Down Syndrome Resources, Support Groups and Disability Specific Organizations:

National
State Listings: IL / MN / NJ / OH / WI / / / (Official USPS State Abbreviations)

National

Down Syndrome On-Line offers a range of information resources and online services to the International Down Syndrome community published by Down Syndrome Education International, a leading international charity dedicated to advancing the understanding of effective ways of help the development and education of people with Down syndrome. This site offers a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date range of information, resources and services for families, practitioners and researchers caring for, supporting and investigating Down syndrome. For more information, visit their website.

National Association for Down Syndrome provides critical counseling and support for parents of newly diagnosed infants with Down syndrome as well as advocacy, and information and referral services. In addition, NADS sponsors conferences and educational programs for parents and professionals. Their website features a number of helpful resources, the latest news and legislative updated as well as an informative fact sheet on Down Syndrome. For more information, visit their website or call (800) 221-4602.

National Down Syndrome Congress is the national voice for state and local groups, individual members, persons with Down syndrome, and all other interested persons. It also serves as the clearinghouse on Down syndrome, offering information on the syndrome itself and all areas of concern related to persons with Down syndrome. They offer information via their Q&A web section and their toll-free hotline - (800) 232-6372.

National Down Syndrome Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. They focus on education, research and advocacy by distributing timely and informative materials, encouraging and supporting the activities of local parent support groups, sponsoring conferences and scientific symposia and undertaking major systems advocacy efforts. Their website features an Advocacy Center that empowers people with Down syndrome and their families to take action on the issues that affect their lives as well as current news and events. For more information, call (800) 221-4602.

State Listings

Illinois

National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) is the oldest not-for-profit organization in the country serving children and adults with Down syndrome and their families in Chicago, Illinois. They provide counseling and support for parents of newly diagnosed infants with Down syndrome as well as advocacy, referral and information services. In addition, NADS sponsors conferences and educational programs for parents and professionals. For more information, call (630) 325-9112.

Minnesota

Children's of Minnesota - The Down Syndrome Clinic provides specialized consultation to patients with Down syndrome from birth to 19 years of age. In addition to addressing medical issues, the Clinic's physician's can also address developmental issues such as feeding skills, gross motor development and fitness, communication skills, self care skills, social skills, and so on. For more information, call (612) 813-6777.

New Jersey

The Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey (DSACNJ) And Club Dreams is a non-profit parent support group, established to assist children and adults with Down syndrome (i.e., Trisomy 21) and their families in the following ways:
  • Offers an initial point of contact for local families who have received a diagnosis that their newborn or unborn child has Down Syndrome;
  • Provides support, encouragement and up-to-date information to parents of children with Down syndrome and to others whose lives are touched by them;
  • Offers meetings and social gatherings for people with Down Syndrome and their families;
  • Disseminates information to members about events, activities, speakers, conferences and other resources of interest to the Down syndrome community;
  • They maintain a network of families to foster an exchange of information regarding local medical resources, conferences, development programs, educational programs, etc. from which our families can benefit;
  • They celebrate the lives of our children and encourage them to reach their full potential;
  • They promote the inclusion of all people with Down syndrome in our schools and community through advocacy and information;
  • And are affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society.

For more information contact Down Syndrome Association at: 25 Scotch Rd, Ewing, NJ 08628 Tel: 866-369-6796 or by email at: dsacnj@dsacnj.org

Family Resources Associates Down Syndrome Support Group is a New Jersey non-profit agency located in Shrewsbury, NJ that offers services and a center for families with infants, children, adolescents and adults who are developmentally delayed or disabled. FRA's mission is to enhance the competency of the family and to strengthen the capabilities of each individual with a disability. FRA provides home-based early intervention for infants, therapeutic recreation programs and assistive technology services, along with family and sibling support groups. Their service area for home-based therapy is Monmouth County, NJ. Many of their assistive technology services are provided throughout the State of New Jersey. FRA offers services for any family with a child or family member with Down syndrome. These services include parent support, peer support, library, information, news, workshops and scholarships. To contact FRA call (732) 747-5310 or e-mail them at info@frainc.org.

Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association is a support and advocacy group serving families in Ocean County and the Jersey Shore area. The association offers opportunities to build friendships, network with others, and locate resources, information and support.

Ohio

The Upside of Downs of Greater Cleveland serves the greater Cleveland area by offering support, advocacy, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Their website features a very informative newsletter as well as a listing of resources that the center offers to its members. For more information, visit their website or call (216) 556-4021.

Wisconsin

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW), located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a mission to guarantee access to a full life for all individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and friends, through support and education. They offer many programs and services in support of this mission, which include an informative newsletter, new parent information packets, parent match services, community education, special events and more. For more information, call (414) 355-1404 or e-mail info@dsaw.org.

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