ETDSG Vision, Mission, Values & Policy

The East Texas Down Syndrome Group brings together people with Down syndrome and people who love them.

Vision 

​The East Texas Down Syndrome Group envisions the empowerment of the Down syndrome community and the inclusion and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in all areas of society.

Mission

  • Provide support to people with Down syndrome and their families;
  • Educate and inform our community about people with Down syndrome and the gifts and blessings they bring;
  • Promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in all aspects of society.
To accomplish this mission we provide information, education, and support to self-advocates and families in East Texas. We believe that as parents, we are the primary advocates for our children and in so doing we can educate our families, friends, schools, and community at large of the inherent qualities and contributions that individuals with Down syndrome possess.

Values

​The East Texas Down Syndrome Group values that people with Down syndrome are:
  • Actively included and accepted in our community.
  • Empowered to participate in the decisions affecting their lives.
  • Supported by family groups and their Down syndrome community at large.
  • Respected as life-long learners.

Policy

People with Down syndrome in our community should be recognized as people first and not be defined or limited by their diagnosis.
​By offering families in East Texas the opportunity to network, share experiences, and share struggles, we strengthen ourselves, and the bond that holds us together. Our members stay connected with a quarterly newsletter and meetings, various social functions, and through our annual Buddy Walk® of East Texas fundraiser held the second Saturday in October. The money raised at our Buddy Walk®funds our programs and services throughout the year.
We are committed to having no membership fee for the group. This has been made possible by the broad community support we receive primarily through our Buddy Walk®.

ETDSG is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 serving the East Texas area. We are affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress. Both of these national organizations are an excellent source of information regarding Down syndrome for new and expectant parents.
ETDSG is a member of the following national Down syndrome organizations: