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Our Mission is to educate stakeholders, unite our community, and build bridges between worlds, so that individuals with Down syndrome and their families are connected to opportunities for an amazing life.

Founded 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. 

The DSAA Board wishes to express its sincere thanks to Executive Director Sheryl Arno and the 2017 Buddy Walk Co-chairs  Meagan Nash and Norma Prescott for their dedication, hard work, and creativity in planning and preparing for the 20th Annual Buddy Walk.

"Meagan and Norma eagerly stepped up and agreed to co-chair Buddy Walk this year and brought new energy and ideas with every step," said Sheryl Arno, executive director of the DSAA. "Together, along with our volunteers and sponsors, they helped raise support and recognition for Down syndrome in Atlanta."

Due to the expected turbulent weather associated with Hurricane Nate, and with the safety and concern of our families, volunteers,supporters and vendors, the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) Board of Directors has decided to cancel Buddy Walk Atlanta, which was scheduled for Sunday, October 8 from 1-5 pm at the International Plaza in Atlanta.

Welcome to the 20th annual Buddy Walk Atlanta!

Your participation makes a significant impact on the Down syndrome community of Atlanta. Funds raised from this annual event allow us to provide support to new parents, offer educational workshops and seminars, facilitate connections through social events and educate the Atlanta community on Down syndrome and advocate for inclusion and supports.

A special thank you goes out to our honorary guest Sean McElwee from the Emmy winning A&E show Born This Way. Be sure to say hello and stop by the photo booth the first 15 min of each hour. We are asking for a donation of any amount to use the photo booth to take pictures with him and the props.  Get all the important Buddy Walk logistics here!

Are you a therapist, organization providing services for people with special needs, educational program or provider?  

Do you offer products or services that would make a difference for our families?

Reserve a table at our Resource Fair during Buddy Walk for $25. Products may not be sold during Buddy Walk, but you can offer a giveaway or raffle item. Contact Sheryl@dsaatl.org for more information.

We hope to see you out there on October 8th! Register Here Now or Make a Donation!

Welcome Sean McElwee to Buddy Walk Atlanta!

The DSAA Board and 2017 Atlanta Buddy Walk committee are excited to bring Sean McElwee from A&E's Emmy award-winning show Born This Way to hang with our Buddy Walkers and share some good fun. Sean and his mom will be spending the day with us at Buddy Walk and the team who raises the most money to support the DSAA will get the opportunity to share dinner with Sean and his mom that evening. You'll hear more from Sean in the week's to come. Go teams go!

Join us for the 20th Annual Buddy Walk® on October 8, 2017

It is our biggest event of the year. Every fall a few thousand of our families, friends, community and corporate partners gather to celebrate and offer support to our community. We are working hard to make sure this year's Buddy Walk® is the best yet. It kicks-off on October 8th at our new location at the International Plaza at the Georgia World Congress Center. Find out everything you need to know about this year's Buddy Walk!

On May 8, the governor signed HB 343, which removes "mental retardation" in GA code and replaces it with "intellectual disabilities." our new This was the first bill sponsored by Senator Scott Hilton, who is a past DSAA board president and active member of DSAA. Scott was joined by Sheryl Arno, board member Todd Hartle,  and other advocates to mark the occasion.