Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota

“See response to part vi, question 7a.”

“Dsam has members that vote on the slate of officers each year.”

“The organization does not have any committees which have the authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“The executive director reviews form 990 prior to submission to the treasurer and president of the board of directors. Both the treasurer and president review the document prior to being signed by the president. After this review, the 990 will be uploaded to a secure drop box. All members of the board will be notified via email when it is uploaded so they may log onto the site and review the document prior to filing. Pursuant to review of the document, the board will then vote as its regularly scheduled meeting to approve the document.”

“The conflict of interest is reviewed every six months with all board members. It is re-signed every year at the first meeting of the year. Those who have indicated a potential coi are expected and have agreed to discussion on a more regular basis.”

“The executive committee acts as the personnel committee. The executive director's performance and salary review are handled by this committee. The board president reviews otehr salaries of comparable down syndrome organizations on guidestar and refers to the minnesota council of non- profit wage & salary publication prior to making any increases in salary.”

“The organization makes its governing documents available upon request.”

“In 2012, the association hosted its first bike camp for individuals with down syndrome 8 and older. This camp is open to not only members of dsam but the community as a whole. In 2014, forty campers learned to ride a two wheel bike and over 100 volunteers from the community as a whole as well as volunteer team from corporations such as allianz, medtronic, blue cross/blue shield, cargill. During the 4th quarter of 2014, the association began planning for the launch of two literacy programs in 2015: the learning program for families and the reading and language intervention training program for teachers.”

“Programs available through the organization. As a way of engaging the parents, we have also begun sending out a happy birthday gift on the child's first birthday . A book about learning colors or learning the alphabet new parents are also offered a one-year complimentary membership in the association. Dsam currently supports 26 parent groups throughout the state of minnesota and two in western wisconsin. Our parent group facilitators receive training from dsam; in addition, yearly facilitator get-togethers are held as an opportunity for them to learn from and network with each other. Our parent groups meet monthly; and meetings often have a social as well as informational component. Approximately 350 dsam families attend parent groups. In 2014 we began collaborating with minneapolis children's hospital on a parent group for families from somalia. We have had information on down syndrome translated and a group was formed by the end of the year. The group meets monthly at children's hospital. A leader is emerging and the group is supported by dsam's parent group manager and a member of the down syndrome clinic staff. The association also hosts a grandparent group. Grandparents from the metro area come together once a month for fellowship and speaker presentations.”

“Workshops covered creative topics, safety, employment and relationships. Numerous volunteers from the community support this conference. 129 people attended our yearly educator conference. The conference drew teachers and parents from throughout the state of minnesota. The topic covered was student centered planning and inclusive education. 250 people attended the association's 11th biennial regional conference, "believe it and achieve it". National and local experts on down syndrome presented on topics such as behavior, speech and language development, curriculum adaptation, estate planning, iep's, nutrition, health care guidelines. 33 people attended the adult matters conference held in conjunction with the youth and adult conference. Parents who attended heard presentations on healthy relationships and the art and science of wellness presented from staff from family tree and dr. Dennis mcguire from the adult down syndrome center in denver, colorado.”