DSAW Connects Virtual Education
Educational and fun virtual programming for the entire state of Wisconsin
The DSAW Connects program, our premier online program offering, provides multiple types of curriculum and activities for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities across Wisconsin. Courses are geared for ages 12 and up, although individuals of all ages are welcome to try the classes.
Contact your DSAW Specialist to register for any DSAW Connects classes. If you don’t yet have a DSAW Specialist, click here to get started. If you have any questions, please contact Caitlin Cairo, Virtual Services Coordinator, at ccairo@dsaw.org.
Course Offerings
Morning Fitness: M-F 9-10 AM
A virtual and modified fitness class for all abilities! In this class you will learn isolated body repetitions set to fun workout music. Yoga and socialization with friends will enhance your experience and keep fitness fun!
Afternoon Fitness: M-F 4-5 PM
Feeling sluggish in the afternoon? Our afternoon exercise class is a virtual and modified fitness class for all abilities! In this class you will learn isolated body repetitions set to fun workout music. Yoga and socialization with friends will enhance your experience and keep fitness fun!
Kitchen Basics Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-3 PM
Kitchen Basics is a class where culinary enthusiasts embark on a delightful journey into the world of cooking and kitchen creativity! We will learn the basics of nutrition, kitchen safety and the life skill of independently cooking (Cooking portions of class will be recorded to watch again to work on at home with parent/guardian)
Lets Get Connected Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3-4 PM
Explore the idea of connections through technology, social opportunities, travel, job exploration, people, and new world experiences!
Sports Talk: Thursdays: 3-4 PM
Back by popular demand, this virtual class will be a fun filled hour focusing on all things sports! Discussing players, teams, history, current topics, sports trivia and fun statistics
Creative Corner: Monday Nights 6:30-7:30 PM
Explore your creative side with our virtual art class! Participants will engage in the art making process using a wide range of media and techniques.
FREE!!: Think Rights, Safety, & You: Tuesdays 1-2 PM
A self-advocate co-taught class where participants will learn about themselves, their communities, and other topics like safety and communication. This class is for participants 16+. We will cover the following units: Knowing Yourself, Being Part of Your Community, Problem Solving, Rights, Voting, Communication, Safety at Home, Safety in the Community, Abuse Awareness, and Relationships.
FREE!!: DSAW Stream Team: Tuesdays from 3-4PM
A weekly virtual hang out for self-advocates ages 12+ from all over Wisconsin! This group focuses on forming friendships, fun Zoom activities, and having fun!
Life Skills & Laughter: Tuesday Nights 6-8 PM
Join DSAW for a virtual class that combines life skills, learning, and FUN! The first hour is designed to develop life skills while the second hour offers a variety of fun games, online exploration, trivia, relationship building, and lots of laughter!
Relationships: Wednesday Nights 6:30-7:30 PM
In this virtual class you will learn how to make new friendships while strengthening current relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safety and boundaries, appropriate communication, self-advocacy, and consent.
FREE!! Pathways to Independence: Thursday Nights 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Learn how to navigate key life transitions like independent living, moving, going to college, and finding a job. Gain valuable insights from DSAW self-advocates as they share their experiences and strategies for success. This workshop is packed with resources and guidance to help you thrive independently. Let's build confidence, connections, and a brighter future together!
FREE!!: DSAW Zoom Zumba: Tuesdays from 5-6 PM
An inclusive virtual fitness class for the whole family! Our friend and certified Zumba instructor at Dance Life Studio, Nita, will lead us through a 60-minute session with easy-to-follow steps and upbeat music that might make you forget that you’re exercising! Zumba is a friendly workout for individuals at all fitness levels and abilities.
Young Leaders Academy: Thursday Nights 6:00-7:00 PM
This virtual class prepares self-advocates with real world skills. Topics of discussion include: community involvement, communication, voting, self-advocacy, rights, & safety.
FREE!!: Virtual Movie Night: Friday Nights 6:30-8 PM
Grab your popcorn & snacks and cozy up to your computer; it's movie night! Join DSAW for entertainment with films and fun!
Cost
DSAW offers both paid and free services. Contact your IRIS consultant, Family Care, or CLTS case manager to help you add these programs into your life/day.
Tim Giuliani, DSAW’s Operations Manager, can help you with all billing and authorization-related questions. If you do not have access to one of these funding streams, you can also opt to pay privately. Cost will not impact someone’s ability to access and participate in DSAW’s educational programming. We do have need-based scholarships available.
All of DSAW’s classes and programs are taught by trained, background-checked, skilled professionals.
