Down Syndrome Awareness Group
From the Family Favorite - Sponsored
Down Syndrome Awareness Group is a volunteer-led organization aimed at connecting and celebrating the Capital Area’s local Down syndrome community. The organization provides community-wide parent support through shared knowledge and experiences while promoting social change and public awareness to improve the quality of life for all individuals with Down syndrome. DSAG was founded by local parents in 1983 and passionately serves the families of East and West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Iberville, the Felicianas, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, and Saint Helena parishes. DSAG connects and celebrates the Down syndrome community by hosting events throughout the year such as pool parties, bowling competitions, a family day at the Baton Rouge Zoo, and the nonprofit’s flagship event, The Buddy Walk, just to name a few. The Buddy Walk is held annually in March and brings crowds of more than 1,500 people. DSAG offers several scholarship opportunities annually which benefit individuals with Down syndrome and extra special educators looking to further their studies in special education. DSAG also serves new and expectant families through its outreach program, First Connect, and its regularly hosted “Mommy Meet-ups” – both aimed at providing support, perspective, and hope for new families in the Down syndrome community. DSAG has also entered into several paid partnerships with local businesses to offer free or greatly discounted products and services to individuals with Down syndrome, such as free swim lessons at either location of Crawfish Swim School, $250 off any vision service or product at most locations of Williamson Eye Center, and unlimited free movies, popcorn, and drinks for individuals with Down syndrome and up to 3 guests any time at Celebrity Theatres – Baton Rouge.
At DSAG, we are excited about the future of the local Down syndrome community and are always looking to develop new programs and partnerships with businesses open to making a difference and having a positive impact on this deserving group of extra special individuals. Because at DSAG, we do not just serve the Capital Area’s Down syndrome community. We are the community.