Our History

1977

Founder, Mary Carter

The mission of Down Syndrome of Louisville first came to be in 1977 when educator, Mary Carter, began to focus on the cognitive and physical development of young children with Down syndrome. Carter began Kentucky’s first Early Intervention program to support children with Down Syndrome and their families that same year.

1980s-1990s

Soon Jean Bryson began teaching with Mary Carter and upon her passing took over the program. Although called the DS Early Education Program, there was no separate entity or governing body, it was just Jean and a group of parents who wanted something better for their children; many of these families are still active in DSL today.

After a group of parents continued this work, DSL officially became a 501c3 in May of 1994. The group would come together to support each other and go on outings.

2000-2010

In 2003, Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) expanded programming to include educational, physical, and personal development, health and wellness, and social programming for children and adults of all ages.

Exceptional programming quickly moved DSL us into the forefront of DS organizations nationwide. These programs, combined with our dedication to serving individuals with DS and their families, earned us the 2009 Parent Association of the Year by the National Down Syndrome Congress and the Kentucky Out-of-School Leadership Award in 2010.

2010-2016

In September 2011, DSL opened its new campus, the Lifelong Learning Center located at 5001 S. Hurstbourne Parkway. The Center is the first facility in the world to offer comprehensive educational and developmental programming for individuals with DS across their entire lifespan. Members and families drew pictures and left messages of hope on the interior walls as the building went up.

Also in 2011, DSL merged with the Down Syndrome Support Association of Southern Indiana. DSL’s second Lifelong Learning Center is located in New Albany, Indiana. Check out everything happening at our Southern Indiana Campus here.

2016-2019

In 2016, DSL earned a prestigious Gold Certificate of Accreditation from Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, which requires rigorous organizational and programmatic standards. DSAIA’s Accreditation program helps organizations achieve excellence in nonprofit management. DSL was the first and only Gold Accredited Association.

2019

In 2019, Diana Merzweiler decided to retire after 17 years as Executive Director. Diana was an integral part of the excellence and dramatic growth of Down Syndrome of Louisville. See the tribute video to Diana here.

Julie Torzewski was hired in 2019 as Executive Director. Down Syndrome of Louisville remains the largest Down Syndrome Association in the world, offering more than 50 programs, events and services to their over 1,200 families.

2024

In 2024, Down Syndrome of Louisville was reaccredited by the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. DSAIA’s Accreditation Program helps organizations achieve excellence in nonprofit management and assures best practices. Special thanks to Katie Zurkuhlen, Operations Director, for securing this honor for DSL.