Teen
A Time of Change and Growth
The teenage years are pivotal times of change and growth, filled with new experiences and challenges, and your child with Down syndrome is steadily on the path to becoming more independent. During this crucial phase of development, it is essential to provide them with the right support and opportunities to explore their capabilities. Through robust and varied programming, engaging groups, and a multitude of other resources, DSACO creates enriching and rewarding experiences designed to help your child truly blossom into their potential. By fostering an inclusive environment, they empower young individuals to develop vital life skills, build meaningful connections, and gain the confidence needed to thrive in their journey toward adulthood.
Enrichment Lab
The Enrichment Center supports academic growth and vocational readiness by offering tailored tutoring and vocational training services. By focusing on individualized learning plans, this component helps students strengthen essential skills in a way that is engaging and suited to their unique needs, preparing them for future educational and job opportunities.
DSACO offers FREE tutoring to children (age 5+), teens, and adults with Down syndrome. Students will be tutored by our Special Education teacher, Bettie Shadoan. They use the first tutoring session with each new student as an “Assessment Session.” They will work with each student and analyze where they are academically, evaluate areas of strength, and evaluate areas that need focus. Bettie will build upon and track their progress each session. Each tutor creates an individualized learning plan for each student and incorporates dynamic, interactive learning approaches to keep each student engaged and excited to learn. Progress is the goal with each student and our tutors do a phenomenal job of building a relationship with each student and working alongside them to successfully complete each session.
Students will need to sign up ahead of time so that the teacher may properly prepare. If you have a conflict and are unable to attend the session you signed up for, please call the office (405-600-9981) and let someone know 24 hours in advance to avoid an absence fee of $5. We ask that you let us know 24 hours in advance as our teacher prepares an individualized lesson plan for each student and DSACO pays her for her time. Please do not sign up for more than one tutoring session a day, as DSACO would like to serve as many families as possible.
Meet Our Tutor
I am a retired educator of 32 years, 24 of those were as a Special Ed preschool teacher at Monroe Elementary School with OKCPS. I absolutely loved my job working with this population. I love creating materials to interest and challenge my students, using technology to practice important skills.
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Kylee's Kitchen
Kylee’s Kitchen is a fun and interactive cooking program offered by DSACO, designed to help teens and adults (ages 13+) with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities learn valuable cooking and kitchen safety skills. Participants are guided through hands-on lessons where they prepare simple, delicious recipes while gaining confidence in the kitchen.
Each session focuses on essential skills such as measuring ingredients, following step-by-step instructions, using kitchen tools safely, and practicing good hygiene. Participants also learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether making snacks, preparing a meal, or trying out new recipes, Kylee’s Kitchen emphasizes creativity, independence, and teamwork.Led by caring staff and volunteers, Kylee’s Kitchen is a fantastic way for participants to develop life skills, boost self-esteem, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating their own culinary masterpieces. The program also encourages social interaction as participants work together, share their creations, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
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Middle School Social Group
The DSACO Middle School & High School Social Group is a dynamic program designed for teens with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, providing them with a fun and inclusive space to socialize, make new friends, and develop important life skills. Tailored for students in grades 6-12 (approximately ages 13-21), the group offers a variety of exciting activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and self-expression.
Participants enjoy a mix of interactive events such as game nights, art projects, sports, movie outings, and more, all aimed at building friendships and enhancing social skills. The program fosters a sense of belonging and community, helping teens develop confidence in their interactions with peers.
Led by supportive staff and volunteers, the DSACO Middle School & High School Social Group offers a safe and positive environment where teens can be themselves, explore new interests, and have fun while preparing for adulthood. Parents also benefit by connecting with other families in the DSACO network, creating a broader community of support. This program is perfect for teens looking to expand their social circles and make lasting memories.
High School Social Group
The DSACO Middle School & High School Social Group is a dynamic program designed for teens with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, providing them with a fun and inclusive space to socialize, make new friends, and develop important life skills. Tailored for students in grades 6-12 (approximately ages 13-21), the group offers a variety of exciting activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and self-expression.
Participants enjoy a mix of interactive events such as game nights, art projects, sports, movie outings, and more, all aimed at building friendships and enhancing social skills. The program fosters a sense of belonging and community, helping teens develop confidence in their interactions with peers.
Led by supportive staff and volunteers, the DSACO Middle School & High School Social Group offers a safe and positive environment where teens can be themselves, explore new interests, and have fun while preparing for adulthood. Parents also benefit by connecting with other families in the DSACO network, creating a broader community of support. This program is perfect for teens looking to expand their social circles and make lasting memories.
Self-Advocacy Workshops
The DSACO Self-Advocate Workshops empower teens and adults (ages 13+) with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to take charge of their lives by developing key advocacy and life skills. These interactive workshops are designed to help participants build confidence, practice decision-making, and learn how to speak up for themselves in various areas of life, from personal relationships to the workplace.
Each workshop covers important topics such as self-advocacy, communication skills, financial literacy, healthy living, employment readiness, and community involvement. Participants engage in hands-on activities, role-playing scenarios, and group discussions to reinforce learning and gain practical experience in expressing their needs, goals, and rights.
Led by experienced facilitators and guest speakers, the Self-Advocate Workshops create a supportive and encouraging environment where individuals can explore their potential, set personal goals, and take steps toward greater independence. These workshops not only equip participants with tools for everyday challenges but also foster a sense of pride in their accomplishments, helping them become strong advocates for themselves and others.
Down with Driving
The DSACO Down with Driving event is a hands-on, immersive workshop designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities with the essential skills needed for safe and independent mobility. This engaging workshop focuses on key aspects of road safety, including identifying important traffic signs, understanding what to expect during a traffic stop, and general road safety practices.
Participants will actively engage in interactive activities that teach them how to recognize various road signs and their meanings, ensuring they are well-informed while navigating their environment. Additionally, the workshop will cover practical strategies for handling traffic stops, helping participants feel confident and prepared in real-world situations.The event also highlights alternative transportation options for those who may not drive, providing insights into public transit, ridesharing, and other accessible services that promote independent mobility.
This workshop is designed to be informative and supportive, fostering a sense of community among participants as they learn together. With guidance from experienced facilitators, the DSACO Down with Driving event equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the roads safely and independently.
Boundaries and the Basics Toolkit
The DSACO Boundaries and the Basics Toolkit is a modular series designed to empower caregivers and their loved ones with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to engage in meaningful conversations about essential life topics. This comprehensive toolkit focuses on personal hygiene, relationships, the basics of puberty, personal safety, and establishing healthy boundaries, providing caregivers with the resources they need to guide these important discussions.
Each module is structured to be engaging and accessible, offering caregivers practical information and interactive activities that promote understanding for both themselves and their loved ones. The series begins with personal hygiene, emphasizing the importance of self-care routines and helping caregivers instill confidence in daily practices. As families progress through the toolkit, they explore the complexities of relationships, learning about respect, consent, and effective communication in a supportive manner.
The basics of puberty are addressed sensitively, equipping caregivers to discuss this significant life stage alongside their loved ones. Personal safety is also a crucial focus, providing strategies for recognizing safe and unsafe situations, and highlighting the importance of self-advocacy.
The Boundaries and the Basics Toolkit is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, encouraging caregivers to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with their loved ones. With the guidance of the toolkit, families can navigate these important conversations together, fostering independence and empowerment as they work toward ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. This toolkit serves as a vital resource for building a solid foundation for healthy and safe lives.
