We're Here.
Through Every Stage of Life.
The Gateway Down Syndrome Association mission is to serve, support, and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and is the only organization in the region that offers support and services to the Down syndrome community throughout the entire lifespan.
Celebrating 50 Years with a New Name, Same Heart
Formerly the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, the Gateway Down Syndrome Association was started by seven mothers of children with Down syndrome in 1976 when services and supports were hard to come by. Today, the Gateway Down Syndrome Association serves nearly 2300 individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Upcoming Gateway DSA Events
October 11
Rock 21 Concert
Are you ready to ROCK? Join us as the Rock 21 bands take to the stage at Frankie Martin’s Garden for Rocktoberfest! Tickets are just $10, food trucks & drinks available for purchase, as well as Rock 21 t-shirts!
October 24
Disney Trivia Night
The GDSA Jr. Board is planning another Disney Trivia Night and this time we’re getting spooky with a Halloween theme! Get your team together, bring some snacks to share, and win some prizes!
November 14
50th Anniversary Gala
Join us for an unforgettable night at the Chase Park Plaza as we celebrate Gateway DSA’s 50 Year Legacy of Love, and A Future Without Limits! Entertainment by Rachel Lampa and friends with Down syndrome!
December 5
Holiday Party & Marketplace
Spread some holiday cheer with games, treats, music, and community at our annual Holiday Party. Plus, the Marketplace will be filled with unique items made by individuals with Down syndrome!
Our vision is for an inclusive community where all people with Down syndrome can achieve their full potential.
Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in every 691 live births, making it the most frequently occurring chromosomal anomaly. There are about 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome and approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the United States.
Family Support Programs
Family support can start as early as a prenatal diagnosis. Our Expectant Parent section provides information and resources specific to those who are expecting a baby with Down syndrome. Many of our families find out that their baby has Down syndrome after birth. The New Parent section has information such as our New Parent Packet and our New Parent Support Network, as well as resources for Grandparents.
Celebrations & Events
Gateway DSA is dedicated to celebrating the lives of people with Down syndrome and building an inclusive community where everyone feels connected, supported, and empowered to be the best they can be. Join us a holiday party, bowling event, fun in the park, or our largest celebration of the year, Step Up for Down syndrome!
In-Person and Virtual Programs
Gateway DSA is proud to offer the programming for individuals of all ages and abilities both in-person and virtually. Each week you can join us on Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube, and in-person for programs such as Small Steps Therapy Program, Fusion Friday, Life Long Learning, Bingo, Improv, Rock 21, and more!