Frequently Asked Questions & Western New York / National Down Syndrome Resources
Trusted Guidance for Every Stage of Life in Niagara County
Whether you have just received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), are preparing for Niagara County Early Intervention or school IEP meetings, or are looking for adult vocational skills at Chapter’s Coffee Cafe in Lewiston, DSA Niagara is here to walk alongside your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click Any Question to Expand / Collapse)
1. Who does DSA Niagara serve, and is there a membership fee?[Toggle]
The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, Inc. serves infants, children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, along with their parents, siblings, grandparents, and educators across Niagara County and the greater Buffalo-Niagara region. There are no mandatory membership fees for local families; our hospital welcome packets, parent-to-parent mentoring, and Lewiston Public Library lending collection are completely free.
2. We are expecting or just welcomed a baby with Down syndrome. Who should we call first?[Toggle]
Congratulations on your new baby! You may reach DSA Niagara Vice President & Co-Founder Christine Vescio-Sirianni or President Deborah Fleck at (716) 246-2144, or email christine.sirianni@dsaniagara.org / info@dsaniagara.org to request a free New Parent Welcome Packet and connect with an experienced Niagara County parent. We also encourage calling Niagara County Early Intervention Services at 716-278-1991 for free developmental evaluations (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) and the NDSS Toll-Free New Parent Hotline at 1-800-221-4602.
3. What is Chapter’s Coffee Cafe at the Lewiston Public Library, and when is it open?[Toggle]
Opened on December 3, 2024 inside the Lewiston Public Library (305 South 8th Street, Lewiston, NY 14092), Chapter’s Coffee Cafe & Snack Bar is a vocational training and community inclusion enterprise staffed by teens and adults with Down syndrome alongside DSA Niagara mentors. Partially funded by The United Way of Greater Niagara, the cafe is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
4. How does the Miles of Care pediatric heart surgery travel grant work?[Toggle]
Approximately 40% to 50% of babies with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart conditions requiring specialized pediatric cardiothoracic care. When a Niagara County child must travel outside our immediate area (for example, to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, Boston Children’s Hospital, or Cleveland Clinic) for surgery, DSA Niagara’s Miles of Care fund provides direct assistance for gasoline, hotel stays, meals, and hospital parking. Contact Deborah Fleck or Christine Vescio-Sirianni confidentially by phone or mail at P.O. Box 159, Lewiston, NY 14092-0159.
5. How can I borrow books from the DSA Niagara Down Syndrome Collection?[Toggle]
All books, DVDs, sign-language guides, and classroom inclusion manuals donated by DSA Niagara are cataloged at the Lewiston Public Library, 305 South 8th Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 (Tel: 716-754-4720). Any resident holding a Nioga Library System card across Niagara, Orleans, or Genesee counties may borrow titles free of charge or request interlibrary delivery. View the full book list on LewistonLibrary.html.
6. Where do I mail checks, event waivers, or IRS 501(c)(3) donation inquiries?[Toggle]
All official correspondence, checks payable to DSA Niagara, Inc., Buddy Walk pre-registrations, and Down River Run sponsorships should be mailed to our verified IRS Form 990-EZ post office box: DSA Niagara, Inc., P.O. Box 159, Lewiston, NY 14092-0159 (Federal EIN: 80-0265472). Note that 250 S 7th Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 appears as the historic street filing address on 2021–2023 tax returns, while P.O. Box 159 is the active permanent mailing box.
Verified Western New York, Niagara County & National Resource Directory
| Organization / Public Agency | Service Scope | Verified Address & Telephone | Official Website / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara County Dept. of Health — Early Intervention & Preschool Special Ed | Free developmental evaluations, speech/PT/OT therapy for ages 0–3, and preschool special education coordination in Niagara County. | Trott Access Center, Niagara Falls / Lockport, NY · Tel: 716-278-1991 | niagaracounty.com |
| Lewiston Public Library & Chapter’s Coffee Cafe | Host venue for the DSA Niagara Down Syndrome Lending Collection (Nioga Library System) and Chapter’s Coffee Cafe (Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat 10am–12pm). | 305 South 8th Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 · Tel: 716-754-4720 | lewistonlibrary.org |
| Parent Network of Western New York (WNY) | IEP workshops, special education advocacy, transition-to-adulthood training, and 1-on-1 family support across all 8 WNY counties. | 1021 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212 · Tel: (716) 332-4170 | parentnetworkwny.org |
| Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York (DSPG of WNY) | Regional sister support network serving Erie County and surrounding Western New York families. | Buffalo / Erie County, NY · Info Line: (716) 832-9334 | dspgwny.org |
| GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo | Down Syndrome Achievement Center offering free therapeutic, literacy, math tutoring, and fitness programs in Western New York. | 326 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14223 · Tel: (716) 322-0010 | gigisplayhouse.org/buffalo |
| Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) | Collaborative network of voluntary OPWDD service agencies providing residential, day habilitation, and employment support in WNY. | Western New York Regional Coalition | ddawny.org |
| Lewiston Frontier Bowling Lanes (Sunshine Youth Bowling League) | Host lanes for DSA Niagara’s inclusive youth and family recreational bowling sessions in Lewiston. | Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 · Tel: 716-754-8248 | See Event Calendar |
| National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) | DSA Niagara’s national parent affiliate organization, creator of the National Buddy Walk Program, policy advocacy, and toll-free new parent helpline. | National Helpline: 1-800-221-4602 | ndss.org |
| National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) | Annual national family & self-advocate convention, educational webinars, and prenatal/new-parent outreach publications. | National Resource Center: 1-800-232-6372 | ndsccenter.org |
| Down Syndrome Pregnancy (Lettercase National Center) | Evidence-based, medically reviewed books and resources specifically prepared for expectant parents with a prenatal Trisomy 21 diagnosis. | Medical & Expectant Parent Digital Guides | downsyndromepregnancy.org |
| Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) | Cross-border binational resource partner for Niagara Frontier and Southern Ontario families. | Binational Niagara Neighbor Resource | cdss.ca |
Proud Member Since 2023: Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce (NRRCC) in Lewiston, NY.
United Way Partner: Chapter’s Cafe is partially funded by The United Way of Greater Niagara as a 2025 funded agency.