Ds Connections
About Ds Connections
Ds Connections gives families a place to land when a Down syndrome diagnosis brings a hundred new questions. In Hayden and beyond, it offers support, information, resources, and monthly meetings that help parents and children stay connected. It also makes room for the moments that matter most, from new-parent guidance to hospital support to a community walk that brings people together.
What sets Ds Connections apart is how practical and human it is at the same time. A family can find help for a new diagnosis, support during hospitalizations or difficult situations, and simple ways to stay connected through birthdays, welcome totes, and monthly meetings.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Network of support and resources
Provides a single point of connection for people with a Down syndrome diagnosis, their families, and the community at large through social and informative opportunities.
Monthly meetings
Holds monthly meetings to provide social interaction for families and children.
New Parents
Offers information and resources for new parents.
Medical Outreach
Provides information on Down syndrome for medical professionals.
Critical Care Support
Offers support for hospitalizations and difficult situations.
Birthday Club
Provides a way to celebrate birthdays through registration.
Welcome Totes
Lets new arrivals in the area request a tote as a gesture of friendship.
Step UP for Down syndrome Walk
Runs a flagship fundraising walk and related community events.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
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.
Who they serve
Families raising children with Down syndrome, people with Down syndrome, and the community around them.
How your donation helps
- Supporting programs and events for families in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington
- Funding social and informative opportunities for families and individuals with Down syndrome
- Supporting monthly meetings for families and children
- Supporting New Parents resources
- Supporting Medical Outreach to medical professionals
- Supporting Critical Care Support for hospitalizations and difficult situations
- Supporting the Step UP for Down syndrome Walk
Need help?
How someone in need can access Ds Connections’s services.
Families can connect through the organization's programs and monthly meetings. New Parents provides information and resources, Medical Outreach serves medical professionals, Critical Care Support helps with hospitalizations and difficult situations, Birthday Club is open by registration, and Welcome Totes can be requested as a gesture of friendship.
Events
Step UP for Down syndrome Walk
annualFlagship fundraising event for the Down syndrome community.
Quad Cities Step UP for Down syndrome Walk
September 28, 2025Community walk and celebration for the Down syndrome community.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of support does Ds Connections NW provide?
It offers a network of support, information, and resources, along with monthly meetings and programs like New Parents, Medical Outreach, Critical Care Support, Birthday Club, and Welcome Totes.
Who is the Medical Outreach program for?
Medical Outreach shares information on Down syndrome with medical professionals.
What is Critical Care Support?
Critical Care Support is there for hospitalizations and difficult situations.
How can a new parent get help?
New Parents gives new parents information and resources.
How do families connect with the organization?
Families can connect through monthly meetings, social and informative opportunities, and the organization’s program offerings.