Dear Supporter, 

DSABV’s annual gala is one of our most favorite days of the year. We love when you, our supporters, donors, and sponsors get to see our amazing members shine. We love watching you interact with them and experience their world for even a few hours. This year’s gala was especially exciting for us because it was scheduled to be held on March 21st which is World Down Syndrome Day. As you can imagine World Down Syndrome Day is a big deal in our community and we wanted to share it with you. 

We have tried to find a responsible way which would allow our members to dazzle you with their hand jive and poodle skirts; but because so many of them have compromised immune systems, we must put their health first and have therefore made the difficult decision to postpone the Rock Your Socks Hop Gala on March 21.  

Yes, this event raises half of our annual budget and not having it on March 21 feels a little scary. We don’t know what the future looks like. We have always been well supported by this generous community and we look forward to celebrating with you again in the future. We are working out details related to where, when and how we can do this, but as you can imagine details like that do not come quickly when the country shuts down. We appreciate your patience and support. 

Stay tuned to our website, social media channels and your email inbox for more information as plans evolve. In the meantime, you can check out the amazing socks some of our members created to wear on World Down Syndrome Day here. We would love for you to join us by wearing these socks on March 21!

With gratitude for your support,

About Rock Your Socks Hop

“Rock Your Socks” has become a tradition on March 21st. The wearing of unique, brightly colored socks is a great way to start a conversation about Down syndrome in schools, neighborhoods...everywhere! Sock Hops are fun, so we decided to combine them into one big Rock Your Socks Hop Party complete with vintage cars, poodle skirts and jukeboxes. Whether you wear your own poodle skirt, dress like Elvis or simply wear colorful socks, your presence is most important.  Come celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us on March 21, 2020! 

About World Down Syndrome Day | 3.21 

March 21st was selected as World Down Syndrome Day to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome. Not only does the day raise public awareness, but it also creates a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome. 

About DSABV Gala 

One of two annual fundraising events held by DSABV. Proceeds from Gala stay local and help fund DSABV programs. 2019 programs include:

• Dating & healthy living classes for young adults  
• OT, PT, & Speech therapy classes for littles
• Social events for families and individuals with Down syndrome
• Camp and NDSC Convention Scholarships

DSABV Mission Statement

Individuals with Down syndrome are born into an understanding and inclusive community where their abilities and potential are recognized and they thrive in the life of their choosing. 

TWIST

JITTERBUG

HAND JIVE

THE BOP        

CAPTAIN Outreach

 The Caleb 
Benner Family

Jason James

DSABV in 2019 Programs and Services 

Education Support

Hired a part-time Program Coordinator to increase educational opportunities for our members

Medical Outreach

Revamp our medical outreach program to train medical professionals in giving a diagnosis of Down syndrome to new parents. The majorities of diagnosis are given prenatally and how this information is delivered plays a vital role in the decisions parents make. 

County Outreach

DSABV supports the 7 counties that make up Brazos Valley. While our primary outreach is the BCS area, many member families live in other counties and need additional support. Increase Camp and NDSC scholarship program to include

DSABV in 2018
 

63% growth in member families, now serving 108 families as compared to 66 member families in 2017

Dating & healthy living classes for teens and young adults

OT, PT, & Speech therapy classes for younger members

Social events for families and individuals with Down syndrome

Advocacy with national partners

14 Camp and NDSC Convention scholarships awarded as compared to 11 in 2017.

Our mission and vision

Individuals with Down syndrome are born into an understanding and inclusive community where their abilities and potential are recognized and they thrive in the life of their choosing. 

Our values

We value advocacy, education, and inclusion to enhance the unique journey of each individual with Down syndrome and their family. 

We value the greater support network to include employers, educators, and medical professionals who profoundly enhance the lives of those with Down syndrome. 

We value the power of a well-informed general public and invite them to learn and appreciate the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.