The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association (RMDSA), originally founded as the Mile High Down Syndrome Association (MHDSA) in 1981, began with a small group of dedicated parents seeking community and support. Ken and Molly Gage, inspired by their daughter Betsy, helped unite families of children with Down syndrome in the Denver area. With early support from the Boulder County Board for Developmental Disabilities, their first meeting drew about 30 families and marked the beginning of a powerful grassroots movement.
From the start, MHDSA prioritized connection, advocacy, and education. They quickly formalized with a board of directors, created a recognizable logo, and established committees focused on outreach, political advocacy, and family support. Throughout the 1980s, the organization grew its services—offering newsletters, phone support lines, family resources, and educational programs. They engaged in national conversations around disability rights, responded to medical discrimination cases, and raised public awareness.
In the 1990s, MHDSA evolved from a peer-led group into a structured nonprofit. They hired staff, launched major fundraisers like the Walk and calendar projects, and supported the formation of Colorado’s first specialty clinics for people with Down syndrome. They built strong partnerships and began addressing issues like aging, Alzheimer’s, and medical bias in the Down syndrome community. Their outreach extended to Spanish-speaking families and underrepresented communities.
The name change to Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association (RMDSA) reflected the organization’s expanded reach beyond the Denver metro area. As more families across Colorado and surrounding states turned to the group for resources and support, the new name captured their broader regional impact. RMDSA embraced this transition by strengthening partnerships, expanding staff, and refining its mission to serve individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
Since the name change, RMDSA has continued to innovate. They have launched programs focused on adult services, inclusive education, prenatal support, and healthcare navigation.
Today, RMDSA continues to serve as a trusted resource for families, professionals, and individuals with Down syndrome across the Rocky Mountain region. Guided by its founding values and fueled by decades of progress, RMDSA remains committed to building a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered future.
