Global Down Syndrome Foundation Awards $75,000 to 10 Organizations in U.S. and Canada
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL), based in Denver, Colorado, announced on October 22 the recipients of its competitive 2026 GLOBAL Education Awards: $75,000 awarded to 10 organizations across the United States and Canada, recognizing new programs that expand access and education in Down syndrome research, medical care, healthcare and wellness.
Since launching the awards program in 2011, GLOBAL has provided more than $1.38 million through 379 awards to member organizations in 39 states and eight countries. This year's funded programs are expected to benefit nearly 1,000 individuals with Down syndrome, family members, healthcare professionals, researchers and community partners, addressing needs from mental health support and Alzheimer's research education to occupational therapy, nutrition and access to medical resources.
The 10 recipients are: the Black Down Syndrome Association of Fortville, Indiana (Family Reunion Conference); Club 21 Learning and Resource Center of Pasadena, California ("Growing Into You," a sexuality, relationships and self-advocacy program); Down Syndrome Alabama of Vestavia Hills (the LACE UP health and wellness initiative); Down Syndrome Connections Nevada of Las Vegas (annual Las Vegas Down Syndrome Conference); the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas in Fort Worth (the "Friday Frogs" occupational therapy program with Texas Christian University); the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota in Saint Paul (mental health support for Spanish-speaking families); the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington (Adult Skill-Building Program); the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (family resource navigation services); the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland in Baltimore (Aging & Memory Program); and Boston University's DS-TO-THE-MAX co-research team in Boston, Massachusetts (a photovoice study on aging).
"GLOBAL's work has helped add ten years to the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome. As the mother of a 23-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, I can't think of anything more meaningful than ten more birthdays with my daughter," said GLOBAL President and CEO Michelle Sie Whitten. "But scientific breakthroughs are only meaningful if they reach the people who need them. We count on our amazing local member organizations to turn research and medical best practices into greater access to care and better health outcomes for people with Down syndrome everywhere."
Dr. Rosie van Coevorden, executive director of the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, said the award for the center's Skill-Building Program will help ensure local families have access to the services and opportunities it provides. Missy Haughery, executive director of Down Syndrome Alabama, credited GLOBAL's government advocacy with helping create an NIH-wide Down syndrome research program, alongside increased lifespan and improved health outcomes.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound 获奖团队手持全球唐氏综合征基金会（GLOBAL）教育奖证书合影。全球唐氏综合征基金会官方发布照片。Photo: Award recipients at the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound holding a GLOBAL Education Award certificate. Photo courtesy of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
