Down Syndrome Association of Southern Nevada

INDEX

  • Home
  • Festival Of Trees and Lights
  • Espaņol
  • 2007 Circle of Friends Thank Yous
  • 2008 Buddy Walk
  • About Down Syndrome
  • Programs and Services
  • 2007 Annual Report
  • Meet Lindsay
  • Needs and Wish Lists
  • Annual Events Overview
  • Upcoming Events
  • 2007 Buddy Walk Thank You
  • Internet Links
  • Testimonials
  • Bulletin Board
  • Newsletter
  • Membership Information
  • 2007 Christian Riders Event for DSOSN
  • Dimes For Down Syndrome
  • Register for the 2008 Southern Highlands Foundation 5K Race
  • 2008 Golf Tournament Thank Yous
  • Lending Library
  • WIsh Upon A Star PROM
  • Change of Address
  • Young Adult & Teen Club
Building Dreams, changing lives and Providing Opportunity for all
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Programs and Services
    • History
    • Board of Directors and Staff
    • Photo Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate
  • Membership
  • Volunteer

History and Overview


The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is recognized as the leading expert and voice in Nevada for all people affected by Down syndrome. There are thousands of  people living with this disability in our community, and thousands more of their extended family members  who look to the DSOSN for support and advice.

The DSOSN offers support, direction, services and resources to thousands of Clark County families affected by this occurrence. Early intervention and support play a direct role in the successful integration of these valuable citizens into the family and the community. Economic impact studies show that a new family who has the early support of DSOSN will care for their child through their lifetime, and will save taxpayers an astounding $1 million dollars per family by learning how to provide the special attention this child will need. Young adults with Down syndrome can become active, participating members of the community, and can enjoy an active and fulfilling life with the assistance of the DSOSN.

The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (FD TAX ID # 94-3040560) comprised of families with a child who has Down syndrome, and others who are interested in the effects of Down syndrome on those families.  We are affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress, The National Down Syndrome Society and the National Association for Down Syndrome.

Since becoming incorporated in 1987, the mission of the DSOSN has been to enlighten the public by promoting a positive understanding of Down syndrome in the community, and to be a source of support, information and education for families affected by Down syndrome. The DSOSN serves the families of people with Down syndrome in the greater Las Vegas, Nevada area, including the cities of Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and other areas of Clark County as well as Pahrump.

The DSOSN is funded primarily through the generosity of our supporters, which include members of the medical community, the business community, individual supporters, and the families of the special, vulnerable people we love so much.

The DSOSN employs a Director of Fund Development and a Director of Operations. The organization is governed by an 11-person board of directors and an advisory board of community leaders. We publish a monthly newsletter that deals with many of the issues surrounding Down syndrome, and features news and announcements about events in Southern Nevada that impact the lives of individuals and families in Southern Nevada affected by Down syndrome.

The DSOSN strives to raise funds for programs and therapies to assist those affected by Down syndrome, but the need for services is beyond our present capabilities.  For instance, the DSOSN has been able to provide speech therapy assistance to only a small percentage of people who are not able to communicate sufficiently to have even their most basic needs met. The need in Las Vegas, the fastest-growing city in the U.S., is great, and we are constantly seeking new means of support to help us serve this burgeoning population. With increased support, we can make a real difference in the quality of life of these innocent, vulnerable people and their families.