The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis began in 1973 as Down's Parents of Memphis. A small group of parents met while attending the first Early Intervention Program in Memphis at the Child Development Center. They began meeting to learn more about Down syndrome and to work to improve public awareness, while providing the most current care for their children. This group of parents went on to begin the Special Kids Early Intervention. 

Re-organized as a 501 © 3 under the name of The Down Syndrome Association of the Memphis & Mid-South (DSAM), the organization is now serving as a support group for parents, families and friends of persons with Down syndrome. The mission of the Down Syndrome of the Mid-South is to provide support to persons with Down Syndrome and their families through networking, promotion of positive public awareness, information sharing and advocacy.

Under the direction and leadership of an Executive Director and Board of Directors, DSAM is volunteer driven.  DSAM provides information for families of newborn babies with Down syndrome as well as current, unbiased and updated information to professionals,  conducts regular educational meetings, hosts social events, publishes a regular newsletter, assists parents in attending national research conferences, partners with other disability groups to sponsor conferences, provides a networking outlet to families, advocates for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome, sponsors one teen and one pre-teen performing arts troupe (Company D), and provides support to families of individuals with Down syndrome.  The largest disability awareness event in the Mid-South is the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness hosted by DSAM each October.  You can learn more about this event by clicking on the Buddy Walk tab.  You can learn more about upcoming events by clicking on the News & Events tab and/or view recent newsletters by clicking on the Newsletters tab.