math skills throughout a variety of functional avenues. Dinner will be provided to participants each night.
Register

Healthy Living

Ages: 18 & up
Dates: Mondays (May 1 – May 15)
Time: 6 – 7:30 PM
Location: DSAGC Community Room - 4623 Wesley Ave Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Cost: $15
Description: Each week, experts in physical health, mental health, and nutrition will provide hands-on learning opportunities. These classes will allow adults with Down syndrome to learn fun exercises, how to practice mindfulness, and participants will have the opportunity to make healthy food choices with a buffet dinner.
Register

Movement and Motivation

Ages: 30 & up
Dates: Thursdays (April 13 – May 4)
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: DSAGC Community Room - 4623 Wesley Ave Suite A Cincinnati, OH 45212
Cost: $20
Description: Fitness Instructor, Lauren Krebs, will lead participants through a series of low impact movement exercises that will focus on strength, balance, and stamina. This class is open to individuals of all athletic abilities from beginners to pros! We will end the series with the opportunity to complete the Flying Pig PigAbilities (1 mile) on Saturday, May 6!
Register