Our Mission
The mission of the Black Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) is to connect Black families in the Down Syndrome community with resources to improve their lives in a more meaningful way by addressing the many inequalities present that increase barriers to access, support, and education. We strive to fill the gap for the families we serve.
WAYS WE HELP
The Focus of Our Efforts
Connect
We connect Black families with local, state and national resources.
Collaborate
We collaborate with local, state and federal organizations to develop and ensure adequate programming that supports Black families.
Educate
We educate families and their support systems on how to best advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Engage
We engage families through online support groups, information campaigns and much more.
Where Passion and Dedication Meet
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Black Down Syndrome Association. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about our two Founders.
CoFounder
Crystal Lotterberry
Crystal was driven to help found BDSA because she wanted to see more images of Black children with Down Syndrome represented all medians. She is the mother of a very gregarious 3 year old son with Down Syndrome.
CoFounder
Kelli Caughman
Kelli has served in various leadership roles in a number of organizations in the Down Syndrome Community. She is passionate about ensuring families have better access to vital information. She is the mother of three children, and her oldest son has Down Syndrome.
Meaningful Work
It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. The Black Down Syndrome Association is rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our community. With a variety of active projects on the horizon, we strive to harness our skills and resources to successfully achieve our goals. As the late Whitney Houston sung, "we believe the children are our future" and BDSA is committed to ensuring the future of Black people with Down Syndrome have the access, information, and resources to live a fulfilling life.
Connect with Us!
Are you the parent or legal guardian of a child with Down syndrome?
We have a growing Facebook community of over 1200 members and we want you to join too! The group name is currently Black Family Down Syndrome Network, but will be changing to BDSA Support group on or before January 1, 2023. Click the black and blue group link below to join today.
Our strength is amplified with collective action, and you can help make a difference with BDSA today! The support we receive is a huge driver of the good work we do. Please click the icons below to
follow us on Instagram and our business page on Facebook too. Don't forget to use the hashtags #blackdownsyndrome and #BDSA
Support BDSA
Your support is vital to our work at the Black Down Syndrome Association. Your contribution will help us fund programs to directly impact Black families and every little bit that you commit goes a long way in helping us fulfill our mission.
BDSA is registered 501(c) (3) public charity. EIN: 88-4020841
©2022, Black Down Syndrome Association. All rights reserved.