Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans

03/21/2026

02/25/2026

Get ready to boil for a purpose! 🦞💙

Join us for our World Down Syndrome Day Crawfish Boil — a celebration of community, acceptance, and inclusion — benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans and our ALWAYS FREE programs.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors:
• Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board
• Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust
• Louisiana Blue
• Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans

Because of partners like these, we can continue serving 290+ families in the Greater New Orleans area.

🎟 Purchase your tickets today: https://ow.ly/Ofbh50YlZej

02/15/2026

People with Down syndrome want to get married just like everybody else! 💍💐

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act would make a long overdue correction to an out-of-date policy that discourages people from saving money and also disincentivizes them from getting married. It will also raise the SSI asset limitation so people with disabilities can save more money without jeopardizing their benefits. SSI is critically important to people with Down syndrome and other disabilities because it provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources to pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

Ask Congress to let people with disabilities save more money and get married without penalty! Action Alert > https://bit.ly/NDSCActionAlerts

02/13/2026

💜💚🎭 Sensory Friendly Zone at the Rosethorne Parade! 🎭💚💜
We’re proud to offer a Sensory Friendly Zone during the 2026 Krewe of Rosethorne Parade to provide a quieter, more comfortable space for individuals with sensory sensitivities. All ages are welcome!
📍 Location: 2654 Jean Lafitte Blvd.
🗓 Parade Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
⏰ Roll Time: Noon
📍 Starts: End of Rosethorne Rd. (100 Jean Lafitte Blvd.)
📍 Ends: Barataria Bridge on Fisherman Blvd.
We look forward to making Mardi Gras more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone! Thanks to Representative Tim Kerner for making this possible. 💜💚

Tim Kerner State Representative

02/12/2026

02/10/2026

Why 21 March is Our Day
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March? It is a bit of a science lesson! Most people have 2 pairs of chromosomes, but people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. So, the 21st day of the 3rd month is the perfect day to celebrate what makes us unique! This year, stand with us as we work

Find out more: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd

02/09/2026

The Families Helping Families Network invite you to an upcoming family training on March 24, 2026 at 1 PM.

"Louisiana Resources For People with Disabilities & Their Families: Things I Wish I Knew." Come learn about the disability resource landscape and the importance of early navigation, empowerment and connection.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/WishIKnew32426

02/06/2026

📣 Join us for our Resource Information Workshop, "Adolescence and Disability: Insights into Physical, Emotional, and Social Development" with Nisha Ranshi, BCBA, LBA, CBS. 📣

🗓️ Friday, March 6, 2025
🕧 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎓 CEUs for Social Workers & Nurses
👨‍👩‍👧 Families welcome!
📍 In-Person (East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. Metairie, LA) and Virtual Option)

This event is being hosted by Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, Bayou Land Families Helping Families and in partnership with the Bureau of Family Health.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/RIWMARCH2026

02/06/2026

The 2026 Rockin’ Mom Retreat® is OPEN for registration.

Rest. Connection. Laughter.
Moms who understand without explanation.

Come with us. 💛

👉 You in?

Payment plans, cost-offset options, and limited scholarships are available.

dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/mom-retreat-registration

02/05/2026

02/05/2026

This week, 54 years ago, millions of Americans watched in horror as journalist Geraldo Rivera exposed the inhumane conditions at Staten Island’s Willowbrook State School—the largest institution in the country for children with developmental disabilities. That broadcast became a turning point, helping spark a national reckoning and the movement away from institutionalization toward safer, more inclusive community-based supports.

NYSID, founded in 1975, emerged from that shift—created as institutions like Willowbrook closed and a new commitment took hold: that people with disabilities deserve dignity, opportunity, and meaningful employment in their communities.