Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma wins National Affiliate of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) was awarded National Affiliate of the Year by the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) at their annual convention in Phoenix held from July 26-28.

The award acknowledges an affiliate group which demonstrated outstanding service on behalf of people with Down Syndrome and their families. Affiliates are assessed on their advocacy services, support to families, fundraising activities, relationship to the NDSC, local and regional programs, services, and community activities.

Among the awards, Heather Hancock-Blackburn received the Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen award, for her national and state level advocacy efforts towards issues that impact her health and well-being.

Hancock-Blackburn has been a long-time advocate on improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome and a supporter towards policies that open the doors of marriage for individuals with Down Syndrome.

DSACO is a non-profit organization and has served over 1,000 families in Central Oklahoma since being founded in January 2000. The organization has held over 300 outreach events and programs in just the past year and has committed nearly 1,000 hours in programs to help families and self advocates.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma provides several programs, events, fundraisers and resources to support individuals with down syndrome and their families.

For more information about DSACO and the resources they provide visit dsaco.org.