The Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network began in the 1990s as Parents Of people with Down Syndrome (PODS), a group of families who supported one another through informal get-togethers, educational workshops, and informational exchange and support.  Over the years, the group has expanded to include families throughout the Bay Area and East Bay, as well as families who are no longer local but continue to keep in touch through the active on-line forum.

PODS (later SVDSN) functioned for a time as a Special Interest Group of Parents Helping Parents (PHP), a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to helping families of children with a wide range of disabilities. In 2009, SVDSN separated from PHP, and asked the Valley Medical Center Foundation of the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, to serve as our fiscal agent.

In 2005, a few parents in the group initiated the Bay Area Buddy Walk, one of a nation-wide series of walks to raise awareness and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. The walk also serves as the group’s major fundraiser, enabling the group’s activities and outreach efforts to continue to grow. 

Today, our primary goals include supporting new families when they receive diagnosis; reaching out to educate the community at large; organizing activities for children and adults with Down Syndrome; and providing ongoing support and education to our families.  We also have monthly dinners for families to connect with one another, share stories and have fun.