Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta

What Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta does

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia, that serves individuals with Down syndrome from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood, along with their families and caregivers. It operates as the largest volunteer-led organization for the Down syndrome community in Georgia, reaching 800 families across 18 Metro-Atlanta counties with a small paid staff of 1-10 employees and hundreds of active volunteers. The organization runs annual signature events (Buddy Walk, World Down Syndrome Day, Holiday Party hosting up to 750 attendees), weeklong summer programs (Camp Brightside for ages 13-22, the Musical Theatre Summer Camp for ages 10-21), and recurring social and educational programming (Mom's Night Out, Mom's Retreat, webinars, Q+A with Anna Maki benefits-navigation series).

DSAA's core offerings are organized around four functional pillars: family support and new-parent outreach (new parent packets, Jack's Basket welcome gifts distributed through 26 birthing hospitals, parent liaison networks); education and benefits navigation (webinars on IEPs, Katie Beckett and NOW/COMP Medicaid waivers, transition planning, the Q+A with Anna Maki series produced in partnership with Bobby Dodd Institute); community-building sub-brands tailored to specific demographics (Black Family Connection launched in 2021, AHSDA for Hispanic/Latino families, and inclusive arts programming via Habima Theatre and Decatur Community Players); and advocacy plus emergency aid (Georgia Capitol advocacy, Speakers Bureau, Keep The Lights On emergency assistance up to $250 per family). The organization maintains no proprietary technology platform; digital operations run on Squarespace, DonorBox, Zoom, and SimpleTexting.

Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropic channels: one-time and recurring individual donations (Monthly Redefiner program), event fundraising, Rock Your Socks merchandise sales, planned giving/bequests, and named funds such as the Caroline Thome Angel Fund and the Megan Sydney Pay It Forward Fund (established November 2024). DSAA is independently governed by a working board and is affiliated with NDSS, NDSC, and DSAIA at the national level, but is not funded by or controlled by any national entity. Most programs and events are free to families, with nominal fees only for merchandise and the summer camps.

Name

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta

Legal name

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta

Website

https://www.dsaatl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1979 that supports 800 families across 18 Metro-Atlanta counties with events, educational programs, advocacy, and direct services for individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy and Support Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)

Keywords

• Disability advocacy services
• Community support programs
• Nonprofit fundraising events
• Down syndrome support
• Special needs resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Atlanta community. Monthly giving program called 'Monthly Redefiner' available.
2. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated through event participation fees, sponsorships, and fundraising activities including Buddy Walk, Holiday Party, and special events.
3. Merchandise Sales (Rock Your Socks): Sale of themed merchandise (socks, apparel) tied to World Down Syndrome Day and other events, with proceeds supporting DSAA programs.
4. Planned Giving: Legacy giving through bequests, charitable annuities, beneficiary designations, and estate transfers.
5. Named Funds: Donations to purpose-specific funds including The Caroline Thome Angel Fund and The Megan Sydney Pay It Forward Fund.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers community programs, advocacy, education, and direct services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across metro Atlanta. Its core offerings include annual events (Buddy Walk, Holiday Party, World Down Syndrome Day), summer camps (Camp Brightside for ages 14-22, Musical Theatre Summer Camp), parent support programs (Mom's Night Out, support groups), educational webinars and IEP toolkits, medical outreach to 26 birthing hospitals, and emergency financial assistance.

Product overview

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta (DSAA) is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of community support programs rather than a unified technology product. The core offerings include: annual events (Buddy Walk, World Down Syndrome Day, Holiday Party), overnight camps (Camp Brightside for ages 14-22, Musical Theatre Summer Camp for ages 10-22), parent support programs (Mom's Night Out, support groups including Black Family Connection and Hispanic Family Connection/AHSDA), educational programming (webinars, IEP resources, Q+A with Anna Maki benefits navigation), advocacy services (Capitol advocacy, school support, disability awareness training), medical outreach, and merchandise (Rock Your Socks). Additional programs include financial assistance (Keep The Lights On), planned giving options, and specialized funds (Megan Sydney Pay It Forward Fund, Caroline Thome Angel Fund). The organization primarily uses third-party platforms including DonorBox for donations and Zoom for webinars.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Black Family Connection (BFC): A program of DSAA created to gather Black families raising individuals with Down syndrome, providing a common and safe space for community connection.
• AHSDA
• Camp Brightside

