The Capital Area Down Syndrome Association (CADSA) supports people with Down syndrome and their families in the Mid-Michigan area.
CADSA plays a critical role in providing resources, education, awareness, and advocacy about Down syndrome to the community.
Through a range of services and programs, hundreds of individuals and families are directly served by CADSA and receive a multitude of benefits.
Resources
Education
Awareness
Advocacy
CADSA is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people living with Down syndrome so they can reach their full potential and be valued members of our community.
Our History…
In May of 2002…
Inspired by her son Sam who has Down syndrome, Jodi Wiley created a flyer about an organizational meeting inviting anyone interested in joining a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome. The flyer was distributed to local schools, Special Olympics offices, and for community news announcements.
About a dozen people attended the initial meeting held at the Okemos Public Library, and CADSA was born.
Jodi led the first meeting and was soon joined in leadership by Sarah Presley. Monthly meetings continued with a format that altered between a speaker one month and unstructured sharing time the next. Word spread and by the fall of 2002, about forty people participated in the group’s first fundraiser, the Buddy Walk, held in October at Patriarche Park in East Lansing. Wagons and strollers rolled through the park and the early snowfall to raise over $1,000.
Today…
CADSA has an office, executive board, and staff (meet the team here). CADSA offers a variety of classes in Karate, Sign Language, Playtime Pals, and Music Therapy. CADSA has social clubs including Club21Plus and Mom’s and Dad’s Night out. Please explore all of our offerings, classes, and programs here.
CADSA also hosts community events to support people with Down syndrome and their families, including an annual Advocacy Event on 3-21 for World Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol in Lansing, Michigan.
Step Up for Down Syndrome (formerly named The Buddy Walk) is the yearly community celebration which it attracts 500+ supporters to raise awareness and funds to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. You can learn more about Step Up for Down Syndrome here.
Jodi continues to maintain a role on the planning committee of the Step Up for Down Syndrome, and Sam continues to be an inspiration to his family and friends.
Connect with us!
CADSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID is #55-0821583. Make a donation here.