As a parent of a young adult with Down syndrome, the DSCBA has been an invaluable resource for us. They have been an advocate when we had to navigate the educational system and IEP's. They have excellent social gatherings for our kids as well as parent support groups.
When we are faced with an issue and not sure how to proceed - the DSCBA is the first call we make to get support and help.
DSCBA is an incredible organization. The dedication of the staff is truly inspiring. The programs and other offerings provide a valuable service to the community.
My family and I first learned of the DSCBA when our oldest child was born and diagnosed with Down Syndrome in 2014. With both the uncertainty of being new parents, along with all the unknowns of raising a child with special needs, my wife and I were grateful to be given the DSCBA information and reached out immediately. Since then, we’ve benefited from several of the organization’s many offerings: conferences, information sessions, walks, and music therapy sessions. Subsequently our son's two younger sisters have been able to join in and enjoy these activities as well!
This organization has given us many valuable resources and connections that have helped us navigate all the new challenges and opportunities associated with Down Syndrome. I'm truly grateful for this wonderful group of people, both the organization itself, as well as its many members!
8 years ago we moved to the Bay Area without any support for our young daughter with Down Syndrome. This organization provided lots of support with resources, weekly classes for our daughter and music therapy sessions. Their influence is felt in school systems, hospital networks and individuals like us, supporting people from babies to adults. Their staff do all they can to expand services and programs all over the greater Bay Area to all individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.
One of the most impressive aspects of DSCBA is their personalized approach. They don’t just offer generic resources—they tailor their support to each family’s needs. Whether it's through speech therapy, parent workshops, or community events, they create an inclusive space where families feel supported and empowered. Their advocacy work is also commendable, helping to spread awareness and ensure individuals with Down syndrome receive the respect and opportunities they deserve.
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Discovering the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area was a turning point for our family. Their incredible resources, from the IEP support that proved invaluable during school years to the "learn to ride a bike" camp that encouraged our daughter’s growth as we watched our child pedal with determination, made a world of difference. With the DSCBA, we've been blessed with a supportive network of parents who understand our journey, sharing triumphs and challenges alike. The community awareness initiatives have not only fostered an inclusive environment for our children but have also educated many on the abilities and potential of those with Down syndrome.
I thought I knew about the organization before I became a Board Member, but now I realized I only scratched the surface. DSCBA has programs for every member of the community from members to grandparents, from volunteers to donors, and tailored events for fun with family & friends, as well as sponsors and corporate engagement. We partner with other non profits for the benefit of both, such as a project with a Creative Growth Art Center (Oakland) artist with Down Syndrome who held classes with a group of DSCBA young adults, teaching them new ways to express themselves through weaving, drawing, and mult-layered artwork. The staff is always positive, gives a shout out to every member by name, and has recruited many energetic local young adults to be volunteers and buddies for hands-on classes and events. Come be a part of this life-changing, multi-faceted organization!
DSCBA is THE center of the down syndrome community in the east bay area and beyond. DSCBA is a consistent and trustworthy organization that is truly, firmly behind every individual and family in the down syndrome community.
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The DSCBA has been a constant light in our lives. The organization and team have welcomed suggestions and made rapid updates to programmatic offerings to meet their members where they are and throughout different stages of their development. If Hope had a face, it would mirror that of this organization. Thank you to the DSCBA team for your tireless efforts to serve your members, advocate for individuals with DS, teach your members how to self-advocate, and believe your members are capable community members from the beginning.
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The DSCBA organization and team has been a game changer for our family. They were the first ray of hope we connected with right after our son was born and have been ever present since. The team provided us with resources, connections and information that was specific to our needs and everyone has been so incredibly thoughtful with their time, energy and expertise. We feel so fortunate to have the DSCBA in our lives! Thank you!
My daughter really enjoyed the Down Syndrome Connection when she was younger and I have recently found great information and help from them and the website on issues she has now that she is 40! Please check out their website! And the staff is fabulous!
The DSCBA means so much to our family it is hard to put into words. When our daughter Eden was born with Down syndrome we had so many emotions and weren't sure where to turn. We found out about the DSCBA and went to our first Connection group when Eden was 3 months old. Although it was hard walking in the doors for the first time it was also so moving and reassuring for me and my husband to see other infants and toddlers with Down syndrome and to get to connect with other families. Our daughter is 8 years old now and the love of our lives. The joy and pride Eden feels when she gets to be celebrated along other people with Down syndrome at the DSCBA's Step Up Walk every year fills our hearts with joy. Any event at the DSCBA that we attend is so special for us as a family and for my daughter since they provide the space for us to be just another family and her to be just another kid with Down syndrome among many others. It means the world to us and we cannot thank the DSCBA enough.
I learned a lot on how to help people with special needs. I made many new friends and overall had a great time.
It was such a fun experience. I met so many new people and I seen so much progress with my riders throughout the whole process.
Absolutely love this community and program! They are incredibly helpful and full of resources and support.
Such a great organization! They helped me so much with my daughter with resources and support. I don’t know where I’d be without them. My journey with my daughter went so much smoother with them around.
What would we do with the DSCBA? They've been a cornerstone of our experience after moving to the Bay Area almost 3 years ago. We love attending their events and connecting with other members.
The DSCBA is unique serving the entire family who has someone they love in their life with DS. Programs and services are thoughtfully created based on need and impact. The staff is knowledgable, hard working and compassionate.
Our grandson is Mason Zolnier. He is fifteen, and the delight of our lives. However, as a grandparent, your heart not only tugs for the grandchild, and all of the unforeseen challenges down the road. But it also is torn for your adult child - the parent of this grandchild. Down Syndrome Connection met a need, by offering the Grandparent Support Group. It is a meeting place where our hopes, fears, concerns, and proud moments can be shared in confidence. Throughout the years, there have been tears, laughter, words of encouragement, and wisdom shared. It is a place to go in order to grow in our journey with these very precious grandchildren. I thank God I had a place in which to turn. I thank God for Down Syndrome Connection.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. As both a volunteer and donor for this incredible non-profit organization, I have seen firsthand the immensely positive impact they have on families in our community.
DSCBA provides critical resources, support, and programming for individuals with Down Syndrome across all life stages. From early intervention services for infants and toddlers, to social and educational activities for school-aged children, to employment assistance and independent living skills training for adults - they are there every step of the way.
The passionate and dedicated team work tirelessly to increase available resources to meet the needs of each child and adult. It warms my heart to see the kids thriving in their programs, gaining confidence and abilities that will serve them throughout their lives. The Connection also provides invaluable support and education for parents and families, helping them navigate life with Down Syndrome.
Overall, the positive impact they have is immeasurable, and I am proud to be involved with such an amazing non-profit. They have truly earned 5 stars for their selfless service and commitment to their incredible mission.
We are so grateful to the DSCBA! My son with Down syndrome, now 20 years old, has benefitted from DSCBA programs throughout his life. He has met some of his best friends through the weekly THRIVE classes that he has been attending since he was very young. He also attended the 2022 and 2023 I Can Bike camps organized by DSCBA and now he rides his bike like a champ!! This is a lifelong skill that can provide opportunities for maintaining fitness, for social outings, and even for transportation. This is what DSCBA does: The organization and the people who work there understand that children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome are individuals with social, physical, emotional, psychological, and academic needs--In other words, they see and acknowledge the whole person, and offer programs that make it possible for individuals with Down syndrome to flourish. Thank you, DSCBA!!
I'm a proud mother of a wonderful child with Down syndrome who moved to the USA just a year ago. A friend introduced me to DSCBA, which provided me with invaluable guidance and information about the various resources available to support my son. This assistance was particularly significant as a newcomer to the country.
Our family had the privilege of participating in the Step-Up walk organized by DSCBA, which proved to be an amazing experience for not only my son but for our entire family. He relished the cheering and applause for his accomplishments, making it a truly special day.
My son and his younger sister eagerly anticipate the monthly music therapy program, which they thoroughly enjoy. Their enthusiasm for this program is a testament to the dedication of the music teacher and all those involved.