Products and services

• Buddy Walk Annual awareness and fundraising walk held each October to raise awareness and financial support for the Down syndrome community in metro Atlanta.
• Camp Brightside Weeklong sleepaway camp for individuals ages 13-22 with Down syndrome, offering summer programming.
• Musical Theatre Summer Camp Six-week musical theatre camp for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10-22, culminating in a final performance.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/b8c98e65-2f61-421c-b2c1-430e25ed9cc2/winterwonderland.jpg Annual December celebration for children and families, hosting up to 750 attendees with food, entertainment, and Santa.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/8687bb52-0b32-46b4-b85d-f5e036eef8ca/BuddyWalk2024_2-292_websize.jpg Annual awareness events held March 21 featuring the Rock Your Socks campaign, Capitol advocacy visits, community celebrations, and educational programming.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/b1b35122-007e-4dc0-9ee0-9d66fbf5f033/1.png Sock merchandise sold for World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), with kids socks ($5), adult socks ($7), family bundles, and school/work bundles to raise awareness and funds.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/862e9c5c-0fae-46dd-9677-3a7474e5d119/Final+Camp+Brightside+logo.png Three-night caregiver respite retreat for mothers of children with Down syndrome, with a minimum requested donation of $90 per person to support the inn.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/46943fb4-3db3-4f4a-abd4-fcfdd54ee293/Copy+of+158-_MG_9505.jpg Monthly social gatherings for mothers of children with Down syndrome featuring guest speakers and networking opportunities.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/9b7ace79-0040-4fe1-a9bd-40850814960b/2021dsaacalendar-5348.jpg Resources and education provided to hospitals, OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and medical staff to guide new and expectant parents navigating a Down syndrome diagnosis.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/77456cc8-00aa-4360-8e02-3945d71116e4/PublicityFall2021_LowRes16.jpg Educational materials, support services, and networking programs for new parents of children with Down syndrome, including parent packets and FAQ resources.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/5b4f38e7-bf7f-498a-baeb-af152495773a/AdobeStock_217979060.jpeg Legislative advocacy at the Georgia Capitol, school advocacy for IEP support, disability awareness training, and Speakers Bureau providing spokespersons for community education.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/d49033a3-fb2c-404f-96a5-e9bfe8881a49/025SH1_3578.jpg Workshops, seminars, webinars, and IEP toolkits providing education strategies for families and educators on Down syndrome-related topics including waivers, potty training, and transition planning.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/0ba04589-3f1a-426e-bfac-94837d6d2ea8/BlueWagonRider+copy.jpg Expert Q&A blog series addressing family support, Medicaid, NOW/COMP waivers, and benefits navigation for individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lifespan.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/0b3f13d8-511b-4d3d-b1eb-51c816e58c2a/Copy+of+image1.jpeg Community-based parent networking groups across metro Atlanta, including the Black Family Connection and Hispanic Family Connection (AHSDA) programs.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/a614043f-48bd-4eb1-8329-5ea752f833f9/Keep+the+Lights+On+%281%29.png One-time emergency financial assistance up to $250 for qualifying DSAA families for food, utilities, or mortgage/rent needs.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/6060fec8-5f18-40c1-8069-50740d067f88/PublicityFall2021_LowRes18.jpg Legacy giving program allowing donors to include DSAA in estate planning through bequests, charitable annuities, or beneficiary designations.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/ebc41868-af06-4cab-84e7-70eaedc65c83/IMG_0478.png Established November 2024, this fund supports adult individuals with Down syndrome through social events and education on aging topics including Alzheimer's disease.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/be185139-0c72-4c6e-8b59-633326edc0e6/DSAA-ABW+2024+Medals+%282%29.png Memorial fund established to impact the lives of local families raising an individual with Down syndrome.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/132e5d9d-dbe6-4fd6-b178-f15dac7449d9/newparentresources2.jpg Hispanic family support programs including parent support groups, educational resources, and advocacy services in Spanish for the Latin American Down syndrome community.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/0b3f13d8-511b-4d3d-b1eb-51c816e58c2a/Copy+of+image1.jpeg Community program gathering Black families raising individuals with Down syndrome, providing a common and safe space for community connection.
• https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/619269bb94894426c86c8fd8/1642542869881-HVQWRGYE6CWQCJ7DP7DD/Screen%252BShot%252B2022-01-18%252Bat%252B7.38.55%252BPM.jpg Welcome gift baskets delivered to families with a new diagnosis or newborn with Down syndrome, distributed through the Parent Liaison network at metro Atlanta hospitals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 800 families across 18 Metro-Atlanta counties
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Jack's BasketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJack's Basket is a nonprofit partner that celebrates every child born with Down syndrome by providing welcome baskets with gifts, support, and resources to new and expectant parents. DSAA distributes these baskets through its Parent Liaison network at metro Atlanta hospitals and delivers them directly to families.
