Down Syndrome Association of the LowCountry - Charleston, SC

Welcome to the

Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry!

 The purpose of Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) is to promote an environment which fosters the growth and development of people with Down syndrome to enable them to achieve their full potential. Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry offers programs such as Moms' Night Out and Youth Group, as well as social events, resources, and educational opportunities.


 

The 2009 DSAL Christmas Party was truly wonderful! We enjoyed sensational decorations, excellent food, and non-stop dancing. Gifts were distributed to all the kids young and old by special guests Santa & Mrs. Clause!

 

A HUGE Thank You to T Beck and her extremely generous family for all their hard work in staging the party. Also thank you to Embassy Suites at the N. Charleston Convention Center for hosting us and DJ Gonzo for the music and cheer. This event is made possible by the generous community support received each year at the Lowcountry Buddy Walk.

 

Disposable Cameras were placed on all the tables – check out these great pictures from the festive event.  

 


We’d love to see and share you pictures from the 2009 Buddy Walk – please email them in jpg format to DSALowcounty at Gmail.com (just replace “at”with @).

 

 The 6th Annual Lowcountry Buddy Walk for Down syndrome on Sunday Oct. 4 was our best yet! Over 3500 gathered in Etiwan Park on Daniel Island to honor and celebrate those in our community living with Down syndrome. It would not have been possible without the generous support and tireless efforts of so many – Thank you to our Sponsors! Thank you to our Volunteers! Thank you to the DSAL Board! Thank you to the Event Staff, Website Provider, and Dedicated Service Providers! Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing the wonderful Hot Dogs again this year! Thank you to all that attended and help make this year’s Buddy Walk another to remember! Thank you most of all for the opportunity to fulfill the mission of DSAL: Advocating for Awareness, Inclusion, and Acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome in the Lowcountry and beyond!!!

 

Sensational Aerial Photography of the 2009 Lowcountry Buddy Walk provided by:

Click the Red Zeppelin for Awesome shots from high above this year’s event!




The Buddy Camps this summer were wonderful!

Read about Buddy Camp in the Moultrie News





Joshua Clark is feeling just ducky…

DSAL is So Thankful for the generous support from the Rotary Club of Daniel Island’s annual Charleston Duck Race event!

DSAL is also Very Thankful for the generous matching funds contributed by the Daniel Island Community Fund!



DSAL Member Melissa Riker’s story featured in inspiring book celebrating Down syndrome. More


 

DSAL was the beneficiary of the 1st place prize in Daniel Island Park Day Charity Challenge for 2nd year in a row! Special thanks to Velocity Sports Performance for sponsoring this year’s edition of the ‘DSAL Buddies’ team and thanks to Dirk, Scott, Rex, and Mark for their efforts in this field day style event in the mud and rain Saturday, Oct 11th!

 

 

 


Check out this sensational news on inclusion efforts right here in SC – DSAL thanks Donald Bailey and the CTC Board for all their hard work on this home-grown grass-roots project! Look for more programs like this around the state to follow!

 




Buddy Camp 2008 was a tremendous success - DSAL thanks Diane Andrews, and all the volunteers that made this program possible! Please click here to view pictures from the camp



Bishop England High School Logo A brief introduction to the options program at Bishop England High School on Daniel Island.




DSAL Convention Scholarship Program

DSAL is pleased to announce the following scholarship program for families seeking support to offset expenses incurred while traveling to and participating in national conventions associated with Down syndrome.


The new Down syndrome center at MUSC Children's Hospital

MUSC has asked DSAL to encourage our families to complete this survey in an effort to make the new clinic able to best serve the needs of our community. Thank you.

DSAL now accepts online contributions!
Simply enter the amount of your contribution below and click the Google Checkout logo.

You will be directed to the Google Checkout website where your contribution can be completed with security.
DSAL is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization
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Join DSAL

 DSAL Board Info
 Recent Newsletters
 Upcoming Events
10 14-16 Workshop for Inclusive Education
 Recent Events
6-23 Buddy Camp 2008
8-10 Pool Party
9-8 to 9-12 Down Syndrome Education Week in local classrooms – Scripted Lesson Plans Available!
10-18 Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte New Horizons Symposium
11-08-08 Healing Farms Ministries Fall Festival Pot Luck Lunch Event
12-7 Annual DSAL Christmas Party
2-7 Understanding TEFRA workshop
3-9 Concert for a Cause
5-2 Statewide Down syndrome Conference
June 6 – Rotary Club of Daniel Island presents the Charleston Duck Race
June 15-18 DSAL Buddy Camp Ages 3-6
July 27-31 DSAL Buddy Camp Ages 6-12
10-4 6th Annual Lowcountry Buddy Walk
 Inspiring News
From the Baltimore Sun News
Excellent New York Times video on prenatal testing for Down syndrome
Excellent New York Times video on parents struggling with pre-birth diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Reading Rockets
Girl with Down Syndrome Named Homecoming Queen
 ABC News link with Video of Homecoming Queen

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a chromosome disorder which usually causes a delay in physical, intellectual and language development. The degree to which each individual is affected varies widely. The exact causes of Down syndrome are currently unknown, and although there are prenatal tests that can detect Down syndrome, there is at this time no method for prevention and no cure.