Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio

At any age, at any stage, we'll be there.

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is the primary resource for families and communities regarding Down syndrome, where all people are accepted, included, and empowered. We envision a community where people with Down syndrome have limitless opportunities and the ability to pursue their dreams. 

Life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.  Over 40 years after the organization began, the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (formerly The Up Side of Downs) has grown from a grassroots parent movement to a staffed non-profit organization providing service to more than 1,100 families in sixteen counties throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron & Canton. 

DSANEO programs focus on the three components of our mission: support, education, and advocacy. Programs are designed to meet the needs of families beginning with diagnosis and support individuals with Ds throughout their lifetime. Through our programs, we help families navigate every age and every stage and we engage parents, grandparents, siblings, and people with Down syndrome. DSANEO conducts support groups, and private Facebook groups, moderated by DSANEO staff, allowing opportunities for open discourse and idea sharing. Support groups include Moms, DADS, Baby & Toddler Play Groups, SibShops, Grandparents Group, LOL Teen Group, Sunburst Social Squad (for adult siblings of adults with Ds), Circle of Support (for families dealing with a dual diagnosis of Ds and Alzheimer’s), DS+ (for families dealing with a dual diagnosis of Ds and autism) & De Familia a Familia (supporting Hispanic families). 

Family grants are awarded in the spring and fall for medical & therapy needs. DSANEO offers education programming for children with Ds from 18 months of age through adulthood, recognizing the critical need for enrichment for young learners and ongoing learning opportunities for adults.  Our social programming continues to be an important component of what we do with exercise classes, virtual bingo, virtual and in person cooking classes, and family events to engage families throughout Northeast Ohio. 

Advocacy is an important aspect of our work. Our largest advocacy event is the annual Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk, which brings together several thousand walkers & volunteers. DSANEO operates Artful 21, a bricks & mortar and online store featuring the work of 29 artisans with Down syndrome. 90% of the proceeds go back to the artisans and individuals with Down syndrome work in the store. In March 2022, we launched Sunburst Enterprises an initiative to employ adults with Down syndrome. To date, we have assisted with the employment of individuals with Down syndrome through the Sunburst Snacks training program which has graduated to other employment opportunities in the community-at-large.