Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta

11/25/2025

Our answer is definitely our community! What are YOU thankful for?

11/22/2025

11/19/2025

🎉🎉🎉This Marietta cheer squad secured third place this week and notably, they were the only squad in the entire K-5 competition to include a member with special needs. Well done Marietta!
So proud to witness how our Down syndrome community continues to redefine possible, regardless of the field! 🩵

11/18/2025

⛄️We couldn't be more excited to have our very own Santa featured on WABE News! We love how our Down syndrome community keeps REDEFINING POSSIBLE! 💙
📸: .carlisle.758

The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta announced the return of Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa Claus with Down syndrome, to its Dec. 13 Holiday Party.

11/17/2025

✨ Help Us Bring Holiday Joy to Our Down Syndrome Community

The holidays should feel warm and magical, but many families in our Down syndrome community are facing real financial stress this season. Our Holiday Giveaway Fund helps bring comfort, relief, and joy to families who could truly use a little extra support.

If you are able, we would be so grateful for your generosity. Every donation matters, and every share helps us reach more people who care. 💛

❤️ Donate if you can 🔗 in comments
👍 Like and share to spread the word
💬 Comment with a heart to help boost this post

Together, we can brighten the season for families right here in our community. Thank you for spreading kindness and holiday cheer. 🎁✨

11/14/2025

🎅🏻HoHoHo! He’s coming to our Merry & Bright Holiday Party! Are you?! Can’t wait to see you there.

📸 Santa Bradley

11/06/2025

Over the weekend we lost Dr. Blackston an amazing doctor that helped so many of our families.

🩵About Dr. Blackston:
Dr Blackston was a longtime medical advisor and friend to the families and members of the. dsaa. Beginning at least in the 1970s he was the “go to” doc for parents of a child with DS. His reputation grew, coming to the attention of the Bernie Marcus family who founded the Marcus Center for Developmental Disabilities at Emory University in 1990. Dr Blackston was appointed Medical Director.

For many years Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta awarded The R. Dwain Blackston Award to a member of the Atlanta medical community who practiced exceptional care, research and involvement in the lives of persons with DS. The association plans to award this honor again.

Finally and most importantly, Dr “B” touched many lives, in his professional capacity and personally. He came to our graduations, weddings, socials and sadly some funerals. We will all remember him, his support, and “Can we say Love”?!

🩵Thank you Nancy A. Armstrong for the beautiful write-up.

11/04/2025

Last year, thanks to the support of Locum Tenens, we launched our Keep the Lights On program to help families in our Down syndrome community. 💡💙

With the current SNAP benefit disruptions from the government shutdown, we know many families are feeling added stress. Food support is essential, and we want to help lighten the load where we can.

We are reopening this program to assist families experiencing food insecurity. Our grant can cover a utility bill (up to $250), giving you the ability to use those funds for groceries and essentials.

If your family could benefit from this support, please apply below. Be sure to read through the application carefully before submitting.

We’re here for you. 💙

🔗comments/bio

11/04/2025

We love any chance we get to gather! Perfect weather play date in Grant Park. Thank you to the wonderful moms who spearhead these play dates and make it happen!

🩵: Kimberly Gardner Knight

11/01/2025

It's open!

⛺Camp Brightside Registration is open! Registration closes December 1st!

Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta
GiGi's Playhouse Atlanta
Camp Twin Lakes