Down Syndrome Association
At DSAM, our mission to support and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families comes to life through inclusion, advocacy, and empowerment.
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Organization Overview
Grants Received by Year
This organization is a grant recipient. See Funding Received below for details.
IRS Classification Codes
Voluntary health organizations active in the prevention or treatment of Down Syndrome, a hereditary condition that results in mental retardation.
The National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) code is a four digit code used to classify an exempt IRC 501(c)(3) organization.
Subsection Codes are the codes shown under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which define the category under which an organization may be exempt.
Asset Codes relate to the amount of assets shown on the most recent Form 990 series return filed by the organization.
Affiliation Code defines the organizational grouping.
Deductibility Code signifies whether contributions made to an organization are deductible.
Funding Received
Verified from IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings by this organization's funders - 3 grants from 3 funders, 2017-2019.
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About the Organization
- Organization category
- Public Charity
- Country / State
- United States / Tennessee
- Mission
- At DSAM, our mission to support and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families comes to life through inclusion, advocacy, and empowerment.
- Programs or services
- New Parent & Family Support – Resources, guidance, connections, and support for new and expectant parents.
Medical Outreach – Education and resources for medical professionals and families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Advocacy & Family Support – Assistance navigating education, healthcare, disability services, and community resources.
Adult Program – Social, educational, recreational, and life-skills opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.
Self-Advocate Program – Building confidence, leadership, communication, and self-advocacy skills.
Reading for Life – Literacy and reading support for adults with Down syndrome.
Reading for Life Jr. – Literacy support for younger individuals.
Reading Is Key Tutoring – Individualized reading and literacy support.
I Can Read Camp – Summer literacy camp focused on reading skills and confidence.
Down to Play – Inclusive social and recreational opportunities for individuals and families.
Down to Connect – Opportunities for connection through music therapy, bowling, and other social activities.
Down to Move / Wellness Programs – Adaptive swimming, martial arts, fitness, and wellness opportunities.
321 Simmer Down Cooking Class – Cooking, nutrition, independence, and life-skills instruction.
Family Events & Social Activities – Picnics, holiday celebrations, community outings, and opportunities for families to connect.
Educational Workshops & Trainings – Information and education for individuals, families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
Multicultural & Hispanic Outreach – Connecting diverse families with culturally responsive information, resources, and support.
Community Awareness & Inclusion – Promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of Down syndrome throughout the Mid-South.
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk – Annual awareness, family, community, and fundraising event supporting DSAM programs and services.
World Down Syndrome Day / Wa - Target Audience
- DSAM primarily serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Mid-South, including children, adolescents, adults, new and expectant parents, caregivers, and self-advocates. Our programs are designed to support individuals across the lifespan while promoting inclusion, independence, advocacy, and meaningful community participation.
Our reach also extends to the broader disability community through inclusive programs, partnerships, social opportunities, and community events. Programs such as Pin Pals provide opportunities for individuals with and without Down syndrome and people with a variety of disabilities to build friendships, develop social connections, and participate in an inclusive community environment.
We also serve and engage educators, healthcare professionals, community organizations, employers, volunteers, and other community partners who play an important role in creating a more inclusive and accepting Mid-South. - Geographic Focus
- United States, Tennessee (USA), Fayette County (TN), Shelby County (TN), Tipton County (TN), Arlington (TN), Atoka (TN), Bartlett (TN), Brighton (TN), Brownsville (TN), Burlison (TN), Collierville (TN), Covington (TN), Dyersburg (TN), Gallaway (TN), Germantown (TN), Lakeland (TN), Mason (TN), Memphis (TN), Millington (TN), Moscow (TN), Munford (TN), Oakland (TN), Piperton (TN), Rossville (TN), Somerville (TN)