About Us

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (DSANEO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities. We are the primary resource in Northeast Ohio for families and communities regarding Down syndrome, and we work to promote the acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment of all individuals. Our staff envisions a community where people with Down syndrome have limitless opportunities and the ability to pursue their dreams.

In the early 1980’s, a handful of parents whose children had Down syndrome began to meet over coffee to socialize and offer one another support.  Their concerns were may, but one of their key desires included having their children included in regular classrooms in K-6, middle school and high school.

Now 40 years later, the vision and hard work of a group of resilient and dedicated people transformed DSANEO from a grassroots parent movement to a well-staffed nonprofit organization serving over 1,000 families and the professionals who serve them in 16 counties in Northeast Ohio. Today our work focues on five ways to support families in our community with individuals with Down syndrome:

  • Family Support
  • Advocacy
  • Education Programming
  • Medical Outreach
  • Social Programs

The organization was named The Up Side of Downs until 2021, when board and staff determined the name change to the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio more appropriately described our purpose and mission.