DSL’s Shelly Durbin Nominated by Andy Beshear

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Shelly Durbin, Director of Waiver Services and Adult Programs at Down Syndrome of Louisville, who was recently nominated by Andy Beshear to serve on a first-of-its-kind state council focused on advancing services and supports for Kentuckians with disabilities. Shelly’s work at DSL has long been rooted in advocacy, thoughtful […]

Meet Taylor Ingram: DSL’s New Executive Director

Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) has named Taylor Ingram the next executive director of the organization, effective May 12, 2025. DSL is a resource for people with Down syndrome and their families, offering opportunities to connect socially as well as through programming that helps each individual identify and work toward achieving goals in education, physical […]

Louisville Ballet’s Adaptive Dance Program for DSL’s Boogie Down Ballet

Your Voice Matters! Contact Senators Mitch McConnell & Rand Paul Today!

DSL is proud to be working with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to pass the life-changing DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 (S. 3981). ​ Named after Jamie Foxx’s little sister, DeOndra, who tragically passed away in 2020, this legislation will secure increased federal funding for Down syndrome research and medical care for our […]

Welcome Ashley C

Please help us welcome DSL’s new Teen and Adult Transitions Manager, Ashley Corley!     Hello DSL members, families and friends, My name is Ashley Corley, and I am the new Teen & Adult Transition Manager! Down Syndrome of Louisville has been a place near and dear to my heart for many years. For those […]

Meet our 2024 Annual Award Winners…

Citizens of the Year: Trenton Brunner & Corey Morgan For Outstanding Achievements in the Down Syndrome Community A few things shared about them: “Corey is a true kindness warrior. He works two jobs at Home Depot and Walgreens where he gets praises from his bosses. Corey participates in many sports through specials Olympics. He created […]

2025 NDSC Convention in Dallas!

Our 2025 Annual Convention will be held in Dallas, Texas, from July 24 to 27, 2025! Registration opens March 11, 2025, at 12 PM EST. Mark your calendars—hotel rooms are booked quickly! Click here to learn more!

Welcome Jon B

Please give a warm welcome to DSL’s new Engagement Coordinator Jon B! “Hello! My name is Jon Beams! I first learned about DSL years ago through volunteer programs and the robust community in and around Kentuckiana. I believe in bringing positive experiences and fun with me everywhere I go. A smile truly speaks a thousand words! […]

Kentucky Colonels Driving DSL in the Right Direction

Thanks to a generous grant from the Kentucky Colonels, Down Syndrome of Louisville is shifting into a new gear! We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous $20,000 grant from the Kentucky Colonels! This incredible gift will be used to purchase a new accessible bus, ensuring that all of our members can […]

New DSL Committees

DSL Families, We are launching NEW DSL Volunteer Committees and we are excited to have our families participate. Please scroll through these photos to see the new committees forming and if you are interested in any of them fill out the form below. These committees will meet 4-6 times a year (some in-person/Some virtual) but […]

Glamming for Gala 2024 Recap



DSL’s David DeSanctis Honored in New York

A star-studded event was hosted in New York City and it was a night of celebration to raise funds to support the Down syndrome community. This impactful evening will honor trailblazer and Life Goes On actor, Chris Burke, and others who have helped expand representation for our community in film and television.     Follow […]

Welcome Megan to the Down Syndrome of Louisville Team!

Welcome Megan Mullins! Down Syndrome of Louisville’s first Occupational Therapist! Megan recently graduated from the University of Louisville with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and will mainly be working as DSL’s first on staff Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Megan loves to dance so you may have already met Magan as the new Boogie Down Crew Choreographer […]

Welcome Lisa!

Please welcome the latest member of the DSL team, Lisa Hammersmith! Lisa is the new “first face” at DSL so make sure you stop by the front desk and say hello next time you’re in the building! Lisa has a strong background in customer service from years of working in the medical and retail field. […]

DSL Setting the Standard!

DSL leadership spent this past week/weekend at the annual Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Leadership Conference in Dallas! The conference is an opportunity to learn and grow by sharing best practices with other Down Syndrome Associations across the country. DSAIA’s Accreditation program helps organizations achieve excellence in nonprofit management and honors best practices. The DSAIA […]

In Loving Memory of Larry Barmore

It is with the deepest sadness we share with you that one of our former members, Larry Barmore has passed. Larry was a regular attendee of the Academy prior to the pandemic when he transitioned to the lodge. Please keep his family and friends close to your heart at this time. Larry Thomas Barmore, 64, […]

Sacred Heart Academy & Trinity High School Supporting DSL!

