Mark your calendars! The York Area Down Syndrome Association is excited to announce that our annual Buddy Walk will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at John Rudy County Park.

Each year, the Buddy Walk brings together hundreds of individuals, families, friends, advocates, and community supporters to celebrate people with Down syndrome, promote inclusion, and raise awareness throughout York County. It’s a day filled with laughter, connection, encouragement, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a longtime YADSA family or attending for the very first time, the Buddy Walk is an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the abilities, achievements, and unique gifts of individuals with Down syndrome.

Registration Opens July 10

Team registration and individual registration will officially open on July 10, 2026. We encourage families, friends, schools, businesses, and community groups to create teams, invite supporters, and begin fundraising efforts to help YADSA continue providing programs, activities, educational opportunities, and family support throughout the year.

What to Expect

This year’s Buddy Walk will feature:

• The signature Buddy Walk around the park
• Family-friendly activities and entertainment
• Food and refreshments
• Vendors and community organizations
• Team celebrations and fundraising recognition
• Opportunities to connect with other families and supporters

Most importantly, it will be a day dedicated to celebrating inclusion, acceptance, and the incredible individuals who inspire our community every day.

Why We Walk

The Buddy Walk is YADSA’s largest annual fundraiser and awareness event. Funds raised directly support local families through educational programs, social events, community outreach, grants, and resources that help individuals with Down syndrome thrive.

Every step taken and every dollar raised helps us continue our mission of supporting, educating, and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout York County.

Join Us!

We can’t wait to gather together again on October 10 for a day of celebration, community, and purpose. Be sure to watch our website and social media pages for registration details, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising information, and exciting event announcements.

Registration opens July 10. Start thinking about your team name, gather your supporters, and get ready for another incredible Buddy Walk!

Together, we can create a more inclusive world—one step at a time.

Did You Know? YADSA Is Participating in Give Local York on April 30th!

We are excited to share that the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) will be participating in Give Local York on Thursday, April 30th!

Give Local York is a 24-hour online day of giving that brings our York County community together to support the local nonprofits making a difference in the lives of so many families. It’s an incredible opportunity for our members, friends, and supporters to come together and help strengthen the programs and services YADSA provides throughout the year.

At YADSA, we are committed to creating opportunities for connection, inclusion, advocacy, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. From family events and educational resources to community outreach and awareness efforts, every program we offer is made possible through the generosity of our supporters.

By participating in Give Local York, we have the chance to raise important funds that directly support our mission and help us continue serving families across our community.

How can you get involved?

• Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 30th
• Share our Give Local York posts with family and friends
• Help spread the word on social media
• Consider making a donation on April 30th

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. Even sharing our campaign helps us reach more people and grow support for the Down syndrome community in York.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our YADSA families and community partners. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive and connected community for all.

Donate Today – https://www.givelocalyork.org/organization/York-Area-Down-Syndrome-Association

Stay tuned for more details on how to give and ways to help us make Give Local York a success!

The NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference will be held on May 11-13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This transformative annual event brings together advocates, families, professionals, and self-advocates with Down syndrome from across the country to advance meaningful policy change. The first two days of our conference feature informative workshops preparing attendees to engage with legislators on Capitol Hill, May 13!

This conference serves as a crucial platform for amplifying our collective voice and influencing policy decisions that impact individuals with Down syndrome. Attendees will leave with the resources, information, and confidence to continue advocating effectively in their home states. We hope you can join us!

Registration is now open! We look forward to advocating with you this May.

Register Here!

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.

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.

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.

‍⚕ 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.

‍‍ 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.

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.

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.