The systems weren’t built to catch everyone. Your support helps fill the gaps.
Thriving should not depend on zip code, income level, or luck
Families in the Down syndrome community are resourceful, resilient, and deeply committed to helping their loved ones thrive. But even the most dedicated families can’t do it alone, and they shouldn’t have to.
Across education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion, gaps exist. Some services are underfunded. Others are inconsistent, inaccessible, or end abruptly at key life transitions. These gaps aren’t always visible, but their impact is felt every day.
The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland (DSAmd) exists to fill those gaps.
When you give, you are doing more than funding programs. You are ensuring continuity. You are reducing feelings of isolation. You are helping individuals with Down syndrome access opportunities and resources that allow them to grow and connect.
Together, we can fill the gaps, so every individual with Down syndrome has the chance to thrive.
Your donation gives connection and advocacy to this generation & the next.
The Need in Maryland
Families of individuals with Down syndrome face:
Gaps in services. Many experience long waitlists for speech, occupational, and other therapies—sometimes 12 months or longer.
Fragmented systems. Parents must navigate early intervention, special education, medical specialists, insurers, and adult services like the Developmental Disabilities Administration—often with little coordinated guidance.
Isolation and stigma. Without peer support and inclusive environments, families and individuals can feel alone, misunderstood, or excluded.
In Maryland, an estimated 9,000-10,000 individuals are living with Down syndrome, and DSAmd currently supports over 800 of them.
Your support helps to fill these gaps.
2024 By the Numbers
30+ education, connection, and community programs offered to individuals with Down syndrome and their families
500 families and individuals supported with direct resource guidance and navigation help
9 adults with Down syndrome earned a fair stipend for work with DSAmd, modeling inclusive employment
13 recurring therapy or education programs delivered across 6 Maryland counties
78 new families welcomed and connected through our First Call and parent support
1,400 individual program registrations (not including World Down Syndrome Day or Step Up events)
2,260 children and adults reached through World Down Syndrome Day activities
Over $200,000 invested directly into Maryland’s Down syndrome community
Yet, we know this is just the beginning. Waiting lists, underserved counties, and unmet needs remain.
Your business can make a difference that’s tax-deductible and increases your brand recognition.
Sponsor a Program
Program sponsorship opportunities start as low as $250 - see our program sponsorship form, HERE.
No one should have to advocate for their child’s education alone
“That search [for an education program] was long and painful. It included blatant discrimination based on his medical, not educational, diagnosis of Down syndrome. It involved more tears than I care to remember.
It isn’t something I’d wish upon anyone else. Ever.”
READ the Baumeister’s story about the onus behind the Meister Advocacy Fund by clicking here.
Host a Fundraiser
There are plenty of ways to support people with Down syndrome beyond making a donation right now. If you’d like to host a fundraising event to benefit our mission, please reach out - we’re so grateful for your help. Contact: director@DSAmd.org or 410-321-5434 with your ideas!
Tyler hosted a neighborhood cornhole tournament that raised nearly $1,000 in support of our mission. Thank you, team Tyler Mania!
#teamBlake hosted a public concert featuring Blake and raised $10,000 for this mission in 2021. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your creativity and for sharing your gifts with the greater Down syndrome community!
Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, DBA Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. Donations are tax-exempt to the extent that the law allows. Our EIN is 52-1753132. A copy of our current financial statement of is available by writing PO Box 20127, Baltimore, MD 21286 or by calling 410-321-5434. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
Click here to download our W9.
Donor Privacy. DSAmd will not sell, rent, trade or transfer your personal information to outside organizations. Use of donor information will be limited to the internal purposes of our organization and only to further the mission of DSAmd. Nevertheless, security measures may not prevent all losses, and DSAmd is not responsible for any damages or liabilities relating to security failures.