As we step into 2026, all of us at the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) are filled with excitement for the year ahead! We have so many wonderful events and opportunities planned, and we can’t wait to celebrate, connect, and grow with our amazing community.

This year, we are especially looking forward to World Down Syndrome Day on George Street, a vibrant celebration that brings awareness, joy, and inclusivity to our community. It’s always a heartwarming experience to see so many people come together in support of individuals with Down syndrome.

Our annual Buddy Walk is another highlight on the horizon. This cherished tradition is not just a walk—it’s a celebration of friendship, acceptance, and the incredible achievements of those with Down syndrome and their families. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit.

2026 will also shine a spotlight on YADSA in the news! We’re thrilled to share that our work and the stories of our members will be featured, helping us reach even more families and supporters across York and beyond. It’s an honor to showcase the strength, resilience, and joy of the individuals and families we serve.

As always, none of this would be possible without our wonderful members, volunteers, and supporters. We are grateful for every one of you and can’t wait to make 2026 a year full of connection, celebration, and positive impact.

Stay tuned for more updates on events and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Here’s to an amazing 2026 with YADSA!

Local Support + Community Connections

York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA)

Your hometown support network for social events, new-parent connections, advocacy, financial grants, and family meetups.
Meeting other families is often the most reassuring and empowering first step.

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Buddy Walk & Family Events

Opportunities throughout the year to:

• meet other parents

• create friendships

• celebrate abilities

• build support networks

These events normalize the journey and help families feel truly welcomed.

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Early Development + Early Intervention

Early Intervention Services (birth–3 yrs)

Pennsylvania provides Early Intervention at no cost to families. These services may include:

• speech therapy

• physical therapy

• occupational therapy

• family coaching

Early support helps build strong foundations for communication, movement, and independence. Families can contact EI directly — no referral needed.

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‍⚕ Medical + Therapy Resources

Many new families focus on creating a care team. Common early specialists may include:

• pediatrician familiar with Down syndrome care guidelines

• cardiology screening

• ENT and hearing checks

• vision screening

• therapy providers (speech, PT, OT)

York and surrounding areas include:

• Leg Up Farm

• Core Physical Therapy

• Connections Early Intervention

• UPMC and WellSpan pediatric networks

The providers listed above are experienced in working with children with developmental differences and can guide families gently through evaluations and next steps.

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‍‍ Parent + Caregiver Support

Parents often share that finding community changed everything.

Local and online support groups can help you:

• ask questions safely

• process emotions

• learn from experienced parents

• celebrate milestones

• connect with referrals

You are joining a community that understands.

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Quick Tips for Families Just Starting Out

These are steps many families say helped the most in the beginning:

• Take one step at a time. You don’t have to learn everything at once.

• Reach out to a local parent community. Someone has walked this path before and is ready to help.

• Contact Early Intervention. It’s an empowering first service to access.

• Keep notes from appointments. A simple notebook or phone note works great.

• Remember that milestones may look different — and that’s okay. Progress is progress.

• Allow yourself to feel what you feel. All emotions are valid.

• Celebrate your baby. They are so much more than a diagnosis.

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Final Encouragement

Every family’s journey is unique — but you do not walk it alone. Your child will bring wonder, laughter, and joy. As you start navigating therapies, medical visits, and education, remember: progress is built step by step, together.

YADSA Announces World Down Syndrome Day Celebration — Join Us in Downtown York!

The York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) is thrilled to announce our upcoming World Down Syndrome Day Celebration, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our community!

On March 21, 2026, we will be taking over North George Street in York to transform it into a vibrant, joyful space full of music, activities, local vendors, and inclusive fun for all ages. This annual celebration honors individuals with Down syndrome, spreads awareness and advocacy, and brings families, friends, and neighbors together for a powerful day of connection and community pride.

What to Expect

• Live entertainment & music

• ️ Vendors and local small businesses

• Activities for kids and families

• Opportunities to learn, support, and get involved

• A street filled with joy, acceptance, and celebration of our loved ones with Down syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day is recognized globally on 3/21 to represent the third copy of the 21st chromosome. At YADSA, we’re proud to bring this important day to life right here in York with an event that celebrates inclusion, community, and the unique gifts of individuals with Down syndrome.

Stay Tuned for More!

More details—including times, activities, and ways you can volunteer or participate—will be announced soon. Follow us on Facebook and check our website for updates.

Together, let’s make this year’s World Down Syndrome Day Celebration the biggest and brightest one yet!

As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and the joy of giving. This Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, is the perfect opportunity to support the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) and help us continue our mission of creating meaningful programs and events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Your support allows us to provide:

• Fun, inclusive activities and events for children and adults with Down syndrome

• Resources and support for families navigating life with Down syndrome

• Scholarships and funding to ensure everyone can participate

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a difference by donating $21—a meaningful gift that can help us impact a life in our community. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue to bring joy, connection, and support to those who need it most.

