If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization, you’ve come to the right place.
Be sure to check back regularly to get our latest news updates.
Appearance on PTL on May 17, 2024
One of our incredible siblings, Mimi S, created "Giana's Field of Dreams Football Camp" for her 7th grade Purpose Project. Mimi and I had the opportunity to share more about this upcoming event on PTL: Pittsburgh Today Live. Click here to watch the segment.
Outdoor Sensory Classroom and Nature Play Trail coming to Pittsburgh
Today, March 13, 2024, The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is thrilled to announce that Clearview Federal Credit Union has awarded $100,000 over four years to a first-of-its-kind Outdoor Sensory Classroom and Nature Play Trail that will provide unprecedented access to the joys and wonders of Frick Park for children and adults of all abilities.
The project follows a yearlong community engagement process that collected input from individuals with disabilities, accessibility advocates, and organizations and schools serving children with disabilities.
“Crafted with extensive community involvement, this initiative represents a substantial leap towards creating a more inclusive and accessible public park. It provides invaluable chances for education, development, and fostering connections with nature,” said Meredith Peterson, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh.
The project is set to break ground this spring. Leading funding was provided by the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, and additional support came from the City of Pittsburgh Parks Tax Trust Fund. Stay tuned for updates here.
Meredith Peterson, Executive Director received the Marsha S. Blanco Excellence in Community Leadership on 12/4/2023
Every year, Achieva holds its “Awards of Excellence” event to recognize citizens and organizations that are extraordinary, or have done or achieved extraordinary things, when it comes to helping people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. As the latest Marcia S. Blanco Excellence in Community Leadership Award honoree, Meredith Peterson has made landmark contributions as the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP). She underscores the importance of cultivating connections and fostering education, highlighting the enriching community events that DSAP orchestrates. Join us as we celebrate Meredith's achievements and the impact of DSAP in continuing the essential work of breaking down barriers and championing the inclusion of those with disabilities. Visit here to view Meredith's presentation.
This Fashion Show Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
The Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP) partnered with Ross Park Mall and global specialty retailer American Eagle Outfitters and its lifestyle brands American Eagle and Aerie, to host a fashion show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. 2023, featuring young adult and adult models with Down syndrome in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The Post Gazette published this article.
Advocates and individuals with Down Syndrome celebrate 'World Down Syndrome Day'
,,,Positive things like “Down to Box” and a recent fashion show put on by the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh, are just a couple.
“We had a runway in the middle of the mall. Talk about raising awareness and just celebrating all of our individuals,” Peterson said.
Charlie Osborne gets a workout through the “Down to Box” program every Tuesday night at the Fit 2 Box gym in Allison Park.
“We have a lot of fun. It’s a program for people with different disabilities,” Osborne said. “We do a lot of workouts. We do squats. We do jumping jacks. It’s a lot of fun and interactive.”
This Tuesday’s class was more like a celebration, in honor of the World Down Syndrome holiday.
Here is the link to view the news piece and read the full article.
