A GUIDE TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER

DOWN SYNDROME CONNECTION OF THE BAY AREA

June Lin, 7, who has Down syndrome, enjoys an afternoon snack at her home in Danville. June’s parents turned to the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area where they found a strong community to help them navigate the joys and challenges as June grows. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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By Joan Morris

jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com

By the time June Lin arrived into the world, five weeks early and weighing 5 pounds, 6 ounces, she already had scores of supporters to help guide her for the rest of her life.

Before she was born, June’s parents-to-be Suzanne and Mike Lin of Danville found out that she had a duplication of Chromosome 21, which meant that she had Down syndrome. Initially, they struggled to make sense of it. What would it be like to care for an infant, child and later an adult with Down syndrome? Would they be up to it?

That’s when the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area reached out to them, offering answers to their questions and a community of parents who have all been where the Lins found themselves.

“We empower, inspire, and support people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life,” says Teresa DeVincenzi, executive director of the nonprofit organization.

Down Syndrome Connection, based in Danville but serving the entire Bay Area, works with about 250 children and young adults with Down syndrome, and serves more than 2,600 people through a variety of programs.

That includes the Communication Readiness Program, New and Young Families Support, Information and Referral, the Together, Happy, Respected, Independent, Valued, Empowered (THRIVE) program, the Down Syndrome Educational Alliance, and the Down Syndrome and Autism Alliance.

The organization also offers support groups including the popular Music Therapy, Medical Outreach and Mental Health Alliance groups.

“The Down Syndrome Connection is a critical resource for families with a child born with Down syndrome,” DeVincenzi says, “and we are there for them as their child grows, with programs at every stage in the life cycle.”