• GiGi's Playhouse AtlantacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA partners with GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta to provide programming and support for individuals with Down syndrome. GiGi's EPIC Program trains young adults in self-advocacy, and DSAA's Executive Director provides legislative training for these participants.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA is an official affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), a national organization with education, research, and advocacy programs, and which oversees Buddy Walks across the country. DSAA participates in NDSS national initiatives and distributes NDSS materials.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA is an official affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), located in Atlanta but serving nationally. NDSC provides informational materials, a national convention, and public awareness campaigns such as 'We're More Alike Than Different'.
• Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA is an affiliate of the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA), a network supporting local Down syndrome organizations.
• Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bobby Dodd Institute serves families with developmental disabilities in Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties, providing Family Support Services. Anna Maki, Director of Benefits Navigation at BDI, provides expert Q+A content for DSAA families on Georgia benefits and Medicaid waivers.
• Habima TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHabima Theatre is an inclusive theatre company featuring actors with disabilities. DSAA has been instrumental in growing the inclusive Habima Theatre and offers Musical Theatre Summer Camp programming for individuals with Down syndrome ages 10-22.
• Emory Down Syndrome CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmory Down Syndrome Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for individuals with Down syndrome. DSAA refers families to Emory and collaborates on educational events such as the Emory Down Syndrome Research and Caregiver Symposium.
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBHDD is the state agency that manages Family Support Services, NOW Medicaid Waiver, and COMP Medicaid Waiver programs. DSAA provides guidance to families on navigating DBHDD services and advocates for more waivers and higher wages for direct care providers.
• Alliance TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA partnered with Alliance Theatre for World Down Syndrome Day 2026 events, including a performance of 'Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed' with discounted tickets for the DSAA community.
• Decatur Community PlayersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA partners with Decatur Community Players for the annual Musical Theatre Summer Camp (Disney's Aristocats for Kids), held at Decatur Community Players venue in East Decatur Station.
• National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA provides information and referrals to the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, which ensures every child born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family.
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAA engages with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for medical outreach and referral purposes. Denise Arribas previously served as a hospital clown at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which inspired her to work in the nonprofit DS sector.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta: A local Atlanta Down syndrome organization offering free programming, education, and therapy. DSAA explicitly partners with GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta on self-advocacy training, making it the closest direct peer in the same metro for the same population.
• Parent to Parent of Georgia: Georgia-based parent support network for families of children with disabilities, including Down syndrome. Operates a comparable parent-match support model and serves an overlapping Atlanta-area family population.
• Bobby Dodd Institute: Atlanta-area disability services provider serving families with developmental disabilities across multiple counties. DSAA explicitly partners with BDI for benefits navigation; their service portfolios overlap substantially in the same catchment.
• Special Olympics Georgia: Georgia state program providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, including many with Down syndrome. Overlaps with DSAA's community programming and youth development mission.
• Jack's Basket: National nonprofit delivering welcome baskets to new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome. DSAA is a distribution partner; the missions are highly aligned and the beneficiary population is identical.
• National Down Syndrome Adoption Network: National network supporting adoption placements for children with Down syndrome. DSAA refers families to NDSAN; both serve the same Down syndrome family population with complementary support services.

Broad incumbents

• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): National Down syndrome advocacy, education, and research organization of which DSAA is an affiliate. Comparable mission and beneficiary base, with overlapping programs (Buddy Walk) at a national scale.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): National Down syndrome organization headquartered in Atlanta that provides informational materials, conventions, and awareness campaigns. DSAA is an official affiliate, making it a sister organization with overlapping content and beneficiary base.

Others

• Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA): A national network supporting local Down syndrome affiliates. DSAA is a member affiliate; DSAIA acts as a peer umbrella and capacity-building partner for organizations like DSAA.

Regional players

• ARC Georgia: State chapter of The Arc, serving Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome. Provides advocacy, family support, and case management across the state, overlapping with DSAA on Medicaid waiver navigation and family support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DSAAtlanta
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-association-of-atlanta

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta