Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

What Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati does

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1981 that delivers comprehensive, lifecycle-spanning support exclusively for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across a 12-county tri-state service area covering southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana. The organization serves 1,400 individuals with Down syndrome, 3,000 family members, 300+ local professionals, and 700+ annual volunteers through age-segmented programs spanning New & Expectant Parents, Early Matters (ages 0-5), School Age (6-17), Young Adult (18-34), and Adult (35+).

DSAGC's service portfolio includes therapeutic programs (Drumming for Wellness, Music Therapy, T.E.L.L. Speech Program, TheraPLAY), recreation programs (Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, Soccer Shots), education and transition programs (Lifelong Learning Labs, Employment Soft Skills, Internship, Tutoring), social opportunities (Social Clubs, Teen Club, Respite Care, themed dances), Find Your Way™ independent-living retreats across four tracks (IGNITE, ACCELERATE, NAVIGATE, CRUISE), signature summer camps (iCan Bike, Jump Start Swim, Therapy Camps), community groups organized by geography and special interest, family financial assistance programs, and a paid internship program for adults with Down syndrome. Programs are delivered through a dedicated Empowerment Center (Suite B) equipped with therapeutic equipment, a rock wall, trampolines, and a sensory room, and through an asset-light partner venue network spanning regional recreation, therapy, and education providers.

The organization is funded primarily through special events (the annual Buddy Walk alone generates approximately half of annual revenue and draws 15,000+ participants from 420+ teams), supplemented by individual donations (including monthly giving, tribute, and legacy society giving), foundation and corporate grants, and corporate sponsorships including employer payroll deduction and Kroger Community Rewards. Most programs are offered free of charge or at nominal fees ($5-$195) to ensure accessibility. DSAGC also operates the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN), a nationally scoped program that counsels expectant families across the United States considering adoption plans for children with Down syndrome. The organization is self-sustaining and is not affiliated with United Way or any parent national organization; all funds remain in the local community.

Name

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

Legal name

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati

Website

https://dsagc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DSAGC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1981 serving 1,400+ individuals with Down syndrome and 3,000+ family members across a 12-county Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana region. It delivers lifecycle-spanning therapeutic, recreational, educational, and social programs, plus the national NDSAN adoption network, funded primarily through its annual Buddy Walk.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Therapy-Integrated Childcare Support (coordination with OT/PT/SLP/ABA) (HSAAAIAM), Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH)

Keywords

• Developmental disability support
• Disability advocacy services
• Special needs programs
• Family support services
• Community inclusion programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Special Events Revenue: The primary revenue source is special events, most notably the annual Buddy Walk, which attracts over 15,000 participants and raises approximately half of the organization's total annual revenue.
2. Donations and Individual Contributions: Donations from individuals, families, and community supporters. Includes monthly giving (Club 3•2•1), tribute giving (in honor or memory), legacy society planned giving, and in-kind gifts.
3. Foundation Support: Grant funding from area foundations and corporations, managed by the Grants Coordinator.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship of events and programs, including the Buddy Walk and Golf Outing. Includes employer payroll deduction, company match gifts, and Kroger Community Rewards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

DSAGC provides comprehensive, lifecycle-spanning support services and programs for individuals with Down syndrome (prenatal through age 35+) and their families across a 12-county Greater Cincinnati tri-state area. Core offerings include age-segmented Support Services, therapeutic/recreational/educational/social programs, the Find Your Way™ independent living retreats, Signature Summer Camps, Community/Support Groups, Family Assistance (Community Participation Fund, Transportation Assistance, Giving Tree, Hospital Care Packages), the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, and a Paid Internship Program for adults with Down syndrome.

Product overview

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati offers a comprehensive portfolio of support services and programs for individuals with Down syndrome across all ages and stages. The organization's core offerings include Therapeutic Programs (Drumming for Wellness, Music Therapy, T.E.L.L. Speech Program, TheraPLAY), Recreation Programs (Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts), Education and Transition Programs (Lifelong Learning Labs, Internship, Tutoring), Social Opportunities (Social Clubs, Teen Club, Respite Care, Holiday Party), Find Your Way™ Retreats (IGNITE, ACCELERATE, NAVIGATE, CRUISE), Signature Summer Camps (iCan Bike, Jump Start Swim, Therapy Camps), and Community and Support Groups. Additional services include the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, a Paid Internship Program, Family Assistance Programs (Giving Tree, Community Participation Fund, Transportation Assistance), and access to the Empowerment Center facility. The organization serves 12 counties across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana with programs tailored to ages 0-5, 6-17, 18-34, and 35+.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• National Down Syndrome Adoption Network: A program that counsels expectant and new families from all over the United States who are considering making an adoption plan for their child with Down syndrome.

Products and services

• Find Your Way™ Retreats and Tune-Ups Proprietary independent living program consisting of four life-stage retreat tracks (IGNITE, ACCELERATE, NAVIGATE, CRUISE) plus TUNE-UP life skills classes, designed to help adults with Down syndrome develop independence, self-determination, and daily living skills. Offered free to participants.
• Signature Summer Camps Specialized summer camp offerings including iCan Bike Camp (5-day adapted bike riding program in partnership with iCan Shine; $195), Jump Start Swim Camp (5-day swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School Anderson; $30), Summer Tutoring ($120), and Therapy Camps (Fine Motor Boot Camp, Emotion Explorers Camp, Life Skills Camp) delivered with Comprehensive Concepts In Speech And Hearing, Inc. ($150 each). Designed for individuals with Down syndrome across age groups.
• Therapeutic Programs Therapeutic programs including Drumming for Wellness, Music Therapy (Keys for Success; $20), T.E.L.L. Speech Program, TheraPLAY, Fall Prevention with Balance Screenings, Play with the Pros, and Skills for Daily Success, designed to enhance physical, speech, and social development for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Recreation Programs Recreation programs including Cheerleading, Functional Fitness, Golf, Gymnastics (Tiny Tots $20, School Age, Teen), Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, Movement and Dance, Self-Defense, Soccer Shots, and Theatre, offering physical activity and socialization opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Education and Transition Programs Educational and transition-focused programs including Advocating for Yourself, Book Clubs, Employment Soft Skills, Internship, Lifelong Learning Labs, Preparing for College, Transition Fair, and Tutoring in Your Town, focused on building academic skills and supporting lifelong learning for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Social Opportunities Social programs including Adaptive Cooking (with Tablespoon Cooking Co. and Boltz to Nutz Farm), Art and Apps ($10), Holiday Party, Kindness Crew, Respite Care, Social Clubs, Teen Club, Themed Parties, Themed Dances, Trunk-or-Treat, Weekly Playgroup, and Winter Dance, fostering social interaction and community inclusion.
• Community and Support Groups Area-specific community groups (Butler/Warren, BACH, Eastside, NKY, Westside) and special interest groups (African American Family Network, DADS, Hispanic Family Group, Teen Club, Homeschooling, Grandparents) providing networking and family support across the 12-county service area.
• Age-Segmented Support Services Age-specific support services including New & Expectant Parents, Early Matters (ages 0-5), School Age (ages 6-17), Young Adult (ages 18-34), Adult (ages 35+), and Community Groups, providing advocacy, resources, and connection opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
• Family Assistance Programs Financial and material assistance including Giving Tree (holiday support), Community Participation Fund (up to $250/person/year, $500/family max), Transportation Assistance Fund, Hospital Care Packages, and Housewarming Baskets for adults moving toward independence.
• National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) National program counseling expectant and new families across the United States who are considering making an adoption plan for their child with Down syndrome, including Down syndrome and parenting education, connections to local DS communities, and adoption support. Approximately half of families who contact NDSAN decide to parent their child rather than pursue adoption.
• Paid Internship Program for Adults with Down Syndrome Annual paid internship program providing meaningful work experience for adults with Down syndrome, running March through December with the application process opening in October. Interns support office operations and major events.
• Empowerment Center Facility Programming Dedicated 4623 Wesley Avenue Suite B facility equipped with therapeutic equipment, rock wall, swings, trampolines, climbing mats, toys, games, electronics, and a fully equipped sensory room, used to host a wide variety of therapeutic, recreational, educational, and social programs for individuals with Down syndrome.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 15,000 Buddy Walk participants annually from 420+ teams across 12 counties
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN)coreOthersNDSAN is a national program operated by DSAGC that serves expectant and new families across the entire United States who are considering adoption plans for children with Down syndrome. DSAGC provides counseling, education on Down syndrome and parenting, connections to local DS communities, and adoption support. Approximately half of families who contact NDSAN decide to parent their child rather than pursue adoption. DSAGC Director Stephanie Thompson and Program Coordinator Molly Blaker lead this program.
• iCan ShinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAGC partners with iCan Shine to deliver the iCan Bike Camp, which uses adapted bicycles and a specialized instructional program to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Riders attend 75-minute sessions daily for five consecutive days with volunteer spotters. The program takes place at Harrison High School.
• Goldfish Swim School AndersonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner venue for Jump Start Swim Camp — providing age-appropriate swimming lessons (infant, preschool, and school age) over five consecutive days focusing on water safety and fundamental techniques.
• ABC Pediatric TherapyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABC Pediatric Therapy hosts Tiny Explorers and Mini Movers gross motor playgroups at its Western Hills and Loveland locations, led by ABC pediatric therapists in partnership with DSAGC's Early Matters Program.
• The Gymnastics Center (Cincinnati)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Tiny Tots Gymnastics (ages 3–5) and School Age Gymnastics (ages 6–11) and Teen Gymnastics (ages 12–17) programs, providing scaled preschool and youth gymnastics equipment.
• Comprehensive Concepts In Speech And Hearing, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAGC partners with this therapy provider to deliver therapy camps including Fine Motor Boot Camp (ages 5–8), Emotion Explorers Camp (ages 9–12), and Life Skills Camp (ages 13–17), led by OT/COTA and SLP professionals.
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center — Thomas Center for Down SyndromecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThomas Center is the primary regional medical partner for individuals with Down syndrome. DSAGC refers families to the Center for interdisciplinary evaluations (developmental behavioral pediatrics, speech/language pathology, social work, OT, PT, psychology, special education). The Health Advisory Board includes multiple CCHMC physicians (Dr. Todd Arthur, Dr. Mark Deis, Dr. Anna Esbensen, Dr. Stacey Ishman, Dr. Walker Motley, Marty Tomlin, Dr. Lauren Wang, Dr. Jason Woodward, Cassie Wolf).
• UC Health — Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult-focused healthcare center providing coordinated, patient-centered care for adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Also trains medical students and residents.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAGC coordinates advocacy efforts with NDSS and other national and regional Down syndrome organizations as part of the Government Affairs Committee's mission. NDSS provides advocacy resources, fact sheets, and legislative coordination.
• First Steps (Kentucky)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKentucky's statewide early intervention system providing services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3. DSAGC refers families to First Steps as part of its early intervention network.
• Help Me Grow (Ohio)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOhio's expectant and newborn/infant/toddler developmental services program operating in multiple counties within DSAGC's service area (Brown, Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Highland, Adams, Clinton). DSAGC refers families as part of early intervention coordination.
• Keys for SuccessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic therapy provider hosting DSAGC's Keys for Success Music Therapy program (ages 6–12, Thursdays) led by a board-certified music therapist. Addresses cognitive, communication, emotional, and social skills through instruments, singing, and rhythm exercises.
• Tablespoon Cooking Co.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal cooking instruction partner providing virtual adaptive baking classes for teens and adults with Down syndrome, using simple recipes, visual aids, and repetition to encourage independence in the kitchen.
• Boltz to Nutz FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccessible farm venue hosting DSAGC's adaptive cooking class (ages 25+) where participants work on measuring, stirring, and cooking skills in a fully accessible kitchen and outdoor area.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: National Down syndrome organization focused on research, medical care, and advocacy. Complements DSAGC's local services with national research funding and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, sharing overlapping goals around improving health outcomes and quality of life.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): National membership-based organization for Down syndrome with a network of local affiliates across the United States. Provides education, advocacy, and an annual convention that DSAGC families participate in, serving as a peer in the broader Down syndrome support ecosystem.
• GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers with 60+ locations offering free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs. Shares DSAGC's mission of lifelong programming and offers a comparable mix of therapeutic and educational services, scaled through a franchise-style affiliate model.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): National advocacy and policy organization for individuals with Down syndrome. DSAGC is a coordinating partner with NDSS for advocacy efforts and shares overlapping mission around awareness, education, and family support, though NDSS operates at a national scale rather than regional service delivery.

Direct peers

• Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin: Statewide Down syndrome organization providing programs, resources, and advocacy across Wisconsin. Operates a similar comprehensive support model with age-specific programming, family assistance, and community-group structure — a direct comparable in scope and approach.
• Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio: Regional Ohio-based Down syndrome association providing comprehensive programs and support services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Operates a near-identical lifesycle-spanning model with age-specific programming, community groups, and family assistance — direct regional peer in the same state.
• Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte: Regional Down syndrome association serving the Charlotte, NC metro area with programs for individuals across all life stages. Provides therapeutic, educational, social, and family support services comparable to DSAGC's portfolio structure.
• Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City: Regional Down syndrome nonprofit serving the Kansas City metro area with programs spanning early intervention through adulthood. Operates a similar multi-program, life-stage-segmented model with family support, community education, and signature fundraising events — a direct comparable in mission and structure.
• Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC): Statewide Down syndrome organization offering programs, advocacy, and family support across Massachusetts. Operates a similar lifecycle-spanning model with age-specific programming, parent education, and signature fundraising events comparable to the Buddy Walk.

Emerging players

• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN): National peer-support network for parents receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. Overlaps with DSAGC's Early Matters and New & Expectant Parents programs, providing digital-first peer connection that complements DSAGC's regional in-person services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-association-of-greater-cincinnati

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati