Down Syndrome Association of Maryland

We empower individuals with Down syndrome and their communities through education, resources, outreach and advocacy. We are committed to amplifying our collective voices and broader needs to drive meaningful change.

The group was founded in 1982 by a small group of parents looking to share information and network in order to serve their children with Down syndrome. In 2015, we engaged an external facilitator and began a strategic planning process, the biggest result of which was a commitment to moving from an all-volunteer model to paid staff for continuity of service to the Down syndrome community. We began by engaging part-time contractors to carry out the mission. In 2020, we hired our first, full-time employee - another commitment to consistent and timely support of the community into the future. Currently, we support nearly 800 families, individuals, and organizations with an interest in the well-being of persons with Down syndrome. In 2022, after a planned process of internal and external focus groups and surveys, we registered our new trademarked name: Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, a name that became official on Valentine’s Day 2022.