DSA Nepal was founded in May 2006 by Shila Thapa, president of the DSA, relatives and seven parents of children with Down Syndrome. Each parent has experienced horrifying days during the infancy of their child and consequently feel inspired to generate changes in the attitude of society towards children with Down Syndrome. We are the only organisation in Nepal offering support solely to people with Down Syndrome. The DSA Nepal strives to educate health professionals and society as a whole on the potential abilities of a child with Down Syndrome, the associated health condition and the acceptance required by society to empower people with Down Syndrome to live an independent, typical life.

The association focuses on children with Down Syndrome, parents/guardians, siblings, teachers, medical practitioners and the society as a whole. Today more than 150 families benefit from the association activities.

Until 2006 there were no specialised centres in Nepal for people with Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome went to special schools where they were integrated with children whom experience other disabilities. International associations state that children with Down Syndrome should spend maximum time interacting with typical children in order to develop normal behaviour and social sense to encourage independence in the future. Before the DSA Nepal was initiated many children with Down Syndrome were expressing undesirable behaviours which they had learnt from children of other disabilities. Founding members of the DSA aspired to develop a service which would offer education, therapy, routine medical checkups, counselling and enable children to reach an adequate level of independence so that they can attend normal school for their education.

Our mission is to provide support in every aspect of the lives of people with Down Syndrome and their caretakers.

The purpose of Down Syndrome Association of Nepal is to create an environment in the society where the people with Down Syndrome are accepted as active members of the community.

• Provide information and support to people with Down Syndrome, their caretakers, families members and health professionals.
• Provide medical treatment and care on a routine basis.
• Provide various mental and physical therapies as necessary.
• Work in collaboration with an already established lab within Nepal to develop adequate facilities for necessary testing i.e genetic testing.
• Assist the development of social sense and independence for children with Down Syndrome through recreational and developmental activities.
• Train and counsel parents/ caretakers of people with Down Syndrome.
• Encourage an inclusive education system in Nepal.
• Implement day care centres and outreach centres in wider Nepal.
• Promote awareness of Down Syndrome amongst society.
• Advocate the rights of people with Down Syndrome.
• Promote full participation of people with Down Syndrome in every aspect of community life.

• Rehabilitation center for childrens with Down Syndrome in Kathmandu and later extension to other districts.
• Permanent establishment for income generating programs (Vocational School) for adults with Down Syndrome.
• Nationwide Database of childrens with Down Syndrome.