Welcome to our Community Resources page!

The information on this page has been shared with us by members of the PALS community. These opportunities and resources are not affiliated with or endorsed by PALS Programs. We are simply passing along information that may be of interest. Check out what’s available near you!

Opportunities Near You

  • Description: Come audition to be the lead actress in our short film, called PER SONUM.
    Logline: A successful songwriter with a major deal on the line is suddenly forced to become the sole guardian of her nonverbal niece with Down Syndrome.

    When?
    - Audition deadline: May 15, 2026
    - Film shooting: First week of September 2026 (Date To be confirmed)

    Where? Auditions via emails, Filming days will be in LA.

    Who?
    A 6-10 year old girl with Down Syndrome - comfortable sitting at a piano.

    Compensation?
    $125/ Day of shoot. (We are planning on shooting 5 days, 6 if we need a reshoot.)

    Interested in this opportunity or have any questions? Email us at salomecosta.contact@gmail.com or call us (424) 353-7495

  • Come learn dance choreography, rehearse numbers, and put on a show with us for your family and friends at High Street Studios in Ipswich, MA.

    Who? Teens and adults with special needs (age 12 and up) who are interested in learning dances to perform in our showcase!
    What? Join us this spring to learn dance choreography, rehearse numbers, and put on a show for loved ones and the community!
    When? April 24 - 26th, 2026.
    Where? High Street Studios in Ipswich, MA.

    Interested in this opportunity? Please fill out this form or email PowerOfDanceMA@gmail.com!

    Learn More Here.

  • The Improvaneer Method is excited to join PALS at several camps again this summer!

    Many of you already participate in their live or online programs but in case you haven’t heard of them or want to hear about some exciting updates, meet The Improvaneer Method! A company using improvisation to greatly increase social, workplace and lifetime opportunities for those of ALL abilities! They are the home of the world's 1st All Down syndrome improvisation troupe, The Improvaneers!, who just recently finished up a 7 show Midwest tour in August of 2025. This tour was filmed as part of an upcoming documentary highlighting the amazing journey of these talented performers. Check out the teaser here.

    The Improvaneer Method offers online improvisation programming through zoom classes led by Certified Directors. Through incredibly fun improvisation games, these classes build community, connection and essential life skills! 

    If you’re interesting in learning more or joining classes, click here.

  • The HANDS Study (Health Aging and Neurodevelopment in Down Syndrome) explores neurodevelopment in people with and without Down syndrome. We are investigating how the MRI and blood-based biomarkers can be used to assess brain and behavioral development as well as the onset of cognitive decline and dementia. 

    Who? Both persons with Down Syndrome and typically developing individuals ages 8 - 65. Participants will receive $100, a report of cognitive testing, and a chance to see their brain scans!
    What? Participation involves cognitive and behavioral assessments, interviews, MRI scans of the brain, and blood sample collections. The total duration of participation should be 4-8 hours.
    Where? Stanford School of Medicine

    Interested in this opportunity? Learn more and/or register using this link.

  • Volunteer with Down for Dance, a dance and arts program for all abilities, during their in-person winter/spring sessions!

    Who? Teens and adults, ages 14+
    What? Sign up to support in-person dance classes, including Hip hop, jazz contemporary & musical theater, held Monday–Thursday in the afternoons and evenings.
    When? January 12, 2026 - June 15, 2026
    Where?
    -La Habra, CA
    -Los Alamitos, CA
    -Irvine, CA.

    Interested in this opportunity? Please fill out this form.

Resources

 

  • Take the Next Step podcast was created in partnership with Hope Heals for families experiencing disability. Hosted by Amy Julia Becker, the podcast features short, honest, and hopeful conversations that offer practical ideas for building connection, belonging, and joy.

    Recent and upcoming episodes explore topics such as navigating special education, strengthening marriages while parenting children with disabilities, staying organized with complex schedules and paperwork, and talking about disability in everyday life.

    This resource may be especially helpful for parents and caregivers looking for encouragement and manageable next steps.

    Listen here: amyjuliabecker.com/step/

 

Have something to share?

If you know of an opportunity or resource that could benefit our community, we’d love to include it. Please submit your information below!

Please note: The opportunities and resources listed on this page are community-shared and are not affiliated with or endorsed by PALS.

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