After experiencing the educational, social, and support benefits offered by other Down syndrome advocacy groups around the country, the Bermudes, Green-Prieto, and Linn families -- each having a young child with Down syndrome -- formed the Down Syndrome Information Alliance. Together, with Sally Dominguez (whose granddaughter has Down syndrome) and Nicole Besoyan (whose daughter has Down syndrome), these families served as the founding Board of Directors. DSIA became affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress and the National Down Syndrome Society and began providing community services in late 2004. By mid-2005, DSIA had connected with local hospitals and became the local source of information for medical professionals and parents. In our first year, DSIA distributed 150 parent guides! DSIA now provides regular educational symposia, resources, support, activities, and myriad programs for the Down syndrome community.
The Down Syndrome Information Alliance provides support and resources to empower individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community. We envision a community where people with Down syndrome are empowered, respected as individuals, and accepted as valued participants in neighborhood schools, community activities, and the business world.
Funding for our Medical Outreach and DS 101 Programs. The DSIA Medical Outreach Program provides information and support to the medical community who is giving the families a diagnosis of Down syndrome and following up with care.
Funding for our iCan Shine Bike Program. The iCan Shine Bike program is a week-long camp that teaches children how to ride a bike on two wheels, unassisted. This crucial skill promotes transportation independence for later in these children's lives. iCan Shine Bike camp is an inclusive program, teaches kids with varying intellectual or developmental disabilities not only how to ride a bike, but also traffic and bicycle safety.
The Down Syndrome Information Alliance is a GROWING nonprofit! Our community and their needs are diverse, and the population we serve has grown from families who have kids with Down syndrome to adults with Down syndrome and other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To keep up, we need an active and engaged board, committed to our mission of serving those with these disabilities and their families, but also in educating the greater community about seeing the ABILITY and WORTH of those we serve!
The Down Syndrome Information Alliance is dedicated to fostering equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources, and we are committed to actively identifying and addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from fully participating in our programs and services. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment within our organization, where all voices are heard and valued, and we will continuously evaluate our practices to ensure we are effectively promoting justice and equity for all.
Organization name
Down Syndrome Information Alliance
other names
DSIA
2004
Tax id (EIN)
20-1702399
Mission Category
Human Services
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Board Members
Local Counties Served
Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado
Address
5098 Foothills Drive Suite 3-464Sacramento, CA, US
Placer County, CA, US
Yolo County, CA, US
Sutter County, CA, US
Yuba County, CA, US