Down Syndrome Association Of Orange County

Programs: Dsaoc center - a place to belong the dsaoc center, located in costa mesa, is the venue for many of our activities, events, seminars, and support groups. In addition, much of the dsaoc's work includes outreach and collaboration with an expanding network of educators, healthcare providers, researchers, therapists, employers, policymakers, and many others in the community. Our mission is to provide the means necessary to empower individuals with down syndrome to reach their full potential. At our local support group meetings and social events, families find comfort, support and long-lasting friendships. Dsaoc also provides a full range of services in spanish and, increasingly, in other languages.

new parent outreach, information and referrals the dsaoc supports families with new babies who have down syndrome by connecting them with parents who have faced similar challenges to share insight and knowledge. In addition, the dsaoc provides the family with "welcome baby" baskets which contain baby gifts, health care guidelines for children with down syndrome, contacts for local resources, and information about down syndrome. Further, the dsaoc houses a free resource library, computers for internet research, and caring staff to answer questions in person or on the telephone. The dsaoc provides additional information through a parent guide, medical checklists, quarterly newsletters and meetings that feature experts on a wide range of issues, such and health, education, legal matters and financial planning. Partnership and collaboration with other community resources is an important focal point for the dsaoc while providing information, referral services, and support to families.

pediatric clinicin 2009, the dsaoc formed an alliance with children's hospital of orange county (choc) to establish a pediatric health care program focused entirely on children and adolescents with down syndrome. The weekly outpatient clinic offers comprehensive, coordinated care, and provides a "one-stop" program that gives access to a team of pediatric specialists, assists parents in navigating the health care system, and educates referring physicians and families to the unique medical needs of children with down syndrome. The clinic also presents medical researchers with an opportunity to conduct new clinical trials in efforts to evaluate and advance improved treatment plans.