2024 Annual Appeal: The Future Looks Bright
Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024!
We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you and for all that you do to support our friends with disabilities. You make it possible for people with disabilities, their families, and others to Look to a Brighter Future!
Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous family:
All donations will be matched up to $40,000!!
Turn your donation into 2x the amount by making a gift before December 31!
Donate $100 OR sign up for our monthly giving program to receive an official DSAW 2025 Calendar! It's loaded with pictures from all our chapters and includes important upcoming DSAW events.
Living independently can be an important part of a person's life journey. People with disabilities born within the last 30 years have been taught and invested in since they were born, and in return, they are thriving. People with disabilities can now work in integrated jobs in the community, own their own companies, drive cars, and live as vital, engaged members of their communities.
DSAW provides education and daily living skills training to help people with disabilities prepare for their bright futures, whether it be living with family, in supportive housing, living independently, or another option.
Meet Daniel
Daniel is 36 years old and has been living independently in his own home since 2013. Daniel has created a full life for himself. He enjoys cooking, singing in 2 choirs, hanging out in the community, watching TV, and doing the yard work!
He also participates in many of the DSAW-Fox Cities events including retreats, Halloween parties, and other festivities. He has attended many DSAW-Fox Cities Annual Awareness Walks and was chosen to be an Official Walk Ambassador one year.
DSAW's Programming & Services
DSAW can provide many resources for individuals with disabilities who are looking to make the transition into independent or supported living. DSAW also offer courses in daily living skills like Kitchen Basics, Social Skills, Money Skills, and Physical Fitness and Nutrition. By supporting DSAW today, you support the bright futures of people like Daniel!
DSAW has many programs and resources available for new and expectant parents through our Parent’s First Call Program. We are here to answer all of your questions and guide you along your journey.
When expecting parents receive a Down syndrome diagnosis, they are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. The first thing to understand is that they are not alone. In Wisconsin, there are more than 8,000 individuals with Down syndrome. DSAW represents the interests of these families, providing programs, services, resources, and support.
DSAW's PFC Program offers new parents multiple programs and services to guide them through the first initial phases for parenting a child with Down syndrome.
Kristina joined the Prenatal Support Group as well as Parents First Call. For her, it was important to get a glimpse into the future to see all the possibilities and what type of life her daughter would experience.
“What I found gave me so much hope.”
Meet Maddie
Maddie is 16 months old and a bundle of joy for parents Kristina and Kevin. Kristina and Kevin found out about DSAW's Parent's First Call Program when they were given a pamphlet about the program from the Fetal Concerns Office at Children’s WI Hospital.
Kristina recalls her first impression when contacting DSAW about the Parent's First Call Program. I felt welcomed and the tone of the conversation was filled with happiness.
““I was told congratulations, not I’m sorry.””
Parents Kristina and Kevin with Maddie's siblings Max, Benji, and Annabelle.
