building a world where all are valued

SERVING OUR MEMBERS

Together We Are Making History – The House Passes the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act

We are thrilled to share that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (H.R. 3491) yesterday evening!

Led by Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Richard Hudson (R-NC), and original cosponsors Tom Cole (R-OK), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Pete Stauber (R-MN), the bipartisan legislation (once passed in the Senate) will permanently authorize the National Institutes of Health’s Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome, known as the INCLUDE Project.

The INCLUDE Project is the first and only NIH-wide initiative dedicated to advancing research to improve the health and quality of life of people with Down syndrome while accelerating scientific discoveries that benefit all Americans. Led by GLOBAL and with support from Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans, it has catalyzed discoveries related to Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune conditions, sleep apnea, cancer, heart disease, liver dysfunction, and other co-occurring conditions that disproportionately affect individuals with Down syndrome.

The bill is named in memory of GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon who was a great public speaker, talented dancer, Special Olympian and an irrepressible force for good. She and her older brother, Jamie Foxx, are both recipients of GLOBAL’s highest honor – the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. It is also a fitting legacy for former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) who started this journey with us when her son, GLOBAL Ambassador Cole Rodgers, was born.

THE NEXT STEP? The Senate! We will be rolling out a petition and letter-writing campaign led by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in the coming weeks and look forward to working with Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans to bring this life-changing bill over the finish line!

In the meantime, you can help our bill move forward by liking, commenting, and sharing the social media posts below and showing the world that that this milestone vote underscores that people with Down syndrome are important, their health is important, and their quality of life is important! 

Breaking News for People with Down Syndrome – Please Watch & Share Today!

Thank you for your support and advocacy. Together we are elongating life and improving health outcomes for our children and adults with Down syndrome.

On Mission With You,

Michelle Sie Whitten                                  David Tolleson

                 President & CEO                     Vice President, Strategic Alliances

STD Buddy Walk

Eighteen-year-old Karina Brown, who has been a member of DSAGNO since she was two years old, represented DSAGNO at the Acceptability Gala in Washington, D.C. She attended with her mom, Tina Haines. Karina and her mother had a chance to meet many wonderful people, including this year's ambassador, Crystal Muro, and to share the stage with artist Rachel Patton.

We had a blast at the 2025 buddy walk. thank you to everyone who came out and supported this amazing community.

for more information on next year's buddy walk, contact us:
phone: (504) 435-3457
Email: info@dsagno.org
address: p.o. box 23453, new orleans, la 70183

Thank you to The Starbucks Foundation for choosing DSAGNO to receive a Neighborhood Grant!

We are thankful to have the opportunity to serve our community. 

We had a blast at our annual dsagno christmas party. It was wonderful to celebrate the holidays with so many incredible families. Make sure to join us for special events in the future.

who we are

At DSAGNO, our mission is to promote awareness, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. We strive to empower individuals with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling lives and to be fully included in the community.

We are a non-profit, 501c3 organization. Our members include individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends, and the therapeutic, medical, and educational professionals who provide services throughout our community.

We offer a wide rang of resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, including informational guides, support groups, and educational workshops.

support & resources

advocacy

We advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome at local, state, and national levels. Our advocacy efforts focus on education, healthcare, and community integration.

educational programs

DSAGNO provides educational programs tailored to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and professionals. Our programs include early intervention services, tutoring, and inclusive education training.

community events

We organize a variety of community events to promote social interaction, awareness, and inclusion. Our events include the annual Buddy Walk, family picnics, holiday celebrations, and awareness campaigns.

parent & family support

We offer support groups and resources for parents and families, including new parent support, sibling workshops, and family networking opportunities. Our goal is to create a supportive community for all families.

health & wellness

DSAGNO promotes the health and wellness of individuals with Down syndrome through fitness programs, health fairs, and partnerships with healthcare providers. We aim to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome have access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Become a member today. It's free and you will receive the DSAGNO newsletter and other important information!

Email us: Info@dsagno.org

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