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Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City

The Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DSG seeks to provide the entire community with information and education to broaden awareness and foster positive attitudes regarding people with Down syndrome.

Welcome New and Expectant Parents!

We welcome new or expectant parents to our organization and hope you will contact us to offer you support.  Please read DSG's award winning New Beginnings Parent Magazine for inspiration and guidance on your journey.  You may also enjoy reading a great new parent guide disseminated by the Down Syndrome Association of the UK.  Visit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cinicnnati website (scroll to middle of page) to watch a video for new and expectant parents.  View the Light at the End of the Tunnel brochure to learn more from other parents who have received prenatal diagnosis.

DSG invites you to learn more about Down syndrome, our programs and services and to get involved. DSG is an organization that supports self-advocates, families, educators and healthcare professionals.

Be sure to review the DSG Brochure and most recent annual report and our most recent Connections newsletter.  DSG has proudly served the greater Kansas City area since 1984.

DSG Family featured in FOX 4 News Story on Prenatal Testing
Travis and Joy Palangi, proud parents of Ella, are interviewed regarding their experience with prenatal diagnosis.  The Palangi's learned at 5 months along in their pregnancy they would be welcoming a baby girl with Down syndrome.  They became involved with the DSG and learned firsthand  the many joys of parenting a child with Down syndrome which made welcoming their daughter a wonderful experience.

Focus on the Future Conference
DSG will host its annual education conference on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Overland Park Convention Center.  Local and national experts will share best practices regarding working with or parenting individuals with Down syndrome.  Download the Focus on the Future Conference Brochure for more information.

DSG receives National Parent Group of the Year Award at the 35th Annual National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Kansas City.

The DSG was recognized for excellence in advocacy and dedicated service to families and for support of the NDSC. The following is an excerpt of what was shared about the DSG with those in attendance at the banquet: “ The DSG boasts one of the nation’s most dynamic and comprehensive regional programs. Among their many accomplishments they hold one of the country’s largest Buddy Walks each year. They have developed a groundbreaking program, Parents and Schools in Partnership, which provides positive support and accurate information for area educators. The DSG is also responsible for creating the Affiliates in Action conference to meet the needs of connecting Down syndrome parent group leaders across the country."

2008 Affiliates in Action Conference

DSG hosted a leadership summit for Down syndrome parent group leaders across the United States in Scottsdale, Arizona February 21-24, 2008. The Affiliates in Action weekend promotes interaction, sharing of resources and collaboration between groups who share similar missions and visions for the future of all people with Down syndrome. The weekend is intended for executive directors and board members of parent groups who are interested in growing their organizations and sharing their wealth of knowledge with other leaders.    

DSG hosted 175 leaders from 63 groups representing 32 states.  Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive with attendees stating how vital the collaboration is to the advancement of the Down syndrome movement.  DSG extends our sincere thanks to the Affilaites in Action planning committee who worked tirelessly for a year to make the conference a success.  We also extend our thanks to our conference sponsors:  National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Woodbine House, Down Syndrome Association of San Antonio, DS Network, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome and Sharing Down Syndrome.  Their financial support allowed DSG to keep registration costs affordable for attendees.

DSG will host the 2009 Affiliates in Action Conference in Washington DC in 2009.  The program will change to add a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill so our legislators will become more knowledgable about Down syndrome and the issues our members face on a daily basis.

12th Annual Buddy Walk Family Festival is a SUCCESS!

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s walk. With over 5,000 walkers, 400 volunteers and 25 sponsors this event was a smashing success! Early tallies indicate we brought in over $314,000. Your support of this event was phenomenal and will go a long way to help individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who serve them.

We are entering donations fast and furiously so visit the website often to watch our total rise. If you have any outstanding donations please get them into the FDFDS office ASAP at 10000 W 75th Street, Ste 220, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204. Online donations will still be accepted at www.kcbuddywalk.org until Nov 1, 2007.

Down Syndrome Guild's Annual Prom is Grand Success!
FOX 4's Megan Cloherty reported on the Down Syndrome Guild's Annual Prom. Read more and watch the report.

Stories that Inspire Us

Watch a Today Show segment with self advocate Karen Gaffney and her parents.

View a great commercial produced by The Foundation for a Better Life regarding a young woman with Down syndrome.

Learn about NASCAR Racer David Ragan's older brother who has Down syndrome and is an inspiration to the whole pit crew.