I'm grateful that my son is a member of DSCBA, providing us with a platform to share our experiences and challenges. The awareness emails have been particularly helpful in connecting us with other benefits and opportunities.
Here's to DSCBA, and I wish them continued success!
Our friendship with the DSCBA started in 1998 and they are our BFF'S! They EMPOWER-giving means to folks with Ds to achieve anything! They INSPIRE-changing how people think and feel about Ds thru education, services, and fabulous fundraisers! They SUPPORT-the individual thru classes, families with 'Connection's'-schools, therapies, friendship, and they strengthen the community showing that folks with Ds are more alike than different. They are a lifeline for us and so many, life for our son is so much better with the DSCBA in it!
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We have a 6yo with Down Syndrome. Since she was born, the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area has been there for us as a family in more ways than we can express. In the 6 years we've been involved with the DSCBA, the DSCBA has helped connect us to other families and resources. Our daughter has benefitted from their amazingly high quality programs and resources. We don't know what our lives would be like without them, and how we'd get by without them. They are the first resource we go to when we need help.
Most amazingly - they are not a faceless organization. They know us as a family. They know our daughter. They know about our lives. And we know about them. They are an organization of faces and people - people who are there where you need them and people who go to bat for you when you need help.
When my family first moved to the Bay Area in 2013 we struggled to find resources for my son Simon. Finding the DSCBA, and working with the staff and becoming a member of the community had massive impact on us. They helped find resources such as PT and OT, and helped us navigate his school IEP and being integrated into the classroom. Through the community we've established lifelong friendships. DSCBA is without question one of the best non-profit organizations in the Bay Area.
DSCBA supported our family even before we moved into the community. Their staff give direction on navigating issues with the school system, challenging behaviors, and access to social circles. As our daughter has grown with them she's been provided a community where she can be herself and grow at her own pace. If you have a loved one with DS and live in the greater SF Bay Area, let DSCBA you're around.
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area's (DSCBA) mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life. The DSCBA delivers on this mission to the fullest.
My nine-year-old daughter has attended music therapy, learn-to-bike events, and play dates. While we, her family and "team," have attended sign language classes, webinars, and other trainings. All of this has been hugely beneficial. But above all, the DSCBA has encouraged and celebrated us and helped us feel "seen" just as we are. Not many people, and even fewer organizations, have that ability. The DSBCA is one of a kind!
We have a son who is 14-years-old and has Down syndrome. We were introduced to the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area when I was pregnant with our son. They have been an important part of our lives ever since. They have provided us with resources, services, family support, and so much more. Our son attends private school, and the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area has provided necessary tools and resources for the school who does not have a resource program. They’ve also provided invaluable training to the teachers and staff. Our son has done reading, music, and math therapy through the Connection. We have attended fun events such as Christmas events, dance parties, park playdates and the pumpkin patch with other families who have a child with Down syndrome. We are so blessed to live in Danville right near the Connection where we are able to easily access their programs.
DSCBA is a tremendous resource for families. In the time that we at Feldman Law Group have known them, the organization has grown and has added many more programs. The entire staff is a joy to work with. Their passion for helping those in the community translates to happy families that we really enjoy interacting with as well.
Although DSCBA provides a wide variety of free services and resources, I’ve seen first hand the incredible impact they have made on students and teachers. DSCBA offers free Ability Awareness presentations at schools and have educated thousands of Bay Area students about Down syndrome and how to be a good friend to peers with disabilities. They are empowering young learners with knowledge, building empathy, and nurturing a more inclusive community.
I volunteered at iCan Shine bike camp, The DSCBA Holiday Party, the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk and the The DSCBA Gala. I love being able to give my time to this amazing organization. DSCBA is working hard on giving individuals with Ds an opportunity to connect, have fun, share accomplishments and try new things (riding a bike)!! I played Olaf at the holiday party and loved dancing and hugging all the families that came to celebrate with us. At bike camp I physically supported riders and gave lots of words of encouragement. My heart was full watching all the Walkers walk across the finish line holding up a sign with their HUGE accomplishment of the year, very emotional. I helped clean up after the Gala, it looked like it was a beautiful event. I am proud and happy to be able to donate my time to DSCBA.
The DSCBA is a lifeline for Bay Area families who have a loved one with Down Syndrome. From birth through all stages of life, the DSCBA provides programs and services (at little or no cost) to people with Down syndrome and their family members. Some examples are peer support groups, music therapy, speech therapy, holiday parties, and bike camp to name a few. They have grown over the last 24+ years to now serve all 9 bay area counties. Thank you DSCBA!
The DSCBA has been there for our family since the day we got our prenatal diagnosis. Starved for more information, and tons of questions in my mind, I reached out to them by their website, and got an immediate response. Since that day, they have helped keep me informed, empowered and supported through every step of the journey that I have needed them. It's apparent how much the staff and volunteers truly care about the community they serve, in everything they do.
My son is extremely delayed on speech—in addition to Down syndrome and autism, he also has apraxia of speech, which leads to tremendous difficulty communicating. DSCBA started a speech enrichment pilot program for people with Down syndrome who aren't receiving adequate speech therapy services for their communication needs, which was the case with us. My son LOVES the therapist he's working with through DSCBA and made a huge jump in his communication thanks to her--he willingly used a communication device (loaned to us by the DSCBA) to communicate with her during a therapy session. It was a huge milestone for us, and we couldn't have done it without the support of the DSCBA!
We love the DSCBA! If you have a person with Down Syndrome in your life, they are a hands on organization that will provide support and resources to help navigate the world of special needs, which at times can be complicated. We especially appreciate the in person and online gatherings, classes and workshops for people and kids with Down Syndrome. Very friendly staff and volunteers and fast response time be it by email or phone call. So lucky to have this awesome resource in the Bay Area!
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area has been a God send to our family. When my grandson was born with Down Syndrome which we did not find out until birth, we had no idea where to turn. My daughter went on the internet and found DSCB and I am glad she did. they have been there every step of the way for the last 12 years. Nancy and her staff are always there to answer questions, provide excellent resources and anything else a family might need. We are so proud to be part of this family and I am sure everyone else will feel the same.
My daughter, age 37 with Down Syndrome, has practically grown up with the Down Syndrome Connection. We were introduced to them when she was very young and she has participated in their after school programs throughout her childhood and is now enrolled in their adult THRIVE program. The DSC is like a 2nd family to her! My daughter has gained so much self-confidence and self-worth as a result of her involvement with the DSC. One of the key things they work on is helping to develop and improve their communication and social skills. The staff do an amazing job of providing a safe and supportive environment where participants can feel comfortable expressing their feelings, sharing the ups and downs of their daily lives, and being supportive and caring friends to each other. It’s very interactive program!
Our adult daughter who has Down syndrome recently moved back to the Bay Area after her husband died while they were living in Texas for the last 15 years. The DSCBA has helped me get up to speed on creating a new life for her here. Their THRIVE program affords her a new opportunity to reconnect with friendships and local activities which enrich her life. I’m thankful for this organization!
The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area has been a foundational support system for our family. We were connected with them after the birth of our daughter who has Down Syndrome. They have played a pivotal part in helping us find the information and the services needed for her development from an infant to the present. Our daughter is now three years old and she loves attending the monthly music classes. We look forward to watching Harper grow and continue to thrive with their services throughout the years.
To say that the DSCBA impacts lives is an understatement- they TRANSFORM them. From the moment you walk through the door, email or call you’re greeted with grace, respect, support and love from each person. You are treated like a person, an equal teacher and learner and someone who is capable of doing and leading. Connecting with the DSCBA exposed our family to countless resources and families and most of all showing us through words and actions that we are not on this journey alone and that it’s not a bad journey, just one that’s different from the original one we had planned or envisioned. Keep up the great work of educating through inclusion and focusing on ability rather than disability.
