About Down Syndrome

General Information

Local Organizations

Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and The Mid-South
The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South supports and empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families
901-547-7588 | dsamemphis.org

Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee
DSAMT connects new & expecting families with valuable information and a welcoming community.
615-454-3129 | somethingextra.org

UT Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities – Memphis, TN
The UT Boling Center promotes, supports, and enhances the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in the community.
901-448-6511 | uthsc.edu/cdd

Tennessee Disability Coalition
The Tennessee Disability Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals joined to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
615-383-9442 | tndisability.org

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
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's mission is to facilitate discoveries and best practices to improve the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families
615-322-8240 | vkc.vumc.org

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 the 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 protecting 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 Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care and professional services to children and adults with Down syndrome. The clinic and staff work with families who are referred by their primary care provider, assisting patients in finding therapeutic services and educational and behavioral support while providing a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
1-866-900-3696

Adovcate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center – Park Ridge, Illinois
Advocate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center is a comprehensive medical resource for teens and adults with Down syndrome. They provide patients everything from holistic care and support to education and resources in a compassionate, welcoming environment.
847-318-2303 | advocatehealth.com

Special Education Resources

Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)
STEP is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee that provides training and information on special education for parents and caregivers free of charge. The purpose of STEP is to support Tennessee 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).
1-800-280-STEP | tnstep.org

Wrightslaw
Special education law and advocacy resource meeting the needs of parents, advocates, attorneys, educators, health care providers, and others who represent the interests of children with disabilities and their families.
wrightslaw.com

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 at 615-322-8240

Exceptional Parent Magazine
Exceptional Parent provides articles on a variety of special needs topics, including special education.
eparent.com

EDGE Program at Union University
The Union EDGE provides a holistic, post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, encouraging increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligning with Union's mission of providing "Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society."
uu.edu

Eagle Access Program at Dyersburg State Community College
Dyersburg State Community College plans to begin the Eagle Access program for students with intellectual disabilities in Fall 2022. DSCC will be the first community college in Tennessee to start a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program. Eagle Access is a four-term, two-year program.
dscc.edu/eagle-access

Jackson Christian ABLE program
The ABLE Program champions young-adult high school graduates who live with documented intellectual and developmental challenges. ABLE serves as a stepping stone from student to adulthood, helping recent graduates Achieve Beyond Limited Expectations. ABLE provides a transitional learning environment as students progress from a traditional education setting to living and working independently in the community.
731-668-8055 | jcseagles.org

Local Camps and 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 that includes activities such as music, drama, arts and crafts, swimming, and yoga.
Advance registration is required.

Debbie Riffle
731-499-1065

Camp EmPower MePower
EmPower MePower is a two-week day camp for adults with Down Syndrome ages 18 and up.
Advance registration is required.

Debbie Riffle
731-499-1065

Best Buddies Tennessee
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-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