The post-diagnosis handoff supporting Down syndrome families across Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington
The impressive thing about Ds Connections is not that it hosts a walk. It’s that Hayden-area families don’t have to piece together support alone right after a Down syndrome diagnosis because this group has built a local first call, not just a list of referrals.
After a Down syndrome diagnosis, Ds Connections’ New Parents program offers information and resources for new parents.
Monthly meetings provide social interaction for families and children across Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Ds Connections is based in Hayden and provides a local network for people with Down syndrome, their families, and the wider community.
New Parents resources begin the post-diagnosis handoff
New Parents offers information and resources for new parents.
A Hayden base serves Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington
Monthly meetings provide social interaction for families and children across Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.
When a hospitalization or difficult situation arises, Critical Care Support offers help to families.
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Medical Outreach extends Ds Connections’ support to medical professionals
Medical Outreach provides information on Down syndrome for medical professionals.
The Step UP Walk is Ds Connections’ flagship fundraiser
Registration is open for the 2026 Step UP Walk on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Discovery Playground in Spokane Valley, Washington. The organization identifies the Step UP Walk as its flagship fundraising event.
IRS financials on file show Ds Connections reported $47K in revenue, $39K in expenses, and $57K in assets. Those figures show the scale of the organization’s finances.
A monthly meeting gives families and children a continuing place for social interaction after diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Ds Connections do for new parents after a Down syndrome diagnosis?
- According to the organization, its New Parents program offers "Information and resources for new parents." Its site also says the group serves as a "single point of connection" for people with a Down syndrome diagnosis, their families, and the community.
- Where is Ds Connections based and who does it serve?
- Ds Connections identifies itself as a 501(c)(3) based in Hayden, Idaho. The organization says its programs serve families in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, along with people with Down syndrome and the broader community.
- What is the Step UP Walk and when is the 2026 event?
- Ds Connections says the Step UP Walk is its "flagship fundraising event." Its homepage says registration is open now for Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Discovery Playground in Spokane Valley, Washington.
- Is Ds Connections a legitimate nonprofit?
- Yes. The organization identifies itself as a 501(c)(3), and nonprofit locator data lists Ds Connections in Hayden, Idaho with EIN 27-2702812 and an IRS ruling date of May 1, 2014.
- How do donations to Ds Connections help families?
- According to the organization, donations support programs and events for families in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, including monthly meetings and New Parents resources. The article’s core argument is that these gifts help keep a local support network intact right after diagnosis, when families need it most.
- dsconnections.com ↗
- Ds Connections NW’s stated mission is to provide a network of support, information, and resources focused on improving the quality of life of people with Down syndrome.
- The organization serves families raising children with Down syndrome, people with Down syndrome, and the surrounding community in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.
- Ds Connections offers monthly meetings intended to provide social interaction for families and children.
- Its New Parents program provides information and resources for families at the beginning of their experience with Down syndrome.
- Ds Connections held its 17th annual Inland Northwest Step UP for Down syndrome Walk in 2025, and registration opened for a 2026 walk scheduled for September 26 at Discovery Playground.
- The organization obtained nonprofit status in 2014 and reported IRS financial figures of approximately $47,000 in revenue, $39,000 in expenses, and $57,000 in assets.
- dsconnections.com ↗
- “Ds Connections NW strives to be a network of support, information, and resources focused on improving the quality of life of persons with Down syndrome.” — Ds Connections NW