How you can help:

1. Donate online HERE!

2. Share our mission with your friends and family

3. Encourage others to join in the spirit of giving

Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for so many families. On this Giving Tuesday, would you consider donating $21 to YADSA and help us continue our work of inclusion and empowerment?

Thank you for being part of our caring community. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

At the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA), everything we do is rooted in one belief: every individual with Down syndrome deserves to be celebrated, supported, and given opportunities to shine. Our community is built on connection—families lifting each other up, friends becoming like family, and moments of joy reminding us why this work matters.

Over the past year, we have watched our organization grow in exciting ways. New families have joined our events, longtime members have stepped into leadership and volunteer roles, and our programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community. From holiday celebrations to awareness events, educational workshops to playgroups—every gathering reflects the heart of YADSA: inclusion, empowerment, and love.

One of the most meaningful parts of our work is creating spaces where individuals with Down syndrome feel supported and proud of who they are. Whether it’s cheering someone on as they try something new, offering resources to families navigating a new diagnosis, or simply sharing laughter at an event, these moments create a powerful ripple effect. They remind us that we are stronger together.

We are especially grateful for our families, volunteers, and community supporters. Your involvement—whether through attending events, donating, spreading awareness, or simply showing up—helps us expand our impact. Because of you, YADSA is able to continue offering programs and advocacy that make a real difference.

As we look ahead, we are excited for the future. We have big dreams for growing our outreach, supporting more families, and creating even more opportunities for friendship and belonging. Together, we can continue building a community where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated every day.

Thank you for being part of the YADSA family. Your support and love mean more than you know. ❤

We would like to better understand the experiences and needs of individuals with Down syndrome with regard to healthcare, clinical research, and care supports. If you are a caregiver who is involved in making decisions for an adult with Down syndrome who is at least 20 years of age, please take our survey by November 25.

We have partnered with a professional research company to ensure that all answers will be anonymous and remain strictly confidential. The survey is expected to take approximately 12-15 minutes to complete.

Complete the survey here!

NDSS is teaming up with the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress to host Brighter Futures: A National Conference on Adults with Down Syndrome and Aging at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts! Join us on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2026 for this national conference geared toward caregivers, with a focus on adults with Down syndrome and aging.

Register Here!

At the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA), we believe that every person deserves to be celebrated for exactly who they are. Down Syndrome is not something to “fix” or “overcome” — it’s a part of a person’s unique story, bringing with it gifts of joy, determination, and connection that enrich our entire community.

Down Syndrome occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This tiny bit of genetic difference often leads to differences in learning, physical growth, and health — but it also brings countless strengths. Individuals with Down Syndrome are breaking barriers every day, excelling in school, thriving in the workplace, performing on stage, competing in sports, and inspiring others simply by being themselves.

At YADSA, our mission is to support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families through every stage of life. From early childhood programs to adult social opportunities, we create spaces for learning, friendship, advocacy, and inclusion. We believe in focusing on abilities, not limitations — and in empowering each person to reach their full potential.

We also know that awareness starts with understanding. When we take time to learn, to ask questions, and to see beyond stereotypes, we help build a more inclusive world for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or friend — your kindness and inclusion make a difference.

Together, we can make York a community where every individual with Down Syndrome is valued, supported, and celebrated.

If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support our mission, visit our [Contact Us] page or connect with us on Facebook at York Area Down Syndrome Association.

At the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA), we love highlighting organizations that share our mission of celebrating individuals with Down syndrome and supporting families from the very beginning. One such organization is Jack’s Basket — a nonprofit that’s making a beautiful impact across the country.

Jack’s Basket was founded in 2014 by Carissa Carroll, a mom who wanted to change how families are congratulated and supported when their baby is born with Down syndrome. After her son Jack’s birth, Carissa saw firsthand how many new parents didn’t receive the joyful congratulations every family deserves. From that experience, Jack’s Basket was born — with a mission to ensure every baby with Down syndrome is welcomed with love and celebration.

Each Jack’s Basket is filled with baby items, books, and resources for families, but perhaps most importantly, it comes with a connection — another parent who has walked the same journey and can offer encouragement, hope, and community.

Since its founding, over 10,000 baskets have been delivered across all 50 states and in several countries worldwide. Each basket serves as a reminder that every child’s life is worth celebrating and that no family should walk this path alone.

YADSA is proud to share in this same spirit of inclusion and celebration. Together, organizations like Jack’s Basket and YADSA help families feel supported, connected, and valued — from those very first moments and throughout every stage of life.

To learn more, request a basket, or support their mission, visit www.jacksbasket.org.

Registration is now open for the 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference! Join us on Capitol Hill for this transformative three-day experience that brings our community together to advocate for legislative priorities that impact the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Join us on May 11-13, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Early Bird Special and group pricing now available! Save now—pricing increases on February 17th!

What to expect:
– Pre-conference advocacy bootcamp
– Policy & advocacy training sessions
– Champions of Change luncheon
– Meeting with your representatives on Capitol Hill
Congressional reception

This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and create lasting change for the disability community.

Apply Today!