OUR ROLE & IMPACT

York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) is a non-profit organization that provides support to families with children and adults with disabilities with a primary focus on individuals with Down syndrome. YADSA’s goal is to bring an understanding of Down syndrome to the community and professionals.

You can count on YADSA to be supportive, informative and there for your family. We offer many activities and have monthly business and support meetings. YADSA is a great opportunity for families to share and talk to each other. Please feel free to reach out to YADSA at anytime via email at yadsagroup@gmail.com

Encourage professionals and the community to recognize the value of people with Down syndrome through medical outreach. We work together with local hospitals and physician offices in the area and have a parent who serves as our Medical Outreach Coordinator. We distribute Welcome Baskets to various hospitals for new and expectant parents.

Provide information for parents and the community through meetings, special speakers, and educational training. We work together with many local school districts and other local organizations in the area who provide supports to individuals with Down syndrome. We have meetings where speakers, such as educators and therapist come to and share information.

Promote independence and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. YADSA’s vision is to support families and provide them with tools and support to provide the most opportunities for their family member with Down syndrome. We do this by working with educators, medical professionals and local groups in the community.

We provide grants to assist families with therapy, education and medical needs. You can submit a grant application from the website. Scholarships are available to students pursuing higher education that relates to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Promote growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome through activities and programs. YADSA has several activities throughout the year. These activities are listed under our activities section on the website. They provide wonderful opportunities for growth, development and opportunities for friendship.

OUR TEAM

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Carolyne Williams

President

Hello! My name is Carolyne Williams, this is my first year as a president and second year on the board. My husband, Ryan, and I have two amazing daughters, Anika and Livia (DS). Livia was diagnosed at birth and two months later we started attending YADSA functions. YADSA has been a big support system for our family and we hope to be a part of that support to others. Looking forward to growing and promoting together with all of the YADSA family!

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Emily Knoll

Vice President

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Jack Gilmore

Treasurer

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Sue Hewitt

Secretary

Hi. My name is Sue Hewitt and I am currently the secretary of YADSA . My husband, Chris, and I have one son named Cooper and a daughter named Vincenza. We learned of Cooper's Down syndrome while pregnant. His determination, perseverance and joy have inspired us and many others to live life to the fullest. We've been involved with YADSA since Cooper was several months old.  We cherish the friendships we've made and are very thankful for the support we've receive from other YADSA families.

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Amanda Ream

Board Member

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Lynn Burton

Board Member

My name is Lynn Burton.  My son is Danny, who will soon be 19.  My husband Bob and I lived in Florida at the time of Danny's birth.  I had an amnio and we had plenty of time to learn about Down Syndrome prior to his arrival.  We joined a support group in South Florida and met lots of kids of all ages.  When we moved here in 2008, we joined YADSA. Coming from Florida, things were very different and we found YADSA very helpful in learning the Pennsylvania process.  This is my third year as treasurer of the group.

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Amy Blakeley

Board Member

My name is Bruce Duncan. I am married and my wife’s name is Carol. We have 5 children. Kasey is the only one left at the house. She is 17 and goes to High School. We have been involved with YADSA for a few years and we enjoy the group very much. We are looking forward to seeing the group grow with more families.

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Sara Trimmer

Board Member

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Wade Smith

Board Member