The DSC has been part of the Danville community for as along as I can remember. I started volunteering there as a child and now work inside the Connection as a speech pathologist. It’s a BEAUTIFUL place. The culture is loving, caring and all encompassing. Everyone supports each other, and the resources provided free of charge to its community are outstanding! Anyone can be a member (free) and use its resources. It’s a truly an inclusive environment and a giant “Love bubble” in my opinion. Hands down best place to work
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The DSCBA has felt like a home for me since I was a child and volunteered my time with the organization. Today I now specialize in working with children with DS because of the education, support and connection I received from the DSCBA through my life. When you walk into the doors of the "connection" I always like to describe it as a big love bubble of warmth that you step into. The waiting room area is filled with toys for children to play with, while the lending library is there to provide free resources to parents and professionals. Families are always welcome to stop in to ask questions about their school placements, medical questions or just to stop by for some support. The connection has been doing some major outreach the past few years and has educated hundreds of school professionals, hospital staff, parents and private professionals in the needs of children with DS. The connection has grandparent, family, new baby, and educational support groups where families connect and share stories and information. It has developmental classes for all ages of students. No one is ever turned away due to finances. Working alongside the connection and it's families has enriched my life endlessly. The staff and board members are truly sincere and hardworking people whose efforts are solely for the benefit of the children. Not only is the connection a place of work for many, but it's a home for all. It is my personal experience in being a part of grant funded programs that monies donated are used properly and effectively for the benefit of our children directly. It's been amazing the changes made due to funding donated! Thank you for considering us... And please stop by!!!
A heart-warming non profit managed by a big hearted competent, caring Nancy... One step into the room and you will feel the unconditional love for the children and their welfare!
Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area is awesome! The staff and leadership are committed to assisting the needs of special needs children and adults in a very caring environment.
This is a charity my family and I whole-heartedly support. Year after year, we are amazed at the incredible staff for all they do to support families, who eventually become 'just like family', to the Down Syndrome Connection. I'm always inspired by the their values and commitment!
What a truly amazing organization! They offer so many opportunities for children-adult to be involved with. The classes, parent support groups, grandparent and sibling support groups are just a few of the many things they offer. The Communication Readiness program they have for children going into a pre-school or Kindergarten setting is such a blessing for the students. The way this organization continues to grow and expand shows the hugs impact they are having on so many people.
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The many people that are supported by this amazing organization is truly remarkable. Support is provided for children and families in our area. Watching it grow over the past 15 years has been a true joy to observe. The many things this organization provides to people with Down Syndrome is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the DSCBA staff and the many volunteers.
DSCBA has a wonderful array of classes for school aged children. This is our first year participating in classes and each once had been a wonderful success.
My brother, a young man with Down Syndrome, has benefited greatly from the support of this wonderful network. It is so important for people with disabilities to have access to a community that will help them foster development and connections with similar individuals.
We have reached out to the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area numerous times throughout my son's life, most recently regarding educational issues. Our school district was not at all supportive of inclusion and were trying to segregate him because of his disability. We reached out to DSCBA with a lot of questions and they got the whole team involved. They offered expert advice, free school training and support. It far exceeded my expectations and experience with other NPO's. They care about the people they serve and are active change-agents. I attended a recent conference they hosted on inclusive education and it was terrific- educational, inspiring and full of heart. DSCBA is our go-to down syndrome resource in the bay area.
I consider myself an ally to families and individuals with down syndrome, and it is thanks to my involvement with DSCBA over the past 5 years. Their focus on inclusion and promoting the beautiful contributions of children and adults with DS has helped me be a better parent, friend, and advocate. I love DSCBA and the incredible staff who make the work possible!
VERY helpful in connecting my daughter Monica with resources locally! We also see Heather Peterson Vukelich there for Oral Placement Therapy -- she is the BEST!
We have been members of the DSCBA for almost 5 years now and cannot say enough about the staff, programs and resources there! When we first found out our daughter would be born with Ds, the staff and families there were so supportive and kind. We received invaluable information as well as first hand accounts of parents and families with loved ones with Ds. We knew from our first meeting with Martha Hogan and with the parent support group that the DSCBA is truly a special place. I am so thankful for the people we've met through the DSCBA and that the DSCBA continues its much needed work.
