Advocacy & Awareness
The Gateway Down Syndrome Association is committed to raising awareness and about the incredible lives of people with Down syndrome. The organization raises awareness in the community through hosting events, giving presentations to schools, churches, and business, staying active on social media, visiting the capitol in Jefferson City, participating in several service provider coalitions, and more! We walk, we play, we showcase talents and skills, we share photos and stories, and we celebrate all of the wonderful people we know with Down syndrome.
Here are the documents from our Down Syndrome Awareness Packet. They are FREE to download, print, and share!
Advocacy & Awareness Presentations
One way we raise awareness in the community is through presentations at schools and community group events. Presentations can be customized toward a younger audience, such as a fifth grade class focusing on inclusion, awareness, and acceptance. Or it could be geared more toward professionals such as school staff members where a student with Down syndrome attends, or the staff at a restaurant where a person with Down syndrome has just been hired to work.
Contact Community Engagement Manager, Abigail Beckord Bosslet, for more information or to schedule a presentation. abigail@gatewaydsa.org or 314.833.7560
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, was established in 2006 by Down Syndrome International with the goal of raising awareness and mobilizing support and recognition of the dignity, rights and well-being of people with Down syndrome across the world. March 21, or 3/21, was chosen to honor of the third copy of the 21st chromosome present in those with Down syndrome.
There are so many ways you can celebrate Down syndrome and raise awareness in your community! The easiest way is to follow us on social media and share all the awesome awareness content with your friends and family.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and even though Gateway DSA works all year long to raise awareness, October presents a unique opportunity for raising EVEN MORE awareness about Down syndrome in our community. Gateway DSA coordinates social media campaigns, interviews on the local news and radio, and fun events throughout the entire month of October!
Visit our calendar of events page to learn more about what we have planned!
Step Up for Down Syndrome
Step Up for Down Syndrome is the largest celebration of Down syndrome in the region. Join over 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and their friends in Forest Park for this one-of-a-kind event. Start a team in honor of your loved one with Down syndrome, or join Team Gateway DSA, and fundraise for awesome prizes including tickets to Walk in the Ballpark with the St. Louis Cardinals!
Walk in the Ballpark
Walk in the Ballpark is an annual Gateway DSA tradition that brings together families from the St. Louis area and beyond for a day of fun, baseball and an experience that fills the stadium with excitement. Join the nearly 3,200 friends and supporters of the GDSA for our largest, most exciting awareness days of the year at Busch Stadium.
Gateway DSA In The News
Gateway DSA (formerly Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis) was KMOV’s Quarter 1 4You charity of choice in 2024. They featured GDSA in several Channel 4 News segments, their social media, and their website throughout the quarter. Check out all the videos and share on your social to help spread even more awareness about Down syndrome and all that GDSA does for the community!