Mission
To empower, connect, and support the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community through outreach, advocacy, and education in North Carolina.
Vision
North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is an effective, compassionate, and comprehensive resource on Down syndrome throughout North Carolina. NCDSA envisions a culture in which all people with Down syndrome are empowered to achieve their full potential and live healthy, productive lives as valued citizens within the fabric of society.
Purpose
- To better educate the public in North Carolina about the possibilities and potential of all people with Down syndrome throughout their lifetime.
- To educate our stakeholders through information and resources related to Down syndrome including best evidence-based practices in North Carolina.
- To enable networking, social/friendship opportunities and direct supports for all people with Down syndrome and their families throughout North Carolina.
- To advocate that all individuals with Down syndrome in North Carolina have high quality education, which includes transition planning and life-long learning.
- To empower all people with Down syndrome to become effective self-advocates.
- To advocate for improved systemic change and policy in issues such as community inclusion and employment for adults with Down syndrome.
- To ensure that expectant and new families receive accurate and up-to-date information and desired supports.
- To advocate for all individuals with Down syndrome to have access to high quality medical services and research.
- To ensure that all babies born with Down syndrome in North Carolina receive a joyous welcome.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
It is the policy and commitment of the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance that it does not discriminate based on race, age, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, physical or intellectual disability, veteran status, or religion. Specifically, we abide by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
NCDSA is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on account of race, age, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, religion, or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state law.
Harassment or intimidation of a client, staff person, or guest, because of that person’s race, age, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or religion, is specifically prohibited and may be grounds for termination. Harassment and intimidation includes abusive, foul, or threatening language or behavior. NCDSA is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free of any harassment and will not tolerate discrimination against staff members, constituents, volunteers, or agency clients.
Issues of discriminatory treatment, harassment, or intimidation on any of these bases should immediately be reported to the Executive Director or immediate supervisor and, if substantiated, prompt action will be taken.
NCDSA is culturally and linguistically responsive and respectful. No individual shall be excluded from participation in NCDSA on the grounds of race, age, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, sexual expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or religion.
The NCDSA strives to meet this commitment by:
- Designing programs and services that address the needs of everyone we serve
- Improving access and inclusion for all who need our programs and services
- Seeking to recruit diverse leaders, stakeholders, employees, volunteers, vendors, and presenters
- Celebrating the diversity of our community in organizational materials
- Engaging with and actively seeking to be informed by the communities we serve
- Encouraging participation from all communities we serve
