Local resources for GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland

Black Down Syndrome Association
https://www.blackdownsyndrome.org/
The Black Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Black families with the resources and support they need for their loved ones with Down Syndrome.

LuMind IDSC Foundation
https://lumindidsc.org/
LuMind IDSC serves as a bridge between the Down syndrome community and the research community.

There four programs are:

• 1. My DSC
     https://mydsc.org/
     My DSC is a comprehensive directory of evidence-based resources and useful tools for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Membership is free and available to anyone with an interest in Down syndrome. The library provides members with reliable, up-to-date information regarding: health and wellness, lifestyle, education, medical and research information.
  2. DS-CTN
     https://dsctn.org/
     The Down Syndrome Clinical Trials Network was built to conduct large-scale, multi-site trials with experienced clinicians who are experts at providing medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 2019, today the DS-CTN is accelerating research into the unmet medical needs of people with Down syndrome.
  3. LuMIND IDSC Research Consortium
     https://dsctn.org/research-consortium/
     The LuMind IDSC Research Consortium is a collaboration of the pharmaceutical industry, medical device industry, and biotech companies working to accelerate Down syndrome research and achieve significant therapeutic and health outcomes.
  4. Life-DSR Study
     https://lumindidsc.org/life-dsr
     The Longitudinal Investigation for the Enhancement of Down Syndrome Research (LIFE-DSR) is a multi-year, coordinated research study by medical and academic professionals to track and analyze the medical and physical data of 270 adults with Down syndrome.LIFE-DSR is an “observational” study. This is not a trial for new medication or therapy. Rather, teams in hospitals and universities collect “data points” (for example, height and weight, sleeping patterns, and blood samples) gathered over time to help researchers form a clearer picture of the physiology of people with DS.

     Scientists want to learn more about how adults with Down syndrome (DS) change as they age. They particularly want to develop tools to measure the changes that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease for people with Down syndrome. Scientists and clinicians experienced in research are conducting the study, along with participating doctors, and the LuMind IDSC Foundation.

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities 
https://cuyahogabdd.org 
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community.

Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
https://www.dsaneo.org/
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.

Connecting for Kids
https://connectingforkids.org/
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support for families with a concern about their child. We can help with many types of concerns - from understanding a new diagnosis to family challenges, like divorce or adoption. CFK programs are free to any family with children between the ages 0-12. Our service area includes Cuyahoga, Lorain and the surrounding counties.

Cleveland Clinic Center for Down Syndrome
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/pediatrics/departments/pediatrics-with-down-syndrome
Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Down Syndrome is focused on helping your child reach his or her full potential. Our multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that each child’s needs are met, utilizing state-of-the-art resources to provide comprehensive collaborative care for children with Down Syndrome and their families.

Rec2Connect
https://rec2connect.org/
Rec2Connect is dedicated to developing life-long skills, promoting access to recreation, and increasing community inclusion for people with and without disabilities and their families to enhance their quality of life.