Additional Local & National Down Syndrome Resources

DSAWM is proud to be one of the many organizations across the globe committed to providing services and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome.

Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at info@dsawm.org.

Down Syndrome Community Supports

Local & Statewide
Michigan Down Syndrome Associations
- Upper Peninsula Down Syndrome Association Marquette
- Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Michigan Traverse City
- Capital Area Down Syndrome Association Lansing
- Great Lakes Bay Region Down Syndrome Support Group Bay Region & Thumb
- Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan Royal Oak
- Michiana Down Syndrome Mishawaka (Indiana)
Down Syndrome Support Across the State
- Gigi’s Playhouse Detroit Detroit
- Down Syndrome Support Team Saline
- Families Exploring Down Syndrome Sterling Heights
National
- Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network connects, supports, and provides accurate information to parents – and the medical professionals who serve them – from the time of diagnosis through age 3, while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections
- Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA a group of health professionals committed to promoting the optimal health care and wellness of individuals with DS across the lifespan
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy
- LuMind ISD accelerates research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and empowers families through education, connections, and support
- National Down Syndrome Society leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome
- National Down Syndrome Congress leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome

Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center

In early 2021, DSAWM moved into the first-of-its-kind Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center. The new center, located at 160 68th Street Southwest in Grand Rapids, is a 17-acre campus that features sports fields, expanded space for programming, administrative offices, and educational and wellness spaces. It is also home to a number of West Michigan disability service providers and organizations, making it a resource hub for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

SOMI Unified Sports & Inclusion Center Partners
- Autism Support of Kent County works to provide services that make it possible for individuals with autism to lead healthier and more productive lives
- Brody’s Be Café is a coffee shop based in Ada that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental delays along with other special needs
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provides equal communication access, education, and advocacy to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in pursuit of all life’s opportunities
- Disability Advocates of Kent County works alongside persons with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and advocates for accessible and welcoming communities
- Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan a resource and advocacy organization promoting public awareness and supporting lifelong opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families
- Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be nice equips individuals with knowledge to recognize, understand, accept, and take action when it comes to mental health
- MOKA creates opportunities for independence and acceptance in our communities by supporting children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in making choices, building relationships, sharing places, developing skills, enhancing reputations and contributing back.
- Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
- Thresholds serves Kent County residents who have developmental disabilities in living as productively and independently as possible