What We Do
Our Vision
A happy, healthy, accepting environment that enables independence for people with Down syndrome so that they may reach their potential at all stages of their lives.
Our Mission
We empower individuals with Down syndrome and their communities through education, resources, outreach and advocacy. We are committed to amplifying our collective voices and broader needs to drive meaningful change.
How do we accomplish our mission?
We work hard to deliver programs and initiatives that center Connection, Community, and Advocacy:
Provide Connection for families to professional and therapeutic services
Build Community between groups of new and existing friends
Participate in Advocacy for the broader Down syndrome community in Maryland and beyond
See our 2022 ImpactSee our 2024 Impact
Got a question or need a resource? Contact DSAmd: info@DSAmd.org / 410-321-5434 (call or text)
Funding
Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Inc., doing business as Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are funded through fundraising events, including the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, corporate sponsors, and donations from generous supporters just like you. Our EIN is 52-1753132. Click here to Download our W-9. Click here to visit our Donate page.
Strategic Plan
A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for our future. The goal of the strategic planning process is to
provide focus and direction to the organization over the next 5 years, and improve consistency and effectiveness of support and programs.
See our UPDATED 2021-2026 Strategic Plan
History
The group was founded in 1982 by a small group of parents looking to share information and network in order to serve their children with Down syndrome. In 2015, we engaged an external facilitator and began a strategic planning process, the biggest result of which was a commitment to moving from an all-volunteer model to paid staff for continuity of service to the Down syndrome community. We began by engaging part-time contractors to carry out the mission. In 2020, we hired our first, full-time employee - another commitment to consistent and timely support of the community into the future. Currently, we support nearly 800 families, individuals, and organizations with an interest in the well-being of persons with Down syndrome. In 2022, after a planned process of internal and external focus groups and surveys, we registered our new trademarked name: Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, a name that became official on Valentine’s Day 2022.