Sacred Heart Academy and Trinity High School held their 13th Annual Rock the Heart charity lacrosse game in the fall. This year, both teams chose to raise money for Down Syndrome of Louisville due to personal connections they have with our organization. Morgan Keesaer, who plays for Sacred Heart, has a younger sister who has […]

Entrepreneurs with Down syndrome wanted!

You are invited to participate in the 2024 DSAIA Annual Leadership Conference Entrepreneur Showcase! Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action is excited to be bringing back the Entrepreneur Showcase to this year’s conference — February 15-17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Click Here to learn more about this year’s conference. The Entrepreneur Showcase will be part of […]

Starlight’s Special Blend: Crafting Bourbon and Connections for DSL

In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, the Cochran Family in collaboration with Starlight Distillery, recently made a significant contribution to Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL). Funds were raised through the sale of specially crafted bourbon bottles. With unique endeavor not only raised funds for a noble cause but also brought people together […]

Meet our 2023 Annual Award Winners…

Joseph O. Thomas Volunteer Award goes to Pam Taylor – For extraordinary volunteer service to Down Syndrome of Louisville. “Pam has been dedicating her time and talents to DSL for many years She unselfishly gives of her time. Her hours devoted behind the scenes would be impossible to add up!” “Pam is always willing to help […]

DSL Executive Director Named 2023 “Most Admired Woman”

We are thrilled to announce that Julie Torzewski, Executive Director at Down Syndrome of Louisville, has been honored as Today’s Woman Magazine’s “Most Admired Woman” in the category of “Community and Sisterhood”! Julie’s  dedication and passion for advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and their families have made her an inspiring leader. She has transformed […]

Down Syndrome of Louisville Announces its 30th Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament

Nonprofit to host unFOREgettable event on June 12-13 to benefit its mission Presented by Zoeller Pump Company Louisville, Ky. (May 9, 2022) – Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) will host its 30th annual Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament, presented by Zoeller Pump Company, on June 12-13 at Audubon Country Club. All funds raised from the event will […]

DSL Members Selected to Participate in Kentucky Derby Festival Fashion Show

Down Syndrome of Louisville Members Selected to Participate in Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show Bridget Matsen and Madeline Franklin will be walking the runway on Thursday, March 31 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 30, 2022) – Two Down Syndrome of Louisville members will participate in the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF) Spring Fashion Show Presented by Macy’s […]

Penn Station Hosts National Fundraiser for Local Down Syndrome Associations

Funds raised at Louisville Penn Station locations will be donated to Down Syndrome of Louisville For the third year in a row, Penn Station is hosting its Round-Up for Down Syndrome campaign from March 1-21, which will benefit Down Syndrome organizations across the country, including Down Syndrome of Louisville. During the campaign, participants can grab […]

Down Syndrome of Louisville Fundraiser Returns to Live Format

Down Syndrome of Louisville Fundraiser Returns to Live Format The 11th Annual Gallop Gala presented by MHS Louisville, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2022) – Down Syndrome of Louisville is celebrating the 11th year of it’s popular fundraising event, the Gallop Gala, by returning to an in-person format. The event will be held at Churchill Downs on […]

DSL Career Solutions Trainees Start New Jobs

BIG congrats to Bailee – today is her first day of work at her first PAID position, at Burkes Outlet!! We are so proud of you, Bailee! A big thanks and congrats to Kristen Falcone and the DSL Career Solutions Team for training Bailee and prepping her for success!! Another proud Career Solutions moment today […]

It’s CHD Awareness Week – Let’s Celebrate our Heart Heroes in the Ds Community

We can’t let #CHDAwarenessWeek go by without acknowledging all our #HeartWarriors! Did you know that about 50% of infants with Down syndrome have some form of heart condition? Let’s celebrate our #HeartHeroes in the Ds Community – share an extra hug with your #CHDWarrior today! Here are stories from two of our own Heart Heroes: Ellie Parnell: Ellie’s new […]

Local Driver Drives Dollars for Local Charity

Down Syndrome of Louisville Recognized as a Finalist for $100,000 National Grant Through the NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Online Voting Begins 10/14/2021 at 6 p.m. and Runs through November 12th at Noon (LOUISVILLE, KY) October 14, 2021 – Down Syndrome of Louisville has announced today that it is in the running for […]