When describing the DSCBA I always refer to it as a Life Line because that is what it truly was for us 11 years ago when our son was born with Down syndrome. I feel so lucky to have a place that is dedicated to the unique needs of people with Down syndrome and their families. Thanks to this amazing organization my entire family has been given a place where we are not different, a place where we can be free to share our true feelings and resources to learn and be the best advocates we can be for our children.
Such an amazing group of people to know! Their knowledge, love & compassion makes the world go round. So proud to be a friend of DSC - they change lives!!!
This group is so wonderful to work with and they are delightful people are are so loved!
More people need to give them support to accomplish great things for them! To see them
Learn about life, make friends with other people and learn what they can do is so
Rewarding!
I am a parent of a child with Down syndrome. Thank you to the DSC for all they have done for us. We were given knowledge and understanding of what we could do and what to look forward to. Thye gave us the hope and new outlook of what we could look forward to. Thanks to them we have such a better understanding of the potential of our child. We love this organization and thanks to them not only have they enriched our lives but also have helped us make a difference is how our child is taught within our school district and to work and make our son be a asset to our society.
Awesome organization! Nancy and her staff are committed to the children and the parents alike. They work tirelessly to integrate these young men and women in to the community. I have had the pleasure of working with the entire team and have watched them truly make a difference in so many lives. Danville is blessed to have DSCBA!
Shelby McNamara, President, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
The DSCBA has been so supportive to my family these past 6 years. We found them when my daughter with Ds was born and we immediately went to the baby steps class. It was so great meeting other parents and everyone at this wonderful organization. They have also helped navigate through school and the IEP process as well. I'm so comforted knowing that we have the DSCBA there for us every step of the way in our journey of raising our daughter.
I can't say enough about this wonderful organization. As one of the co-founders and a parent of an adult son with Down syndrome it has been a pleasure to see how we have grown and continue to grow serving parents and children of all ages in the greater Bay Area and beyond. we truly are a family that continues to touch lives in a positive way each and every day. we started in 1998 and I continue to see and be a part of miracles that take place here at the Connection. it is a dream come true to see how our children are so welcomed and appreciated in the communities they live in.
the passion and commitment for excellence for these beautiful folks born with Down Syndrome will go on forever. as my son says "an excellent place" The Connection has been the wind beneath his wings!
Martha Hogan
The DSCBA has been with us at every step on this adventure. Providing valuable information & support when our son was born and through these past 8 years. They have helped us navigate many challenges & celebrated with us at every milestone reached. Parent education, speech services, reading tutoring, advocacy, educator training... the list of how they have helped our family and community goes on & on. Thank you DSCBA for all that you do!
DSCBA is a terrific organization! Their parent support group and their Baby Steps class was an incredible comfort to me when my son with Down syndrome was first born. We've gotten feeding therapy through the feeding therapist that works with them, too. We love participating in their yearly Step Up for Down Syndrome walk and look forward to the holiday party each year. As my son gets older, they offer a lot of opportunities for him--classes, conferences, resources, etc. I've enjoyed volunteering on their medical outreach committee, too. The people who work at DSCBA are terrific, and I love being able to connect with other parents of kids with Down syndrome, as well as the kids and adults with Down syndrome themselves.
The support provided by the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area directly effects so many different individuals & families in so many different ways. As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, my family can attest to benefitting greatly through receiving many of the services, programs and support systems that are offered to member families and the community at large. From birth through adulthood, the organization is well positioned to help guide member families and the community on critical touch points in life such as education, medical knowledge & research, communication, acceptance and much more. We invite you to join us!
Marty Barillas
Board Member
What an incredible organization. So warm and helpful. I have enjoyed being able to help out and support the wonderful work they do for people of all ages! Any support they need they find here.
The Down Syndrome Connection provides education, connections and just plane fun for those with DS and their extended families. This is all done without government assistance. There is nothing better than to provide quality mentoring and education for new parents so their children can become active citizens. The support parents and people with DS receive is incredible value especially the preschool education to prepare tots for school.
The DSC also assists public school teachers to understand their students with DS. What a gift this is for parents.