Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild

The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild (PDSG) was founded in 2002 to promote a greater understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in the panhandle of Texas. We are 100% volunteer run with no paid salaries or benefits. The PDSG works to increase public awareness about Down syndrome, to assist families caring for people with this genetic condition, and to sponsor community networking and engagement activities. The Guild also works with national organizations to dispel the myths associated with Down syndrome while helping people with Down syndrome in the community achieve their full potential. The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild develops and disseminates the most current information to families, educators, and the medical community.

We serve people with Down syndrome, their friends and families, and those that work to support is in everyday life. The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild encourages fellowship, fosters a community of families affected by Down syndrome, and promotes public awareness of the dignity, promise, and potential of all persons. A major focus of the group is to reach all new families of someone with Down syndrome and provide encouraging and uplifting literature, positive stories, personal experiences, and a wealth of information and support. Each year we host the Buddy Walk, which is a registered walk of the National Down Syndrome Society, to promote acceptance and inclusion. The Buddy Walk is also our only fundraiser of the year. We seek support to expand our reach and abilities to offer more events throughout the panhandle, and to provide additional tutoring, continuing education, therapy, or durable good support for people without access to public or private resources. Many people with Down syndrome rely upon ongoing support from their families, and care for chronic health issues disrupts the family’s ability to meet all medical, therapeutic, or transportation needs. We also would like to work with other local organizations to help promote employment and volunteer opportunities for people with Down syndrome because everyone wants a purpose and sense of belonging.

We have several areas in which we seek help. First, the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild needs technical assistance digitizing our messages of hope and acceptance. In particular, we need video production help to transition from text and photo stories to video stories that can be placed on our website for wider reach. We want to be there every time we are needed, and that includes in the middle of the night for parents after meeting their baby for the first time and hearing he or she might have Down syndrome. A smiling face and words of encouragement from people that have been there means the world to those confused and battling despair. We would also like to work on fun short videos to help us get the word out through social media. Who doesn’t want a viral video, right? We have the right camera talent, we just need some directing and video production help. In addition, we need occasional help from graphic artists to help us with designs for print and social media display. Besides obtaining these technical and production skills, we also would like to raise funds to assist people with Down syndrome needing additional tutoring, therapy, or other education or developmental needs. Lastly, we could use advice on how to best communicate with people interested in being involved. Today we message through Facebook and email, but need a more modern communication platform

You can follow us on Facebook @panhandledsg or be added to our email distribution list. Our website pdsg.org is for awareness and contact info, but not updated with events – that is an area we need to improve. Any webmasters out there? 

We would love to partner with anyone willing to help. If you have ideas please reach out. Call Vicki at 806-670-1568, Jeff at 806-678-4450, or email us at panhandledsg@yahoo.com