Advocacy

Three adults with four young children with Down syndrome at the Georgia state capitol

DSAA Advocacy

DSAA is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome through advocacy and supporting inclusion within schools, communities, and the workplace.

DSAA believes that individuals with Down syndrome have the right to be respected as valued members of society with their own level of independence, self-determination, and sense of belonging in the community. This can best be achieved by being allowed full community involvement.

Advocacy Goals and Activities

  • Advocate for individuals with Down syndrome so they may have the same access to opportunities in community schools, recreational activities, and employment as their typical peers

  • Support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in seeking inclusive opportunities in our communities, schools, and work environments

  • Community Acceptance and Responsibility toward individuals with Down syndrome

  • Build bridges to the medical community to provide updated information to new parents

  • Train community and public service groups on disability awareness 

 

Who can be an advocate for the DS community? 

Anyone that believes in the rights and human worth of people with Down syndrome can be an advocate for the Down syndrome and disability community. Family members, friends, neighbors, educators, medical professionals, business owners, coworkers - anyone! 

Can I be a self-advocate?

Yes! There is nothing more powerful than an individual with Down syndrome using their voice and life experiences to advocate for themself. Gigi’s EPIC Program (a partnership between Gigi’s Playhouse Atlanta and DSAA) trains young adults in self-advocacy. On a monthly basis, DSAA’s Executive Director provides training on various topics so that participants are prepared to meet with their legislatures.

Where Advocacy Happens

  • DSAA represents the Down syndrome community during the legislative session and works to keep its members informed of key legislation. We participate in Disability Day at the capitol each year and take a delegation to meet with our senators and representatives.

    In years past DSAA has advocated for Gracie’s Law and saw it through from a bill to a new law. This year we are supporting the priorities outlined by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. This includes advocating for more NOW/COMP waivers and an increase in wages for direct care service providers.

  • DSAA assists parents with resources and services to help them prepare for the IEP process and transition services. We also provide information for parents to raise awareness during Down Syndrome Awareness month and World Down Syndrome Day.

 

  • DSAA is available for presentations to local schools, employers, churches, or other community entities to help educate people on Down syndrome and how our organization can assist with resources and services. We have speakers available to present on a number of topics in both English and Spanish.

  • DSAA also trains volunteers to be Parent Liaisons to the 26 local birthing hospitals in the Metro-Atlanta area.

    The trained Parent Liaisons are assigned to one or more hospitals and contact the labor and delivery, NICU, and social work staffs there to introduce themselves and check in monthly to ensure that they have a supply of New Parent Packets to be given to new parents of babies born with Down syndrome. In addition, the Parent Liaisons are available to meet with new parents as requested and hand deliver or drop off a Jack's Basket welcome gift. New Parent Packets are available in Spanish and a bilingual Parent Liaison is available.

    Because many medical professionals are not equipped with updated information on Down syndrome, Parent Liaisons play a critical role in helping new families adjust. Additionally, Parent Liaisons also provide a special connection to new parents who often are unsure of what to expect. As parents or grandparents of children with Down syndrome themselves, Parent Liaisons can share their own stories and give much-needed support and advice while offering a realistic picture of what it is like to raise a child with Down syndrome.

    We accept Parent Liaison volunteers throughout the year, and have a particular need for the more rural hospitals and medical centers. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a Parent Liaison. 

 

  • DSAA trains volunteers to be First Call Ambassadors to distribute information to OB/GYN and perinatology practices in the Metro-Atlanta area. These volunteers are also available to talk with expectant and new parents if requested. The materials include a Medical Provider and an Expectant Parent Guide.