Down Syndrome Association of Delaware

The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware partners with families and others to create an environment in which individuals with Down syndrome are welcomed and included with fairness, enthusiasm, and encouragement in the community. Together we share knowledge and experiences with other families, and support new parents. We promote the need to continue to educate ourselves, medical and educational professionals, and the public about Down syndrome. We embrace all of the things our children can do and their potential to be an integral part of our local communities. We believe that diversity should be embraced, not merely tolerated, because the entire community benefits when individuals with differences are valued and included in our communities.

PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES
PROGRAMMING
• Establish consistent and regular programing to meet the three Age-group Areas.
• Collaborate and support other organizations (DFRC, Best Buddies, Special Olympics) in their missions to meet the needs of individuals with Ds.
• Empower families through connections, information and education.
• Be a point of contact and support for families receiving a new diagnosis of Ds as well as other medical challenges.
• Participate and sponsor local and regional conferences which support inclusive education, transition, special education, disability issues.
• DSA of Delaware will become a resource for educators. Host a regional educational conference targeting families, educators and service providers.
MARKETING
• Increase awareness to individuals with Down syndrome as well as their families and other potential supporters of our mission.
• Redesign the website to align with new programming, include clearly stated Mission, Vision and Organizational Objectives and goals.
• Capitalize on the use of technology, develop Quarterly Newsletter and Brochure.
• Support fundraising and programming efforts to ensure a consistent voice.
• Increase awareness in the broader community.
• Participate in Carol A. Ammon Case competition at UD.
• Improve constituent management system.
DEVELOPMENT
• Increase revenue by 10% gross year to year to increase programs and services
• Grow the % of Major Gifts ($1K or above) to 5% or more of our budget.
• Launch a Planned Giving program.
• Improve our communication strategy for development purposes.
• Enhance current fundraisers by increasing corporate sponsorship.
• Decrease fundraising event expenses.
• Increase grant writing.

Committees
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has a variety of committees that help fulfill our mission.  Experienced and passionate volunteers serve on each committee and work together to help make the DSA of DE a successful organization.  
• Advisory Council
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to keep key stakeholders engaged with the DSA of DE and to be available to advise the Board, Development Committee and the executive leadership with regard to fundraising initiatives, public relations and programming issues.  The Advisory Council does not have any authority to govern the DSA of DE; such authority resides with the full board.
• Executive Committee
This group includes the Board President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. They work closely with the Executive Director and sets direction in terms of agendas for the complete board.
• Education Committee


This committee works closely with the Executive Director and to plan a combination of monthly parent education meetings and social gatherings as well as a regional educational conference. The meetings are of a variety of topics which cover the life span of individuals with Down syndrome. The Education committee will also work closely with the educators within Delaware to ensure that students with Down syndrome have access to high quality educational programs in their schools and will support families in developing and maintain IEP goals which meet their child's needs.
• Finance Committee
The Finance Committee oversees the budget writing process and monitors our revenue, cash flow and expenses on an on-going basis.  The finance committee is responsible for management of the DSA of DE scholarship program.


• Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee
The purpose of this committee is to follow and publicize to individuals and families - relevant local, state and national legislative and regulatory developments.  They will also seek input from individuals and families as to ways in which governmental advocacy can support the mission of the DSA of DE.
• Health Advisory/ Outreach Committee
The primary role of this group is to sort through the latest health issues / trends that are impacting the Down syndrome community and then help sort out how we communicate these items to those connected to the DSA of DE.  We will also seek their help in making networking connections with other medical professionals, those responsible for implementation of House Bill 214, who come in contact with parents, who have a child with Down syndrome and expectant parents. Staff members will keep Outreach Committee members up-to-date on issues with the clinics located at Nemours and Christiana Care. This group will have a medical professional on the committee.
• Self Advocate Committee

The DSA of Delaware was founded by parents of children with Down syndrome and continues to be driven by parents, family members and others who have a passion for individuals with Down syndrome.  Together we share knowledge and experiences with other families, and help and support new parents.  We promote the need to continue to education ourselves, educational and medical professionals and the public about Down syndrome.  We embrace all of the things our children can do and their potential to be an integral part of our local communities.