Welcome to the Northwest Down Syndrome Association
The NWDSA has been a parent-driven family support network since 1997. The NWDSA’s mission is to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability including Down syndrome.
The NWDSA will accomplish this mission by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by Down syndrome. We will work to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with Down syndrome. Our vision also embraces professionals and the cross disability community. We believe that relationships are the cornerstones of our organization and that they should be both honored and nurtured.
The NWDSA mission and values are the north star of our organization, and guide us in our work to build a community of informed, empowered parents. Read the NWDSA statement of values.
While our roots are as a Down syndrome organization, our work around inclusive schools and communities embraces all learners. In 2005, we started our All Born (In) Cross Disability work. Visit the NWDSA’s sister site, AllBornIn.org to learn more about the All Born (In) cross-disability inclusion movement.
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Latest NWDSA News & Articles
Bike First wins Impact Award
Bike First! is proud to announce that it has received the first inaugural Impact Award from the Multnomah Athletic Foundation.
Divorce Rates Lower Among Parents Of Children With Down Syndrome
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) researchers are reporting slightly lower divorce rates for families raising a child with Down syndrome than in the comparison groups.
Defying the odds
Shawn Sullivan and Ann Donaca-Sullivan knew their lives would change when their son, Cody, was born. But they didn’t expect the school to get in his way. (Source: Grant Magazine)
Man With Down Syndrome Runs N.M. Restaurant
In addition to breakfasts and lunches, Harris serves hugs, and lots of them. So far, he’s doled out up to 32,4750, according to a “hug counter” on the eatery’s website.
Open Arms Vancouver Has a New Home
We are very excited to announce a new partnership with a local, mom-owned business in Vancouver!
Latest Action Alerts
Community Vision is hiring a full-time VISTA volunteer to help develop the Dream Builders program - Deadline 6/20/13
Community Vision, Inc. (CVI) seeks an engaged, self-motivated Americorps VISTA member to serve a year in Portland, OR, as the Dream Builders Program Specialist. Click the link to download an infosheet PDF.
Join Us for Advocacy Day in Salem
On March 28th, board members of NWDSA and family members will be traveling to Salem for a fun- and info-filled field trip.
Washington Residents: Act Now to Keep Children with Developmental Disabilities Out of Institutions
For Washington Residents: Call your legislators today if you are concerned about the continued use of institutions in Washington State!
Latest Advocacy News & Articles
Inclusive education for children with disabilities can transform lives, says UNICEF
Progressive policies in inclusive education have made positive changes in the lives of children with disabilities in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, according to UNICEF today.
TASH Responds to News Article ‘Inclusion May Not Be Best After All’
TASH has submitted the following letter in response to a recent article in Disability Scoop, “Study: Inclusion May Not Be Best After All”.
Disability Advocates Claim Victory In Portland Schools Settlement
Advocates for disabled people in Oregon say they’ve won a significant settlement from the state’s largest school district.
