Feels like family

World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21, and the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa is ready to celebrate. On a mission to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, DSAT raises awareness with local events and celebrations all year long.

Katy Hough, executive director of DSAT, became involved with the organization in 2014 after receiving a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome with her son, Jonah. While seeking out resources she and her husband found a home within the DSAT community. “We immediately felt like they were family and have been involved ever since,” she says.

According to Hough, DSAT accomplishes its mission by focusing on empowerment, inclusion, education and purposeful connections.

“Most of our community endeavors focus on providing resources and celebrations for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Tulsa area,” she says. “We are a small organization with a lot of heart and want to do so many things.” e biggest DSAT event of the year is the annual Tulsa Buddy Walk, a nationally recognized event that takes place every fall. “It’s not only a joy- lled event to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome, it’s also our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Hough says.

In addition to hosting quarterly breakfasts for parents of kids who’ve just received a diagnosis, DSAT provides scholarships and hospital stipends for local families. e organization also hosts webinars and workshops on important life topics — from potty training to nancial planning — and publishes a yearly calendar showcasing the beauty of the local Down syndrome community.

As a nonpro t organization that reaches more than 330 families, DSAT uses nancial support to grow its medical outreach and provide important resources to the community. ere are many opportunities for Tulsans to help the organization’s mission, including providing nancial donations, buying wish list items and volunteering to help with events.

Plus, Hough says, there’s an even simpler way to get involved.

“Be inclusive in your everyday life! Recognize that our di erences are what make us awesome and get to know an individual with Down syndrome and their family — I promise, you will be blessed.”

For more information, visit dsat.org. — HEATHER KOONTZ