We're Here Every Step of the Way
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis serves, supports, and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, through every stage of life. Our vision is for an inclusive community where all people with Down syndrome can achieve their full potential.
Upcoming DSAGSL Events
Every Week
Virtual Programs
We may not be able to gather in person, but DSAGSL is still here for you, every step of the way. Join us on Facebook, Zoom, and YouTube for virtual programming! Find a full schedule, links to log in, and details on our events calendar.
March 21
World Down Syndrome Day
Raise awarenss in your community! Purchase a World Down Syndrome Day T-shirt! Come enjoy the Dive-By Car Parade at our new office! Share photos and videos on social media! There are lots of ways to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome on 3/21!
February 22
In honor of the third copy of the 21st chromosome, we invite you to run an in-person or virtual 5k (plus a little extra!) with us on June 13th!
Registration is coming soon and early bird pricing ends 3/21 !
June 13
Step Up for Down Syndrome
Step Up for Down Syndrome is our largest celebration and fundraising event of the year! Donations from this event allow us to provide vital and life-changing programming to over 1,800 individuals with Down syndrome and their families!
DSAGSL is committed to being the most comprehensive resource on
Down syndrome in the area
Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in every 691 live births, making it the most frequently occurring chromosomal anomaly. There are about 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome and approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the United States.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information Update
The DSAGSL is committed to sharing the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and the vaccine to our community. Here is a summary of what we know right now:
- In Missouri, individuals with Down syndrome and their home-health caregivers have been added to the vaccine priority list labeled Phase 1B – Tier 2 which focuses on protecting those who are at increased risk for severe illness and the individuals who care for them. People in this group are eligible to receive the vaccine now (update 2/23/2021)
- Individuals in Phase 1B – Tier 2 should register for the vaccine at covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator
- In Illinois, caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are listed as eligible to receive a vaccine in Phase 1a of the Illinois Vaccine Administration Plan (VAC). Illinois is currently vaccinating phases 1a and 1b
- The eligibility of a caregiver of an individual with Down syndrome in Illinois can be ascertained by presenting medical
documentation of the qualifying condition of the member of their household who has a
disability - DSAGSL continues to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome to be added to the priority list for the vaccine
- Click here to learn more about Illinois caregiver eligibility
- Click here to learn more about Illinois’ Vaccine Administration Plan (VAP)
- Safety: There is no current evidence that vaccines are associated with increased side effects in individuals with Down syndrome, but it will be important to consult a healthcare professional before accessing the vaccine.
- Click Here to watch a short video from Chief Scientific Officer at LuMind IDSC, Jim Hendrix, reviewing information about the COVID-19 vaccine and Down syndrome
- Click Here to review the research reported by T21 Research Society
DSAGSL is currently advocating for Caregivers in Missouri and Adults with Down syndrome in Illinois to be listed in priority phases of the vaccine distribution plans. DSAGSL will continue to provide updates to our families on our website as well as through our e-newsletter and social media. Sign up to receive our e-newsletter at dsagsl.org/signup and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/dsagsl
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 314-961-2504 or info@dsagsl.org
Wishing you all health and wellness,
Erin Suelmann, Executive Director
Family Support Programs
Family support can start as early as a prenatal diagnosis. Our Expectant Parent section provides information and resources specific to those who are expecting a baby with Down syndrome. Many of our families find out that their baby has Down syndrome after birth. The New Parent section has information such as our New Parent Packet and our New Parent Support Network, as well as resources for Grandparents.
Advocacy & Awareness
Join us in our mission to benefit the lives of individuals with Down syndrome
Part of our mission is to benefit the lives of people with Down syndrome through public awareness and advocacy. We do this through events, programming and with the help of partner organizations.
Down Syndrome Education Specialist
The DSAGSL is proud to offer the Down Sydrome Education Specialist Program! This partnership program is a joint effort between greater St. Louis area schools, agencies, parents and the DSAGSL. The goal of the partnership is to provide support for educators, parents and professionals seeking to build a meaningful education for students with Down syndrome.
