Flower City Down Syndrome Network

Organizes community events and social outings through four age-specific groups: birth–5, 6–11, 12–17, and 18+ years of age, providing structured opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to connect and engage. These programs are part of ongoing social support services tailored to developmental stages.

Enhances public access to accurate Down syndrome information by donating curated publications to the Rochester Public Library, distributing age-appropriate books featuring characters with Down syndrome to local elementary schools, and maintaining ongoing distribution of informational packets to area hospitals.

Hosts multi-day and one-day conferences on critical topics such as sexuality and developmental disabilities, featuring national experts, as well as other special-topic events for families, service providers, and individuals with Down syndrome.

Provides access to personalized Caregiver Checklists and Primary Care Provider Plans via the DSC2U portal, which are dynamically updated when new symptoms or concerns are reported, supporting proactive and individualized care management.

Provides no-cost multidisciplinary developmental evaluations, Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and early intervention services for infants and toddlers with suspected or confirmed developmental delays or disabilities. Services are delivered in natural community settings and include therapeutic supports and eligibility determination.

Provides immediate support and resource connection to new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome, including Welcome Baskets, informational packets distributed through hospitals, and guidance on medical considerations, developmental interventions, and community programs. This includes a prenatal diagnosis packet developed in collaboration with Strong Genetics.

Offers reimbursement programs for member families to cover costs related to Down syndrome, including conference fees, social and recreational services, educational media, and tuition or scholarships for family members and individuals with Down syndrome pursuing relevant education.

Builds organizational capacity through a board development model that includes community representatives, family members, and self-advocates, ensuring inclusive policy-making and community-centered leadership.

Hosts informational meetings and social gatherings for parents of school-age children with Down syndrome, focusing on IEP engagement, teaching strategies, and peer connections. Also offers targeted resources such as guides for raising a child with Down syndrome, sibling relationships, and effective reading instruction methods.

Promotes the use of People First Language to emphasize personhood over disability when referring to individuals with disabilities, advancing respectful and inclusive communication norms within the community.

Funds annual scholarships for students at Nazareth University and Roberts Wesleyan University who are pursuing careers in special education or therapy, supporting workforce development in fields serving individuals with disabilities.

Offers comprehensive, lifespan-focused health guidance on topics including Down syndrome and autism co-occurrence, preventive care for teens and adults, and behavioral and medical best practices. Includes crisis intervention services and parent-child intervention training for autism-related needs in Monroe County.