People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first.
Instead of "a Down syndrome child," it should be "a child with Down syndrome." Also avoid "Down's child" and describing the condition as "Down's," as in, "He has Down's.”
Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.
People "have" Down syndrome, they do not "suffer from" it and are not "afflicted by" it.
“Typically developing” or “typical” is preferred over “normal.”
“Intellectual disability" or "cognitive disability” has replaced “mental retardation” as the appropriate term.
We strongly condemns the use of the word "retarded" in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.
We uses the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than Down's syndrome.
Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it. An "apostrophe s" connotes ownership or possession.
While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down syndrome. The AP Stylebook recommends using "Down syndrome," as well.
Our Mission, Vision and Core Values
The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is to empower individuals, educate families, enhance communities and together, celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome.
A community that embraces, supports and inspires individuals with Down syndrome to live healthy, self-determined and fulfilling lives.
We are TRUSTWORTHY in our daily responsibilities and commitment to others.
We use EMPATHY in our interactions and RESPECT toward others in all that we do.
We carry out our responsibilities with the utmost INTEGRITY.
We COLLABORATE with and rely on our community partners.
We are INNOVATIVE and seek opportunities to be original and creative.
We are INVESTED, devoting our time, effort and energy to our mission.
Quick Information
We provide support and resources to families of all ages and stages as well as the community through a wide variety of programs, services, outreach, and advocacy.
Our office and Empowerment Center is located in Norwood. However, we serve 12 counties in the Greater Cincinnati area.
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The Buddy Walk is the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s largest fundraising and awareness event of the year, attracting over 13,000 participants and raising half of our annual revenue. Over 380 teams, from across the 12 counties we serve, come together to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome. Learn more
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