The Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical care, Education and Advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the United States committed solely to research and medical care for people with Down syndrome. Since Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition in the United States, fundraising and government advocacy to correct the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major goal.

https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/ 

Together in Education (TiE)

The DSA of Greater Charlotte’s TiE Program is a partnership between the DSA of Greater Charlotte, area public, private, parochial and home schools and families with students with Down syndrome.

We believe that positive outreach and partnership produce results.

We believe that DSA of Greater Charlotte will be better equipped to meet the needs of families if we understand the concerns, needs and challenges of private, public, parochial and home schools.

We believe that NONE of us alone is as smart as all of us together!

Together in Education (TiE) seeks to build trusting relationships among families and schools. We seek to empower educators and staff to have robust knowledge about best practices for serving students with Down syndrome. We seek to foster a spirit of cooperation. We seek to create a conduit for open exchange of ideas.

School Staff are supported through consultation, resources, training and information related to best practices when educating students with Down syndrome.  Our annual Educators Symposium features national presenters and offers a variety of sessions that focus on topics like reading comprehension and writing strategies, yoga in the classroom, co-teaching, and developing IEPs that focus on student success.

Families are supported through resources, IEP coaching and workshops that equip them to better navigate their child’s educational journey. Family Workshops are held several times annually, virtually and in-person, and offer topics including, but not limited to toilet training, understanding challenging behaviors, caring for the caregiver and navigating the IEP process.

To learn more, contact Victoria Coles at 704-536-2163 or via email at victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org

Creating Communities for All

The DSA of Greater Charlotte offers support to local community organizations like churches, YMCAs, libraries and law enforcement in an effort to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion. Local community organizations may request staff training, consultation or other technical assistance to evaluate and strengthen their inclusive practices. For more information contact Victoria Coles at 704-536-2163 or via email at victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org

Building Better Businesses through Inclusion

The DSA of Greater Charlotte educates area businesses about the benefits of hiring job seekers with Down syndrome. Individuals with Ds can work and should be given equal opportunities to gain and maintain employment in their communities. It can be a “win-win” situation for both job seekers with Ds and employers.

Local businesses are offered opportunities to:

• Receive Professional Development Training (Down Syndrome 101, Accommodations in the Workplace)
• Host Meet-and-Greets with Job Seekers with Ds
• Offer Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals with Ds
• Offer Job Shadowing Sessions for Job Seekers with Ds
• and more…

To learn more about how your business can benefit from hiring job seekers with Down syndrome and other disabilities, contact Victoria Coles at 704-536-2163 or via email at victoria.coles@dsa-gc.org