making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition.
One in every 772 live born babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome,
This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are: low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends, and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky has been helping and supporting families since 1993, when a small group of parents envisioned better opportunities for their children with Down syndrome. Today, that vision and our organization have expanded, enabling us to provide numerous programs and services.
Learn more about The Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky
The Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky exists to celebrate our Down syndrome community, support individuals with Down syndrome and their families in our region, and educate ourselves and others about the true joys and challenges of Down syndrome.
Our Mission
Our Impact
We believe no one should ever stop learning, that's why we provide life-changing programs such a cooking, tutoring, book clubs, summer programs and more for students with Down syndrome. In addition, we support and educate families and professionals in Central and Eastern Kentucky. We do this through: providing customized presentations for parents, teachers, therapists, and medical professionals; publishing a quarterly magazine that celebrates accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome and provides pertinent information for families and caregivers; providing peer presentations to schools, post-graduate and undergraduate classes, and the community about acceptance of those with Down syndrome and other disabilities; and hosting several celebrations throughout the year to bring together families and friends for support and advocacy. Every program and resource we provide is free-of-charge to our families.
Executive Director
In 1997, I thought my world had turned upside down. Turns out, it had actually turned right side up! My husband and I have five children; our fourth child, Emily Faith, was born with Down syndrome. Due to Emily’s significant medical needs, we felt it best for me to put my career on hold for the foreseeable future to care for her and our other children. Up until this time, I had had no exposure to anyone with Down syndrome or major medical needs. It was a time of uncertainty and tremendous stress. Due to her heart condition, we could not take Emily out in public and there was no home internet at the time. It was a very isolating time, as I truly thought Emily was the only person with Down syndrome in our area.
When Emily was almost three, her then speech-language pathologist asked if we were involved with the local Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky. I quickly became involved and volunteered in several different capacities, becoming the Executive Director in 2014. My passion for DSACK stems from those days of isolation and fear for Emily’s future. That passion drives me to ensure no family feels alone, that we become a community to support one another, educate others, and celebrate every victory together.
It is my great joy and honor to be invited to speak regularly at universities, elementary, middle and high schools, churches, and other community organizations on topics related to Down syndrome and inclusion. In addition to my work with DSACK, I serve on the Governor-appointed Special Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children, and I am on the board of Life Plan of Kentucky. I stay busy with my four grandchildren, love to read, and enjoy playing the piano.
Traci Brewer
Medical and Community Outreach Coordinator
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Bellarmine University, where I also played soccer for the Bellarmine Lady Knights. During college, I was awarded a full scholarship to study abroad as an English-Speaking Union Scholar at the University of Oxford, and I also lived and worked in Schweinfurt, Germany for a summer. I graduated summa cum laude, gave the Valedictorian Address, and was awarded Bellarmine’s prestigious Wilson Wyatt Fellowship of Academic Excellence Award. After teaching English and coaching soccer at Assumption High School in Louisville and being Coordinator of Bellarmine’s Low Ropes Challenge Course, I earned a Full Fellowship at the University of Kentucky, where I earned my Master of Science in Educational Policy Studies with an Emphasis in Student Affairs. Over the years, I served as Assistant Dean/Director of Student Activities at Bellarmine University and in various volunteer roles with my church, DSACK, and the community.
I chose to stay home to nurture our family. My husband Dennis and I have four children. Our son Sam has Down syndrome. In my spare time over the years, I have jumped out of a plane, dabbled in writing and public speaking, and completed the Dublin, Ireland Marathon and numerous half marathons and relays for various charities. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my loved ones hiking, gardening, jogging, cheering at our children’s soccer games, and listening to live music and sitting around a campfire.
Courtney Elbert
Education Coordinator
Hi, I'm Jean, the education coordinator at DSACK. I completed my undergraduate at Georgetown College in Elementary Education, then I completed my master's work as a Reading Specialist at the University of Kentucky.
I began teaching First Grade in 1991 at Collins Lane Elementary in Frankfort. Then in 1997 I moved back to Harrodsburg, Kentucky and began teaching Reading Recovery for five years. After that I went back into the First Grade classroom and taught there until my retirement in 2019.
I am married to Mark Bryant. Mark is the Park Director at Anderson Community Park in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Mark and I live in Harrodsburg. Mark and I have two children. Clay is 25 years old and graduating in May of 2022 with a degree in Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Kate is 21 years old and will also graduate in May of 2022 with a degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kentucky. Our family also has a two year old Goldendoodle named Max. During my free time I enjoy reading and walking Maxl
Jean Bryant
Education Coordinator
I am a native of Kentucky, having lived here my entire life. I have a background in special education, earning my Bachelor's of Science in Special Education and my Master's of Science in Special Education: Moderate and Severe Disabilities at the University of Kentucky.
I have taught special education in the local school system. I am passionate about creating an engaging, equal opportunity learning experience for all students related to academic, functional, and social development.
At DSACK, my primary focus is our free tutoring program, which I coordinate, as well as the events and programs for elementary-age students and younger.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, friends, and family.
Elaine
Murner
Development and Communication Coordinator
I’m so thrilled to be part of the team at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK). I help with Development and Communications. With over twelve years of experience in the nonprofit world, I’m deeply passionate about creating stronger, more connected communities where everyone has access to the support and resources they need. I’m excited to bring my background in community outreach, grant management, and fundraising to this role and to contribute to DSACK’s mission.
I also love spending time reading and gardening, and I especially treasure moments with my big family. With a family member who has Down syndrome, my commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive community is deeply personal. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the amazing staff and volunteers at DSACK, and I look forward to helping create lasting opportunities for the families we serve
Eileen Levy
Administrative Assistant
I have worked at DSACK since completing the We Work! Career Planning Initiative in 2016. I moved to Lexington in 2015 from Camden, Arkansas, where I graduated from Camden Fairview High School.
I am the administrative assistant with a lot of responsibilities. I love what I do in preparing for meetings, taking notes, and helping create the website. I also help with routine office tasks, represent DSACK at events, take on special projects, and advocate for people with Down syndrome. I work three hours, two days a week. I am so proud of working for DSACK.
Emily Wright
Board of Directors
Officers
Jonathan Wright
Sibling of an individual with Down syndrome. Project Director with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
Anna Bullard, Secretary
Christopher Azbell
Kristen Dieruf
Nikki Davidson
Social Worker at UK Children's Hospital.
Special Education Teacher at Fayette County Preschool
Pediatric Neurologist at Baptist Health/Pediatrix
Otolaryngologist at UK Healthcare
Corey Hawes, Chairperson
Margot Schenning, Chair-Elect
Teacher at The Lexington School.
Matt Shorr
Parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Financial advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors.
Mike Wedding
Parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Project Manager at Messer Construction.
Caryn sorge
Parent of a child with Down syndrome. Pediatric Oncologist at University of Kentucky.
Elizabeth Russell
Amy Roberts
Parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Counsel for Tax & Risk at Valvoline.
Parent of a child with Down syndrome.
RN at Lake Cumberland Regional Medical Hospital
Lee Ann Mullis, Treasurer
Parent of a child with Down syndrome.
CFO at Stewart Home and School.
Pediatric Dietitian at UK Children's Hospital.
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