Our Mission
The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to support and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DSAM seeks to promote inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome by providing families and our communities with up-to-date information and education, enhancing public awareness of the inherent worth, value, and contribution of these individuals to society and fostering positive attitudes regarding people with Down syndrome.
We believe that the diversity of our community is a fundamental strength of our organization. Our mission is best fulfilled when we embrace diversity as a value and a practice inclusive of individuals with Down syndrome.
History
DSA Memphis began in 1973 as Down's Parents of Memphis, a small group of parents met while attending the first Early Intervention Program in Memphis at the Child Development Center. They began meeting to learn more about Down syndrome and to work to improve public awareness, while providing the most current care for their children. This group of parents went on to begin the early intervention program now known as Special Kids & Families.
Re-organized as a 501 (c) 3 under the name of The Down Syndrome Association of the Memphis & the Mid-South (DSAM), the organization is now serving as a support group for parents, families and friends of persons with Down syndrome. The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South is to support and empower people with Down syndrome and their families.
Under the direction and leadership of an Executive Director and Board of Directors, DSAM is volunteer driven. DSAM provides information for families of newborn babies with Down syndrome as well as current, unbiased and up-to-date information to professionals, conducts regular educational meetings, hosts social events, publishes a regular newsletter, assists parents in attending national research conferences, partners with other disability groups to sponsor conferences, provides a networking outlet to families, advocates for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome and provides support to families of individuals with Down syndrome.
The largest disability awareness event in the Mid-South is STEP UP for Down Syndrome hosted by DSAM each October. You can learn more about this and other upcoming events by clicking on the News and Events tab and you can view recent newsletters by clicking on the Newsletters tab.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call our office at 901.547.7588. If you are a new parent, we have a packet of information and a book, “New Parents Guide to Down Syndrome” for you. These are free by contacting the DSAM office.
The Down Syndrome Association recognizes and respects your privacy. Accordingly, we have procedures intended to ensure that your personal information is handled in a safe, secure, and responsible manner.