ABOUT THE DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA
Advocate, Celebrate, Inspire
The Down Syndrome Association of Niagara is a 501c3 tax-exempt public charity and the only Affiliate Organization of The National Down Syndrome Society operating in Niagara County. We are a small group of parents and concerned family members that joined together in 1997 for the sole purpose of helping better the lives of our children and others born with Down syndrome in the Buffalo-Niagara locale.
WE ARE AN AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION OF:
THE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
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We, the Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, are an affiliate organization of The National Down Syndrome Society and Advocate for the Value, Acceptance and Inclusion of people born with Down Syndrome.
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MISSION/VISION
Our mission is to help benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through our advocacy efforts and raising positive awareness. We are committed to being part of a collaborative and community-wide effort to enhance the quality of life outcomes of people with Down Syndrome. Our primary objective is that each person be afforded opportunities that will help maximize their potential, realize their life aspirations, and lead a life of purpose and meaning.
Our vision is to embody our mission by raising positive community awareness about people with Down syndrome and promoting their value and meaningful inclusion in all aspects of community life. We are striving for all children born with Down syndrome to be viewed as able-bodied people and be afforded every opportunity possible to learn to lead healthy, meaningful and productive lives as contributing adults in society.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We will do anything within our power and means to respectfully and within reason advocate for the betterment of all families and their family members born with Down Syndrome. Our main focus is to raise positive awareness about Down syndrome and promote the abilities people with Down syndrome have to offer society. We started in 1996 with three mothers working together to raise positive awareness about Down syndrome and promote the inclusion of their children in the local school system. We are the only Niagara County licensed Affiliate organization of The National Down Syndrome Society. We uphold the national campaign message promoting the value and inclusion of all persons living with DS in THE BUDDY WALK OF BUFFALO NIAGARA, held annually in The Lewiston Peach Festival Parade. We have also held various social events for families to celebrate the lives of their children in the TURN IT UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME CONCERT IN THE PARK. Lastly, we have our annual DOWN RIVER RUN 5K race fundraiser. We are a parent-child support group and often the first responders for new and expectant parents with a voice of experience and hope. We collaborate with local libraries, hospitals, schools, and service providers to provide up-to-date resources and information on Down syndrome.
WHY DO WE FUNDRAISE?
Miles of Care Initiative: We actively help parents/family/caregivers with the transportation costs incurred by travelling out of NYS for life-saving medical treatments and/or surgery not provided in WNY for their loved one with Down syndrome. There is currently a shortage of facilities offering pediatric angiography, let alone cardiac surgery, in the WNY area. This forces most families to seek out medical centers in Boston or Philadelphia for their child's corrective life-saving surgery. Many, to most children, require multiple surgeries and frequent follow-ups. We believe families that 'stay together, heal together,' and our Kings and Queens of Hearts are testimony to this. Your contribution will help save a child's life!
Other Initiative: We are working towards giving people living with Down Syndrome the opportunity to engage in employment through operating a cafe.
MEET THE BOARD
Deborah L Fleck
President Of Down Syndrome Association of Niagara & Treasurer
Christine Vescio-Sirianni
Founder & Vice-President of Down Syndrome Association of Niagara & Co-Treasurer
Bobbie Meridith
Secretary
CONTACT US
DSAN always has our doors open. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions requesting our services, educational resources or general support.
PO Box 159, Lewiston, NY, 14092
