Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta

Description

The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started in 1978 by a group of parents of children with Down syndrome. Today there are 700 families who are members. DSAA offers educational conferences, website and email information, New Parent Seminars, social activities, support and networking groups, a newsletter, and materials for families. We have Parent Liaisons in contact with over 50 birthing hospitals in the metro Atlanta area, providing peer support to parents of newborns with Down syndrome. We provide financial support to and work closely with the Emory Down Syndrome Clinic, part of the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, and with the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic, part of the Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Disability. We sponsor a support group for Spanish-speaking families, with monthly activities that draw 40 or more Hispanic families for educational and networking opportunities. We network with other organizations to provide advocacy for individuals with disabilities. More than anything else, we provide awareness of the unique potential of children and adults with Down syndrome and try to help the public become better informed and more accepting.