Since 2006, the DSACF has been visiting university medical schools in Florida to help shape the young minds of our future to appropriately communicate, appreciate and give respect while treating future patients with Down syndrome. Also, with a major focus on the person and seeing past the diagnosis. Two local families accompanied the staff to share their experience of having a child with Down syndrome.

Riley Belcher, age 5, was born with Down syndrome and has accompanied DSACF to the University of Florida since 2019. “I think it is very important for these medical students to see how our kids are much more than their diagnosis. Sharing our good and bad experiences with doctors will help them be better doctor’s to a patient with Down syndrome,” says Jenn Belcher, Riley’s mother.

Part of our mission at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida is to educate our community through advocacy efforts. Taking the time to visit future medical professionals who will most likely serve the Down syndrome population, at some point, is vital to the success of acceptance of special needs individuals in our community.