DSAWM

Empowering Individuals. Supporting Communities.

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Resources

  • Understanding Down Syndrome
  • New Parent
  • Early Stages Resources
  • School Age Resources
  • Teen & Adult Resources
  • Aging Resources
  • Sibling Resources
  • Dual Diagnosis Resources
  • Diversity Resources
    • Información en español
  • Additional Local & National Down Syndrome Resources
  • Resources for Educators
  • Resources for Medical Professionals
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February 26, 2023

Jumping In With Both Feet

Written by Katie VanOeverenFebruary 2023 For the second time, I jumped in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.  I’m a Special Olympic athlete and I support my friends and my teams […]

February 22, 2023

Making The First Call

Written by Victoria HartFebruary 2023 Learning that your baby has Down syndrome is an overwhelming and emotional experience for most parents. That’s why the “first call” is so important. In […]

February 21, 2023

Jenna Lee: Youth Ambassador

Written by Ruth LeeFebruary 2023 Jenna Lee, member of the DSAWM Self-Advocacy Board, has spent the past year training as a Youth Ambassador through the Center on Youth Voice, Youth […]

February 21, 2023

Celebrating “Designer Genes”

Written by Taya GeglioFebruary 2023 My name is Taya. I am currently a junior at Jenison High School. I am on both the sideline and competitive cheer team at school. […]

February 16, 2022

Cute and Confident!

The DSAWM staff sat down a few weeks ago to interview our new Self Advocate Intern Eric Willinger. Tell us about yourself, Eric. I’m so cute! Haha, and confident!  Yes! […]

February 16, 2022

A Great Place to Work

by Freddy Cook My Name is Freddy Cook and I work for Special Olympics Michigan Area 11 at the new Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports and Inclusion Center. I go […]

January 17, 2022

Never Give Up

by CJ VanSkiver “Never give up,” is something I say to myself all the time. It means that the only way you can fail is if you stop trying. I […]

August 23, 2021

Connecting Communities

Earlier this month, the leadership of the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan Foundation (DSAWMF) announced the Connecting Communities campaign, an $850,000 fundraising effort to move their headquarters to the […]

August 23, 2021

Pandemic Perspective

by Kate Cole In just a few short days, my life was changed by COVID-19. Many of my routine activities were stopped and shut down. It felt like my life […]

August 10, 2021

Two Punches on the Disability Punch Card

by Amy Wigger Your son is autistic. I let out a sigh of relief, at the same time feeling like someone had knocked the wind out of me with so […]

February 10, 2021

Staff Spotlight: Jennifer DeVault

2020 was a crazy year full of disappointments, but also MAGIC! We have moved the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan into a very exciting space with other likeminded organizations, […]

February 9, 2021

My Story of Grief and Transformation

Lara Kitts A couple of years ago I began a journey of getting to know my soul and healing a lot of wounds. In that process, I realized that we, […]

February 5, 2021

Endless Possibilities Await

2020 presented Down syndrome affiliates across the world with many challenges to overcome, and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) was no exception. Our organization serves 350 families […]

February 4, 2021

We Have to Make the Best of This

Molly VandeWater Like all of us, DSAWM Intern and Self-Advocate Molly has been greatly impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. Molly is social butterfly. If she’s not filming videos or being […]

November 12, 2020

The Soon-To-Be Newlyweds

by Cody & Lisa Cody: We met 4 years ago at Noah’s Landing in Florida, a special needs housing community. We knew we liked each other because of the same […]

November 10, 2020

Welcome to the Board

Chloe Bayer My name is Chloe Bayer and I work as a Benefits and Information and Referral Specialist at Disability Advocates of Kent County and have worked for various other […]

November 2, 2020

My Sister Jeanie

by Toni Masullo When I was about seven years old, my Aunt Jeanie moved into my home after my grandparents could no longer care for her on their own due […]

August 10, 2020

Best Birthday Ever!

by Molly VandeWater DSAWM intern and self-advocate Molly celebrated her 32nd birthday on July 21st. From blueberry picking with her CLS worker to enjoying a Frozen 2-themed cake with friends, […]

February 12, 2020

Elvis and the 21st Chromosome

by Erin Doyle Toburen Elvis arrived in blue suede shoes, aviators, and a jumpsuit shortly before the end of my freshman year of college. Already the parents of four children […]

February 12, 2020

Living His Dream

by Liam Doyle Elvis may have left the building, but Liam is keeping the King’s legend alive with heart and style. At just 16 years old, Liam has already traveled […]

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Address

160 68th St. SW, Ste. 110
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Located inside the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center

Phone

616-956-3488

Hours

Monday – Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm

DSAWM is a proud member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy.
DSAWM is a proud member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy.
DSAWM is a member of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, an association of local, state, and regional Down syndrome organizations who share experiences, exchange program materials, and find ways to learn from each other.
DSAWM is a member of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, an association of local, state, and regional Down syndrome organizations who share experiences, exchange program materials, and find ways to learn from each other.

Programs & Services

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