Down Syndrome Innovations
Down Syndrome Innovations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Mission, Kansas, that delivers lifespan services — therapy, fitness, community employment, adult education, and caregiver support — to individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Kansas City and Central Missouri regions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersMission, Kansas, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Down Syndrome Innovations does
Down Syndrome Innovations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Mission, Kansas, with an additional presence in Central Missouri. Founded in 1984, it provides lifespan services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across an integrated continuum that includes New Parent Support, Therapy and Mental Health services, Fitness, Social Groups, Community Employment, Adult Continuing Education (ACE), and Caregiver Education. In 2025 the organization delivered 57,024 hours of direct engagement to 2,581 individuals and families, with 830 participants in more specialized programming.
The operating model is community-based and relationship-driven rather than technology-led. Service delivery relies on a specialized clinical and program team rather than proprietary platforms; the disclosed technology stack consists of Zoom for virtual programming, CourseStorm for online registration, and TFA Forms for participant administration. Geographic reach spans the Kansas City metropolitan area and Central Missouri, with the addition of virtual and distance programs extending potential participation beyond the original physical footprint. Notable operational partners include Charlie Hustle for co-branded merchandise fundraising and TCMS Kansas for operational support.
The organization is funded through donations, philanthropy, and recurring fundraising events such as the Step Up Walk and Golf Classic, supplemented by branded merchandise revenue. Leadership is led by President/CEO Jennifer L. Dreiling, whose career fundraising total is cited above $30 million, alongside Executive Director Sarah Mai. As a 501(c)(3), growth is measured in service capacity and donor base rather than commercial revenue, with strategic emphasis under the current CEO on geographic expansion into Central Missouri, virtual program scale-up, and deepening of specialized engagement lines such as ACE and Community Employment.
Down Syndrome Innovations firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Down Syndrome Innovations
- Legal name
- Down Syndrome Innovations, Inc.
- Website
- https://kcdsi.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Down Syndrome Innovations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Mission, Kansas, that delivers lifespan services — therapy, fitness, community employment, adult education, and caregiver support — to individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Kansas City and Central Missouri regions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Down Syndrome Innovations industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child and Youth Services (62411), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)
- 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), Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)
Keywords
Where Down Syndrome Innovations is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mission, Kansas
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Down Syndrome Innovations business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Philanthropy: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Down Syndrome Innovations relies heavily on donations, fundraising events, and charitable contributions. The organization hosts annual events including the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk and Golf Classic, and accepts general donations through its website.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Free | Free social groups for individuals with Down syndrome |
| Other | Other | Core service programs (therapy, employment, education) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Down Syndrome Innovations product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Down Syndrome Innovations delivers a comprehensive suite of lifespan support services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, spanning from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Direct service offerings include new and expectant parent support, occupational and speech therapy, mental health services, fitness and nutrition programs, free social groups, community employment coaching, adult continuing education (ACE), and caregiver education. Services are delivered both in person at Kansas City and Central Missouri locations and virtually via Zoom, with registration managed through CourseStorm. The organization supplements these programs with signature annual fundraising events (Step Up for Down Syndrome Walks in Kansas City and Central Missouri, plus the Golf Classic).
Product overview
Down Syndrome Innovations is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive suite of support services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the entire lifespan. The organization operates as a single integrated service platform with multiple interconnected programs including New & Expectant Parent Support, Therapies & Mental Health Services, Fitness & Nutrition, Social Groups (in-person and virtual), Community Employment, Adult Continuing Education (ACE), and Caregiver Education. Core services are delivered through virtual/distance programs via Zoom and in-person community events. The organization also manages signature fundraising events including the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk (Kansas City and Central Missouri) and Golf Classic. Services span from prenatal diagnosis support through adulthood, with 2025 impact statistics showing 57,024 hours of direct engagement, 2,581 individuals and families served, and 830 individuals with Down syndrome receiving specialized engagement. The organization has been serving the Kansas City Down syndrome community since 1984.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lifespan Services Comprehensive support services spanning from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood, encompassing new parent support, therapies, fitness, social groups, employment services, adult education, caregiver education, and community events.
- New & Expectant Parent Support Resources and support for families after a Down syndrome diagnosis including hope, mentor guidance, gift baskets, and confidential, personalized support connecting families to a caring community.
- Therapy & Mental Health Services Strengths-based therapy for all ages with Down syndrome, boosting independence, communication, mental health, emotional regulation, employment skills, and overall quality of life.
- Fitness & Nutrition Functional fitness, strength, and nutrition programs for individuals with Down syndrome, building motor skills, healthy habits, and lifelong wellness through personalized training.
- Social Groups Free, inclusive social groups for all ages that help individuals with Down syndrome build friendships, social skills, and community, available in person or virtually with flexible drop-in options.
- Community Employment Inclusive, competitive employment support including discovery, job search, coaching, and employer partnerships, empowering individuals of all abilities to build purpose, independence, and belonging.
- Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Lifelong learning program empowering adults with Down syndrome through social connection, community engagement, and career readiness, building skills for independence, confidence, and purposeful living.
- Caregiver Education Family education and personalized planning services including financial guidance, advocacy tools, skill-building strategies, and benefit navigation to help individuals with Down syndrome thrive.
- Virtual & Distance Groups Free, interactive online classes and support groups for individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers, including social groups, fitness classes, and caregiver connections delivered via Zoom-based programs.
- Family & Community Events Events and community activities that build connection, share resources, and strengthen belonging, empowering families with support, encouragement, and community participation.
- Personal Care Attendants Support service providing personal care assistance for individuals with Down syndrome.
- Targeted Case Management Case management services for individuals with developmental disabilities, coordinated through TCMS Kansas.
- Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk - Kansas City Annual fundraising walk event in Kansas City to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
- Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk - Central Missouri Annual fundraising walk event in Central Missouri to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
- Step Up for Down Syndrome Golf Classic Annual golf tournament fundraiser supporting Down Syndrome Innovations' mission and programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 57,024 hours of direct engagement and support delivered in 2025
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Down Syndrome Innovations
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Down Syndrome Innovations technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Down Syndrome Innovations partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Charlie HustleminorPartnership with Charlie Hustle for exclusive Communi-Tee merchandise. A portion of every purchase supports Down Syndrome Innovations and directly fuels their mission. Orders available nationwide with shipping from February 20 through October 31.
- CourseStormcoreCourseStorm provides the program's registration and event management platform (kcdsi.coursestorm.com) enabling families to view and register for services, virtual groups, and events online.
- Targeted Case Management KansasminorReferenced as one of DSI's websites under the organizational umbrella, providing Targeted Case Management services in Kansas.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Down Syndrome Innovations competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): National membership organization focused on Down syndrome information, advocacy, and an annual convention. Comparable to DSI in condition-specific focus and lifespan-oriented programming, though operating at a national scale rather than regional.
- National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): National advocacy and direct-support organization for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Closest national-level peer to DSI's mission and serves as a benchmark for program breadth and donor engagement across the Down syndrome community.
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Major Down syndrome research, medical care, and family support organization. Comparable in condition-specific focus and lifespan coverage, with a stronger emphasis on research funding and pediatric medical care than DSI.
- Easterseals: Large national disability services network offering therapy, employment, and community living programs. Comparable to DSI in service categories but broader in disability scope and substantially larger in scale and geographic reach.
- Special Olympics: Global organization providing sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, many of whom have Down syndrome. Adjacent competitor in the fitness and community engagement space where DSI also operates.
- The Arc: National organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including case management and community-based supports. Overlaps with DSI's lifespan and caregiver support functions at a broader IDD scope.
Direct peers
- Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network: National organization supporting families after a prenatal or postnatal Down syndrome diagnosis. Closely comparable to DSI's New & Expectant Parent Support program in mission and audience, with a national digital footprint.
- Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City: Regional Down syndrome support organization serving the Kansas City metro. Operates in the same geography and serves overlapping family populations, creating direct competition for referrals, donors, and event sponsorship in DSI's home market.
- GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers delivering free therapeutic, educational, and career programs. Most direct operating peer to DSI in terms of multi-location, free-of-charge, condition-specific program delivery model.
Emerging players
- Best Buddies International: Organization focused on friendships, employment, and leadership development for people with IDD including Down syndrome. Comparable in the community employment and social connection programs DSI offers.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Down Syndrome Innovations social profiles
Digital presenceDown Syndrome Innovations financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Down Syndrome Innovations leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Down Syndrome Innovations funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Down Syndrome Innovations M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Down Syndrome Innovations
What does Down Syndrome Innovations do?
Down Syndrome Innovations delivers a comprehensive suite of lifespan support services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, spanning from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Direct service offerings include new and expectant parent support, occupational and speech therapy, mental health services, fitness and nutrition programs, free social groups, community employment coaching, adult continuing education (ACE), and caregiver education. Services are delivered both in person at Kansas City and Central Missouri locations and virtually via Zoom, with registration managed through CourseStorm. The organization supplements these programs with signature annual fundraising events (Step Up for Down Syndrome Walks in Kansas City and Central Missouri, plus the Golf Classic).
Is Down Syndrome Innovations a public or private company?
Down Syndrome Innovations is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Down Syndrome Innovations founded?
Down Syndrome Innovations was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Down Syndrome Innovations based?
Down Syndrome Innovations is headquartered in Mission, Kansas, United States, in the North America region.
How does Down Syndrome Innovations make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Philanthropy.
Who are Down Syndrome Innovations's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Easterseals, Special Olympics and The Arc. Direct peers are Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City and GiGi's Playhouse. Best Buddies International is listed as an emerging player.
Does Down Syndrome Innovations have an API?
No public API is recorded for Down Syndrome Innovations.
What industry is Down Syndrome Innovations in?
Down Syndrome Innovations's product category is Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAAAIAC, Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare, with a secondary code of HLADAIAI, Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors). Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8300.