GLOBAL Announces 2026 Education Awards to Advance Down Syndrome Research, Medical Care, and Healthcare

Awards continue to invest in innovative programs that improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome!

DENVER (August 27, 2026) – The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announces the recipients of its 2026 GLOBAL Education Awards, recognizing outstanding programs that educate through Down syndrome research, medical care, and healthcare. Through these annual awards, GLOBAL continues its commitment to supporting organizations that are expanding access to evidence-based healthcare, educating medical professionals, and improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome across the United States and around the world.

The 2026 GLOBAL Education Awards will support 10 organizations with a total investment of $75,000. The funded programs are expected to benefit nearly 1,000 individuals with Down syndrome, family members, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community partners.

Since launching the Awards Program in 2011, GLOBAL has invested more than $1.38M through 379 awards to member organizations across 39 states and 8 countries, helping strengthen local programs that make a measurable difference in health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

“Our member organizations are transforming lives by bringing education in the areas of research, medical care, and healthcare innovative programs directly into their communities,” says Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of GLOBAL. “As the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to Down syndrome research and medical care, GLOBAL is proud to invest in programs that empower our organization members, families, and self-advocates while advancing our mission to elongate life and significantly improve health outcomes.”

Rosie van Coevorden, MD, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, shares her excitement about the award, noting, “Thank you so much for this wonderful news! We are incredibly excited and grateful to receive the Global Award for DSC’s Skill-Building Program. This generous support will help ensure that more individuals have access to these valuable, life-changing services and opportunities.”

2026 GLOBAL Education Award recipients include:

Black Down Syndrome Association, Fortville, IN:
Black Down Syndrome Association Family Reunion Conference
Attendees will have opportunities to participate in conference sessions focusing on best practices and medical guidelines for those with Down syndrome, advances in Alzheimer’s research, and mental health support.

Boston University DS-TO-THE-MAX Co-research Team, Boston, MA
DS-TO-THE-MAX Co-research team
This request is for an ongoing photovoice study exploring aging for older adults with Down syndrome and includes a research assistant with Down syndrome.

Club 21 Learning and Resource Center Inc., Pasadena, CA
Growing Into You: Sexuality, Relationships, & Self-Advocacy
This program helps participants build knowledge of sexuality, and practical skills around healthy relationships, personal boundaries, body autonomy, communication, consent, and self-advocacy.

Down Syndrome Alabama, Vestavia Hills, AL
LACE UP for Down Syndrome
Health and wellness initiative designed to increase access to consistent, meaningful fitness and nutrition opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Maryland Down Syndrome Aging & Memory Program
Create a new Maryland Down Syndrome Aging & Memory Program. It will consist of support groups, info sessions, and research advocacy.

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN
Spanish Speaking Families Mental Health Support
Mental health services aim to help families connect to a trusted, accessible source of support, offered at no cost and without having to navigate formal medical care systems.

Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, Seattle, WA
Adult Skill-Building Program
Adults aged 18+ work one-on-one with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Occupational Therapist (OT), or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This award helps bridge any financial gaps by prioritizing new clients who have limited access to service providers.

Down Syndrome Connections Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
Annual Las Vegas Down Syndrome Conference
One-day conference with evidence-based sessions for parents/caregivers, medical and mental health providers, and self-advocates.

Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, Fort Worth, TX
Friday Frogs
Occupational therapy program in collaboration with Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program at Texas Christian University.

Edmonton Down Syndrome Society, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Family resource navigation services to improve access to medical care
Expansion of family resource navigation services to improve access to medical care and resources.

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to saving lives and dramatically improving health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting 400+ scientists and over 2,700 patients from 40 states and 11 countries.

Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the leading advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 130 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates — the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome , the CU Alzheimer’s & Cognition Center; the Anna and John J. Sie Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the GLOBAL Adult Clinic at Denver Health.

GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World  ™. GLOBAL also organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world.

Visit https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/ and follow GLOBAL on social media for updates: Facebook, X, Instagram,  LinkedIn, and YouTube.

To learn more about GLOBAL membership awards, visit:
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-awards/

To learn more about GLOBAL memberships, visit:
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-membership/

To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, visit:
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/

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