DSACK History

DSACK was formed in 1993 by parents who felt a need to associate more closely with other parents of children with Down syndrome, as well as advocate for their loved ones with Down syndrome. The Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK) proudly celebrates serving families and community members of Central Kentucky since 1993. DSACK was created by a small group of parents who envisioned better opportunities for their children with Down syndrome. Today that vision has expanded, and we are pleased to provide many programs and services to area families.

DSACK started in the late 1980’s under the name “Beginning to Understand Down Syndrome” (BUDS).  In 1993, we became an official non-profit organization under the name DSACK.  Educational meetings, support groups, hospital packets and social functions were initiated in 1995.  Our lending library was established in the late 1990’s and has grown throughout the years.  In 2002, as DSACK became more visible in the community, the first Buddy Walk  was organized. This was a huge success and has continued to be a tradition of DSACK families, not only as a fund-raising event but also as a day set aside to celebrate our loved ones. Our first Newsletter was created at this time as well.  DSACK’s newsletter, “What’s Going Down with DSACK”, currently reaches over 200 households and professionals and continues to be a wealth of information for our families and community.

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In 2002 Brighter Tomorrows was designed to improve the communication and knowledge skills of physicians in providing accurate and balanced information to families of newly diagnosed children with Down syndrome.  This physician tutorial was developed with two expert teams working closely together – a medical team at the University of Kentucky and a parent team, including several parents from DSACK!  The project was funded by a grant from the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities and awarded to UK- Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute (IHDI) through the Association of University Centers on Disability.  The tutorial also includes ‘real-life’ stories (Receiving and Giving the News) of how families were informed, and Life Glimpses of individual children and young adults, developed by the families to illustrate how their children have made a difference in their families and their communities.   Of course, these are stories developed by families from DSACK!   The Family Version of the Website:  www.brightertomorrows.org is available in both English and Spanish and features stories of the joys, challenges, and rewards in the lives of children and families from DSACK!  In the summer of 2007, the hospital/new parent program reorganized and started providing information folders and books directly to the genetics departments and nurseries of local hospitals.  Distribution of these materials has increased, as seen by the exciting growth of the new-parent group, and we continue to maintain contact with hospital personnel.   The new-parent program was initiated in October, 2007.   Today this program is known as The New Parent Group 0-5 or Second-Saturday Parent Group, and includes educational and inspirational speakers, parent round table discussions, and a great place to socialize and make new friends.

The ADVOCATES IN MOTION (AIM) Teen/Young Adult group was formed in 2008.   This group is structured to develop social/peer relationships among our young adults, teens, and their families.  They have enjoyed potlucks, attending college basketball games, seeing Disney On Ice, and just hanging out together.   In 2009 we created an Elementary Group, and a Sibling Support Group so be sure to contact DSACK if you are interested in joining.

Over the years, DSACK has striven to support, inform and educate parents, family members and community members by offering a variety of programs and services.  Tremendous strides have been made in education, social acceptance and health-care for people with Down syndrome.  These successes invigorate DSACK as we look toward a bright future.  Families and volunteers continue to provide the energy, enthusiasm and commitment which are key to the ongoing success and growth of DSACK.