Family and Age-based Networking

• Hosts educational meetings and parent coffees
• Publishes a local monthly e-newsletter and quarterly print-newsletter
• Hosts recreational activities for families
• Provides scholarships for parents attending regional and national conferences regarding Down syndrome
• Lil’ Stars Activities (4 times per year): provides social events especially for our member families with children ages 0-5 (ex. Story Time at Indigo Bridge, Swimming at Swimtastic)
• Super Stars Activities (4 times per year): provides meaningful social events for school-aged children - focusing on fostering peer relationships for the individual with Down syndrome (ex. movie nights, Urban Air outing, etc.)
• Young Adult Stars Activities (4 times per year): provides educational and social events for teens and young adults ages 18-30+ focusing on fostering peer relationships, social skills, and interaction in the community. (ex. Young Adult Book Club, Cooking classes, etc.)
  

New Parent Support

• Creates and distributes "Brand New Day" New Parent Packets for all Lincoln hospitals and doctors offices with an included fantastic resource book, plus a pending updated virtual copy for distribution across the state
• Acts as a contact for Nebraska with the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress
• Coordinates networking of members and new families as requested
• Works to link families who have children with Down syndrome across the state

Medical Outreach

• Played key role in passing LB891-Down Syndrome Diagnosis Information and Support Act, then collaborated to provide content which Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services now offers statewide
• Outreach visits to OB-GYN, Perinatal, Maternal-Fetal Practices; Labor and Delivery and NICU Departments; and Pediatric Practices throughout Lincoln and the surrounding communities
• Presentation to Medical Resident Program
• Support materials for MDs, RNs, and prenatally-diagnosed parents
• Resources on diagnosis of Down syndrome

Community Benefits

• Hosts Walk to fund raise and promote awareness.
• Donates numerous books to the Lincoln City Libraries & the Lincoln Public Schools, which provide accurate and positive information regarding Down syndrome
• Provides parent speakers to various classes and events held throughout Lincoln
• Provides a forum for educational speakers on issues regarding Down syndrome including Audiologists, Physical Therapists, Speech & Language Pathologists, Dietitians, and representatives from state governmental agencies
• Donates to organizations providing benefits to individuals with Down syndrome

Statement of Inclusion

The Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) embraces diversity and inclusion and the values, policies, and practices needed to ensure every person is represented and treated with equal dignity and respect. DSAF illustrates this commitment by ensuring equal opportunities exist for all individuals with Down syndrome and their families regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, identity, income, geographic location, special health care needs, citizenship, language, philosophy, pregnancy, leave status, military status, results of genetic testing, religion, and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. DSAF continually strives for inclusiveness in all programs and services in order to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.