Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society, aka FADSS, was founded in August of 1999.  The organization was founded by five families from the Central Valley who began meeting in June of that year to lay the foundation for the society that we know today.  For history sake, the founding members were Mike & Denise Allshouse, Ryan and Shannon Coats, Bobbi Coulbourne, Leslie and Dennis Bergquist and Carmie Mullen.  A constitution and set of bylaws were formulated at that time using examples from similar successful organizations around the country as their basis.  In addition, the governing documents were drafted in conformance with Roberts Rules of Order, latest revision. 

The mission of FADSS is to enhance the quality of life for all people whose lives are touched by Down syndrome. The goal of the society is to provide programs that promote greater awareness of the developmental, educational, and social potential of people with Down syndrome.  In particular, these programs benefit people with Down syndrome, their family members, and the social science, education, and medical professionals who support them.

FADSS is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 corporation established in January of 2000.  The organization is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of an Executive Board and Members at Large.  The fiscal year of FADSS is from January 1^st through December 31^st.  The Board of Directors meet monthly and all are welcome to attend. FADSS publishes a newsletter called "The Extra" that is free to anyone who is interested in furthering the mission of the organization.

Currently, FADSS employs one person as the Executive Director.  Office hours vary and an appointment is recommended.  None of programs or events would be possible without the consistent devotion of volunteers. 

FADSS programs and events are financed in a myriad of ways.  We rely on private donations and grants from foundations for some of our funding. An event called Buddy Walk is held during or near Down Syndrome Awareness Month every October.  This awareness event attracts over 1,000 individuals from the community who turn out to spread awareness about Down syndrome and simultaneously raise money to support FADSS programs.  In addition, an annual Golf Tournament is held to raise much needed funding. 

Currently, the programs that are offered include:

New Parent Program (consists of several components)

New Parent packs are supplied free of charge to first contact healthcare professionals.  They are intended to be used as a tool for educating parents in this very critical time of need for accurate and up to date information.  New parents can obtain this pack of information at no charge through the FADSS office if they did not receive one at the time their child was born or when they received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.  This pack contains information about current health care guidelines, development milestones and measurement, speech and language development, and a contact list of local and national resources.  The information is supplied in English and Spanish.

Parent to Parent Support is a program designed to match a trained parent member to a new parent, family or caregiver when support is needed.  Parents who provide support have been trained to know about local and national resources, laws relating to the disability community, family centered care principles, and the history of FADSS along with the programs and events that are offered. Most importantly, these parents have been trained to tell their story in a light that will provide insight into their experiences.  A trained parent will only provide listening support and anecdotes of their own experience and never recommend or promote a therapy, program or professional.  These choices are left to the parent.

First Friday/Second Saturday Coffee events are held on the days that they are named after and focus on the needs of families whose child with Down syndrome is aged five and under.  No one whose child is over five years of age is ever turned away.  As a matter of fact, parents of older children are encouraged to attend as they often can provide wisdom and advice based on their own experiences raising a child with Down syndrome.  At most coffees, a speaker will give a short talk about a topic related to Down syndrome.  In addition, social and networking time is set aside for parents and caregivers.  The children enjoy the play area that is stocked with developmentally appropriate toys for children aged five and under.

5 & Under Reception is an annual event that is typically held in the spring of each year.  The event has been held in a variety of places from private homes to Chafee Zoo/Storyland.  It is a popular event that features activities for the kids, resources for parents, and food and drinks for all.

Social Events

The Holiday Social and Family Fiesta are events that are open to all FADSS members at no charge.  They provide a wonderful opportunity for families to relax in an environment where they can build friendships with people whom they share something in common.  In addition, the networking that occurs at these events is invaluable to parents and caregivers as they share and compare resources available to help their loved one with Down syndrome reach their fullest potential.

Teen and Young Adult dances are held twice a year with a partnership between FADSS, Break The Barriers and SOAR, a program of Exceptional Parents Unlimited.  The dances are the most popular event for this age group and everyone has a wonderful time as they dance to the music of a disc jockey and hang out with their friends or their date for the evening.

Community outings are held each year and have included Grizzlies baseball games and a day at the Island Water Park.  The turnout for these events is incredible and provide an opportunity to increase public awareness by our mere presence.

Conferences/Workshops

A large conference with nationally known speakers is scheduled annually.   Some of the conferences that have been held have focused on social issues, healthcare, behavioral issues, sexuality, abuse prevention, estate planning and education techniques.  FADSS is devoted to providing pertinent educational opportunities that empower our membership and community to become better educated about people with Down syndrome, the challenges they face, and how to help these individuals achieve their life goals.

Outreach and Awareness

Increased positive public awareness is an important goal for FADSS members.  Speakers from the organization can be scheduled to speak about Down syndrome and FADSS to small groups, civic groups, healthcare providers, social workers, educators, student groups, etc… We never turn down an opportunity to talk about our loved ones with Down syndrome and our busy organization to any captive audience available!  To schedule a speaker call the office and speak with the Executive Director.

Who Can Join?

Anyone with an interest in helping to advance the mission of FADSS is welcome to join our organization. This could be a person with Down syndrome, a family member or professionals who serve persons with Down syndrome (i.e. health care professionals, social workers, educators, physical or speech or occupational therapists). FADSS membership is drawn primarily from the region that is served by the Central Valley Regional Center.