About Us

Our Mission

The mission of DSAA is to guide Atlanta’s Down syndrome community by connecting families and self-advocates to the partners, programs, education and resources they need to thrive.

Our Vision

DSAA's vision is to equip individuals with Down syndrome for a world that is ready for them!

What We Do

  • Orchestrate an annual Buddy Walk® each October to raise awareness and financial support.

  • Serve as a resource for individuals, families, and educators for a life span.

  • Oversee Camp Brightside, a weeklong sleepaway camp for individuals ages 13-22 with Down Syndrome.

  • Partnered with Jack’s Basket (a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate babies with Down syndrome.)

  • Partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta, providing programming and support.

  • Created and implemented Audition BootCamp- a 6-week class for adults with Down syndrome.

  • Coordinate year-round parent education programs.

  • Organize social gatherings and events for families, in particular, events for moms of children with Down syndrome.

  • Distribute current information about Down syndrome to OB/GYN practices, pediatricians, and hospitals in metro Atlanta through our Medical Outreach initiative.

  • Oversee a community-based parent networking program, currently comprised of 6 area groups.

  • Provide resources and implementation to the Hispanic Family Connection (HFC), a program of DSAA.

  • Provide resources and implementation to the Black Family Connection (BFC), a program of DSAA.

  • Advocate for issues affecting persons with Down syndrome locally and nationally.

  • Orchestrate a Holiday Party free of cost to our families, hosting as many as 750 attendees!

Core Values

Community

We are devoted to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families through targeted services, education, and advocacy to help them thrive and live amazing lives.

Commitment

We believe in serving our community with integrity, respect, inclusion, and honor and we strive to earn the reputation of being the model for all organizations supporting Down syndrome nationwide.

Collaboration

We are devoted to teamwork and dedicated to working with families, programs, partners, and other resources to provide unsurpassed value to our Down syndrome community.

Connection

We persistently leverage all reputable programs and partners to meet the holistic needs of our community throughout all life stages.

Creativity

We are focused on continuously improving how we serve our community by always fostering a willingness to “think outside the box,” try new things, and learn how to best optimize our partner connections and life-enhancing programs.

Celebration

We love our Down syndrome community, and we are proud to celebrate the unique gifts and success stories of all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

  • blue and yellow DNA strand

    What is Down syndrome?

    Down syndrome is a genetic condition
    where an individual has three copies
    of the 21st chromosome.

    Learn More
  • Latino baby boy with Down syndrome

    FAQ's for New Parents

    We know what you are going through,
    and we are here for you if you have
    questions or concerns.

    Frequently Asked Questions
  • Black adult man with down syndrome standing against brick wall

    Partners and Sponsors

    "Alone, we can do so little;
    together, we can do so much."
    —Helen Keller

    Learn More

Leadership

Allow us to introduce ourselves!

Staff and Board

Our History

Founded by a small group of parents in 1979, The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a 501(c)(3) Georgia non-profit organization dedicated to providing individuals with Down syndrome and their families life-long community connections.

There was a need to provide support and information to families who had, or were expecting, babies with Down syndrome. DSAA started working out of families’ homes and having board meetings at kitchen tables across metro Atlanta. In 1985, DSAA became a 501(c)(3) public charity. Throughout the 1990’s, DSAA found itself growing in both numbers of families touched and in funding resources.

In 2008, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary at a Gala Banquet and Dance. By 2008 DSAA was able to hire its first employees, an Executive Director and an Assistant Director.

Today, DSAA serves 800 families in 18 counties in the greater Metro-Atlanta area with its programs, services, resources, and activities for all age groups. It is the largest volunteer organization for those touched by Down syndrome in Georgia. DSAA is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA).