Designer Genes History

The Bismarck-Mandan “Designer Genes” name and support group was originally created by a group of local families who had young children with Down syndrome, about 20 years ago. Over the years, this network of families has offered support and information to each other in many ways.

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them to earn, learn and belong. We see a community that embraces, respects, and supports people of all abilities, especially those with Down syndrome.
​

 The Top Things We Do as Designer Genes

1. Support all referred new diagnoses of Down syndrome statewide (including surrounding out-of-state border areas)

​2. Provide free of charge, across the lifespan, member support on a variety of issues such as:

• Navigating service delivery systems
• IEP and special education navigation
• Early Intervention system navigation for infants and toddlers
• Transition to adulthood planning
• Connection to medical care specialties
• Understanding financial benefits such as SSI and Medicaid
  
  

3. Advocate at a local, state, and federal level for policies relevant to individuals with Down syndrome and their families

4. Connect families with individuals with Down syndrome as well as provide networking activities in the Bismarck-Mandan area

5. Annually celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and those that support them at our Walk for Down Syndrome - which is recognized as one of the Bismarck Tribune's 2023 Best of the Best Charity Events

6. Serve as North Dakota's educational hub for educating the community about Down syndrome

Circles of Hope

Three circles of support shape the work of the organization: Learning, Earning and Belonging. These circles represent the triplicate copy of the 21st chromosome, as well as wholeness, completeness and protection. Designer Genes embraces people as they are, aiming to create supportive and protective communities.

Learning
Designer Genes believes learning is a powerful tool and works to empower and educate professionals, parents and the community.

Earning
Designer Genes strives to find earning opportunities for members and the organization through education, employment, independence and support.

Belonging
Designer Genes believes everyone has the right to belong and works to create connections, opportunities and outcomes.​

---

---

Learn more about us!

Designer Genes Brochure
Winter 2023 Newsletter
Fall 2022 Newsletter
Spring 2020 Newsletter
2019 Annual Report
Fall 2019 Newsletter
Spring 2019 Newsletter