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TO SUPPORT THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY

Your Support Matters
The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization with the mission to empower individuals and families, create community, and celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome. Our vision is for all people with Down syndrome to achieve their fullest potential in and accepting and inclusive society. Membership is free and open to all. Most of our programming is free or heavily subsidized, all made possible because of generous individuals, corporations, and foundations like you.
What We Do
The Association provides programming to serve individuals with Down syndrome, their families, their educators, providers and supporters across the state of Minnesota and in border communities in our neighboring states. Our programs and services include:
Information & Outreach
  • Information for new and expectant parents, medical professionals, and the broader community to better understand Down syndrome.
  • Conferences, webinars, and educational programming for individuals with Down syndrome, their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
  • Webinars, workshops, and resource for educators.
  • Outreach and support to educators, potential employers, and the medical community to provide accurate information and resources.
Parent & Family Support
  • New & expectant parent line - open 365 days a year.
  • Mentorship and networking opportunities.
  • Parent support groups in 19 communities.
  • Specialty support groups for new parents, Somali parents, Latino parents, parents of adults, dual diagnosis, grandparents, and siblings.
  • Celebrations and gatherings throughout the year, throughout the state.
Individual Support
  • Direct programming for youth to build skills and social opportunities including music, improv, and bike camp.
  • Programming for teens and adults to promote self-advocacy and independence; and to improve social and job skills.
  • Two-day retreat style conference for teens and adults with workshops on health & safety, job skills, social & emotional skills, and self-advocacy.
Advocacy & Awareness
  • World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kits, serving more than 11,000 students in 450 classrooms in 2020.
  • World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations across MN to raise awareness and highlight all that with individuals with Down syndrome bring to our communities
  • Disability Day @ The Capital in partnership with the ARC Minnesota.
  • Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk and Family Festival which attracts more than 5,000 individuals from across the state to connect and celebrate the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
  • October Down Syndrome Awareness month Champions & Changemakers campaign.
  • Ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts with government offices and agencies whose actions and policies affect our members.
Response to COVID-19
Since March 2020, the Association, like thousands of nonprofits and businesses across the state, has been challenged to change our approach to serve families through this public health crisis. Since March we have:
  • Added more than 200 hours of live programming including weekly skills classes, webinars, parent groups, and self-advocate groups.
  • Created a Financial Assistance Fund for families facing financial hardship due to COVID. To date, we have supported 53 families (program open through 9/7).
  • Partnered with a local disability care company to subsidize respite and summer care for families because schools and camps are not open.
  • Hosted a virtual prom, virtual grad party, and countless other social opportunities for self-advocates to stay connected and engaged with friends and peers.
  • Served nearly 700 individuals and families through our programs and referral services.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors for Step Up 2019
We know 2020 is shaping up to be a difficult year for some. We sincerely appreciate ALL of our historical supporters. If your company is in the position to sponsor this year, we would certainly appreciate it. Our community needs it more than ever.