LuMind IDSC Foundation
Research & Resources for the Down syndrome community
Learn how to support this organization
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
We’re focused on exciting research targeting the root cause with the objective of improving health and independence for our loved ones throughout their lifetimes. Our four priorities are: Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, Increase Independence (including Cognition, Sleep, Behavior, Speech, and Regression), Develop Gene Therapies and Speed up Access to Treatments
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Research: DS-CTN Down syndrome clinical trials network
The Down Syndrome Clinical Trials Network was built to conduct large-scale, multi-site trials with experienced clinicians who are experts at providing medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 2019, today the DS-CTN is accelerating research into the unmet medical needs of people with Down syndrome. 14 DS-CTN Sites in 10 States
Research: LIFE-DSR
The Longitudinal Investigation for the Enhancement of Down Syndrome Research (LIFE-DSR) is a multi-year, coordinated research study by medical and academic professionals to track and analyze the medical and physical data of 270 adults with Down syndrome. LIFE-DSR is an observational study. Teams in hospitals and universities collect data points (for example, height and weight, sleeping patterns, and blood samples) gathered over time to help researchers form a clearer picture of the physiology of people with DS
Research Consortium
Our Consortium bridges industry and Down syndrome experts to build a structured and focused translational approach to Down syndrome-related research. We create and drive high-impact research projects that identify and develop pre-clinical tools and clinical outcome measures to accelerate the pace of research efforts in the DS community.
Community Program: myDSC
myDSC is a free, online library designed specifically for the Down syndrome community. Curated by trusted professionals, myDSC is a comprehensive directory of evidence-based resources and useful tools for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The library provides members with reliable, up-to-date information regarding: health and wellness, lifestyle, education, medical and research information.
Community Program: Annual Family Weekend
LuMind IDSC Family Weekend is the largest event of its kind for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The event gathers more than 4,000 people at Great Wolf Lodge locations all across the country and Canada.
Community Program: LuMind IDSC Webinar Series
LuMind IDSC frequently hosts free webinars to keep the Down syndrome community and the research community up-to-date on the latest in Down syndrome research, Down syndrome resources, medical conditions and treatments, caregiver concerns, and mental health.
Community Program: Facebook Support Groups
We help connect people with other individuals with Down syndrome and their families by joining our Facebook groups. Facebook groups include: Adoptive Families Support, Babies and Toddlers, Conexion en Espanol, Grandparents, Prenatal Diagnosis and many others.
Where we work
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Canada
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United States
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
LuMind IDSC envisions a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. We accelerate research to increase the availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and we empower families through education, connections, and support.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Down syndrome research offers opportunities for people of all ages with Down syndrome. Your support is essential to finding safe, effective drugs and interventions to improve health and independence. We empower families through education, connections and support. Your gift is crucial to furthering these breakthroughs
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
LuMind IDSC Foundation
Board of directorsas of 5/19/2025
Anthony Providenti
Beverly Paperiello
Chris Senna DIRECTOR
Claudia Moreira
Das Narayandas
Giri Krishnamoorthy
Hector Guinness
Jeff Strobel
Karen Gaffney
Lasandra Brill DIRECTOR
Ludevine Van Der Heyden
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as: