Click on the links for the National Down Syndrome Society and National Down Syndrome Congress for the most accurate, up-to-date information and resources about Down syndrome.
General Information
NDSS Preferred Language Guidelines
Local Organizations
Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & The Mid-South
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
UT Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, Memphis TN
Tennessee Disability Coalition
The Arc of Tennessee
The Arc of Tennessee is a grassroots, non-profit, statewide information and advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
615-248-5878 | thearctn.org
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS)
TEIS is a state agency that helps families with early intervention services.
1-800-852-7157
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville TN
615-322-8240 | vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Provides free information, resources, support, and referrals to Tennesseans with disabilities and their families.
1-800-640-4636 | familypathfinder.org
TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state office that promotes public policies to increase and support independence, productivity, and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in their communities.
615-532-6615 | tn.gov/cdd
Disability Rights TN
Tennessee protection and advocacy agency to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
1-800-342-1660 | disabilityrightstn.org
National Organizations
National Down Syndrome Society – NDSS
1-800-221-4602 | ndss.org
National Down Syndrome Congress
1-800-232-NDSC | ndsccenter.org
Medical Resources
Down Syndrome Clinic at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
The Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care and professional services to children and adults with Down syndrome. The clinic staff and team work with families who are referred by their primary care provider, assisting patients in finding therapeutic services and educational/behavioral support and providing a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
1-866-900-3696
Special Education Resources
Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)
STEP is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee that provides trainings and information on special education for parents and caregivers, free of charge. The purpose of STEP is to support families by providing free information, advocacy training, and support services to parents of children eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) who reside in Tennessee.
1-800-280-STEP | tnstep.org
Wrightslaw
Resource for special education law and advocacy
Volunteer Advocacy Project
The Volunteer Advocacy Project trains volunteer advocates to provide instrumental and effective support to parents of children with disabilities. In this training, participants learn more about special education law and advocacy strategies. Following the training, participants are matched with families in need of advocacy as they navigate the special education system. For more information contact the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center 615-322-8240
Exceptional Parent Magazine
Exceptional Parent provides articles on a variety of special needs topics, including special education.
http://www.eparent.com/
Local Camps & Recreational Activities
DSAWT Camp Imaginarium
Camp Imaginarium is a two-week day camp in June for children and young adults with Down syndrome ages 5 – 22. Camp Imaginarium offers a chance to build friendships, communication skills and creativity in a fun and safe environment including activities such as music, drama, arts and crafts, swimming, and yoga. Advance registration is required. Contact Debbie Riffle
731-499-1065. Click on this link for the 2021 camp details and application.
Camp EmPower MePower
EmPower MePower is a two-week day camp for adults with Down Syndrome ages 18 and up. Advance registration is required. Contact Debbie Riffle 731-499-1065.
Click on this link for the 2021 camp details and application.
Best Buddies Tennessee
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Contact Best Buddies Tennessee to find a chapter near you or get information on starting a new chapter.
615-891-2046 | bestbuddiestennessee.org
Jonathan’s Kids / Parents Night Out
Jonathan’s Kids is an outreach ministry of Northside United Methodist Church in Jackson, TN. Each month they host a parent’s night out for families of children and young adults with disabilities and their siblings. Parents can have an outing while their loved ones have a fun-filled evening with a meal provided. Among the qualified volunteers that make this evening possible are teachers, nurses, and other professionals.
Jonathan’s Kids is held at Northside Methodist Church, 2571 N. Highland, Jackson, TN
The cost-free
Contact Margaret Dougan for more information 731-217-1232