October 3 | Buddy Walk® Indianapolis
Join families, self-advocates, friends, and community members for the 2026 Buddy Walk® Indianapolis at White River State Park. Enjoy family activities, an opening ceremony, the Buddy Walk, and opportunities to connect with other families and self-advocates. DSI will also have special gatherings for its Self Advocates Club 21 and Black Family Village communities.
Event Details
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: Check-in and family activities begin at 9:00 AM; Opening Ceremony at 10:00 AM; Walk at 10:21 AM
Where: White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN
Cost: Registration details available through the event website
Format: In person
Registration: Required for participation
Event Details & Registration: Visit the Buddy Walk® Indianapolis event page
DSI Self Advocates Club 21 Team
DSI's Self Advocates Club 21 team will gather at Buddy Walk® Indianapolis. Participants can stop by the New Parent Tent to meet Tia Spaulding, DSI's new Adult Program Coordinator, and join fellow self-advocates and families for the ½-mile walk.
Those who would like to make a sign for the walk can arrive as early as 8:00 AM. Supplies will be available for creating signs to carry or display during the event.
Join or support the DSI Self Advocates Club 21 Team
DSI Black Family Village Reunion
DSI Black Family Village will also gather at Buddy Walk® Indianapolis. Families are invited to meet at the vendor tent at 9:30 AM and connect with other families before and during the day's activities.
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together after the walk.
For more information, contact Dee Woodruff or email dixie@dsindianan.org.
About This Event
The Buddy Walk® Indianapolis brings together people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, and community members for a morning of connection, celebration, and movement at White River State Park.
The morning includes check-in and family activities, an opening ceremony, and the Buddy Walk. Participants can also connect with other families and community groups throughout the event.
For DSI families, the day includes additional opportunities to connect through the Self Advocates Club 21 team and the Black Family Village reunion.
Accessibility Highlights
Features Families May Appreciate:
Family-focused community event
Opportunities for self-advocate participation
½-mile walk option with DSI Self Advocates Club 21
Family activities before the walk
Opportunities to connect with other families
DSI Self Advocates Club 21 gathering
DSI Black Family Village gathering
Sign-making activity for participants joining the Club 21 team
Helpful Planning Tips:
Review the Buddy Walk® Indianapolis registration information before attending.
If joining the DSI Self Advocates Club 21 team, consider arriving as early as 8:00 AM if you would like to make a sign.
The Club 21 team will meet at the New Parent Tent.
Black Family Village families are invited to meet at the vendor tent at 9:30 AM.
Bring a picnic lunch if you would like to participate in the Black Family Village gathering after the walk.
Plan for an outdoor event and check the weather before heading out.
Families may want to identify a meeting spot in advance in case members of their group become separated.
Who Might Enjoy This Event?
This event may be a good fit for:
People with Down syndrome
Self-advocates
Parents and caregivers
Siblings and extended family members
Families looking for community connections
Families connected with DSI
Families interested in meeting other families with shared experiences
Anyone who wants to participate in an inclusive community event
What Families May Want to Know
Before you go:
The event takes place at White River State Park in Indianapolis.
Check-in and family activities begin at 9:00 AM.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 10:00 AM.
The walk begins at 10:21 AM.
DSI Self Advocates Club 21 participants can meet at the New Parent Tent.
Club 21 sign-making supplies will be available beginning at 8:00 AM.
DSI Black Family Village families will meet at the vendor tent at 9:30 AM.
Families attending the Black Family Village reunion are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.
Registration and additional event details are available through the Buddy Walk® Indianapolis event page.
Why Families May Appreciate It
Community events can be an opportunity to spend time together while also connecting with people who share similar experiences.
For families connected with DSI, Buddy Walk® Indianapolis offers several ways to participate. Self-advocates can join the Club 21 team, families can connect through Black Family Village, and everyone can take part in the larger Buddy Walk® community.
Having specific gathering points and activities may also make it easier for families who are attending with a particular group to know where to find one another.
Plan Your Visit
☐ Register for Buddy Walk® Indianapolis
☐ Review event details before attending
☐ Arrive by 8:00 AM if participating in Club 21 sign-making
☐ Meet the DSI Self Advocates Club 21 team at the New Parent Tent
☐ Meet DSI Black Family Village at the vendor tent at 9:30 AM
☐ Plan for the 10:00 AM Opening Ceremony
☐ Be ready for the walk at 10:21 AM
☐ Bring a picnic lunch if joining Black Family Village afterward
☐ Check the weather and plan for an outdoor event
☐ Bring any personal sensory or comfort supports your family may find helpful
What’s on Your Calendar?
Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?
