Designer Genes of North Dakota

03/24/2026

Do you have an early childhood provider you would like to nominate? Learn more below.

📣We are excited to share that nominations are now open for the USpireND Inclusive Provider of the Year Award!

This award honors a licensed early childhood provider who intentionally creates a learning environment where every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and truly belongs.

Scan the code below of click here: https://forms.office.com/r/fR5kU9qY9x to submit your nominations today!

03/23/2026

🧦 We are all unique in our own way, much like our chromosomes. 🧦

ONE MORE DAY to email your sock designs to enter into a contest for a chance to win a FREE shirt from Xtra Apparel Co.

All finished designs must be emailed by March 24th. Two winners will be chosen on March 25th. Email finished designs to: info@designergenesnd.com

Head to our website to download your design: https://www.designergenesnd.com/world-down-syndrome-day.html

03/21/2026

Today is World Down Syndrome Day and we wanted to take a moment to thank you all for spreading awareness and sparking conversations across our state by rocking your Socks.

We have loved celebrating alongside you throughout the week. Everyone from elementary schools and colleges, businesses, family and friends, and communities all coming together to honor the day.

Thank you for tagging and so we can see the wonderful ways you are promoting belonging throughout our ND communities.

Hope you continue your World Down Syndrome Celebrations through the day. Keep up the awesome work.

03/21/2026

03/20/2026

Who is ready to rock some socks TOMORROW for World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21st. We can't wait to celebrate with the many wonderful schools, workplaces, businesses, and communities that are planning to Rock Your Socks this year.

Since March 21 falls on a Saturday this year, many groups may celebrate on Friday, March 20. That’s okay. Please tag and use the hashtag , so we can celebrate with you.

Pick up a pair of socks at below locations (while supplies lasts):
The Gifted Bean Coffee House | Bismarck
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

GiGi's Playhouse Fargo | Fargo
Sock Pick Up Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

DHI Sweet Street | Grand Forks
Sock Pick Up Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Station | Minot
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Special thank you to the Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot Target locations for donating socks! We look forward to seeing communities across North Dakota raising awareness and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.

03/20/2026

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day! Don't forget to rock your socks with us to spread awareness throughout our state.

Who is ready to rock some socks this Saturday for World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21st. We can't wait to celebrate with the many wonderful schools, workplaces, businesses, and communities that are planning to Rock Your Socks this year.

Since March 21 falls on a Saturday this year, many groups may celebrate on Friday, March 20. That’s okay. Please tag and use the hashtag , so we can celebrate with you.

Shout out to our partners:
The Gifted Bean Coffee House | Bismarck
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

| Fargo
Sock Pick Up Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

| Grand Forks
Sock Pick Up Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Station | Minot
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Special thank you to the Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot Target locations for donating socks! We look forward to seeing communities across North Dakota raising awareness and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.

03/20/2026

We love seeing the many ways you’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day this week! 💙 💛 Thank you for sharing how you’re spreading awareness and promoting belonging.

Keep the posts coming through 3.21, we’re inspired by our ND communities!
Tag or so we can celebrate with you.

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a globally recognized day that raises awareness and celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome . WDSD is celebrated on 3.21 each year to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome. This is unique to people with Down syndrome.

03/19/2026

People with Down syndrome have an inherent right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of the community. 💛

The video ‘Just Like You’ is an example of how this is happening!
https://youtu.be/Q4p9GyWXWcw

03/19/2026

This Disability Awareness Month, we're proud to feature a powerful perspective from Kendra Vander Wal, Executive Director of Designer Genes of North Dakota.

As a mother of a son with Down syndrome and a dedicated disability advocate, Kendra shares why awareness and inclusion matter — not just for individuals with disabilities, but for all of us.

"When people understand disability, they begin to see ability first."

Inclusion shows up in many ways — in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday community moments. It benefits everyone, and it starts with listening to the voices and experiences of people with disabilities and their families.

Read Kendra's full story on our blog and join us in building a North Dakota where everyone belongs. 👇

🔗 https://www.arcofnd.org/post/disability-inclusion-north-dakota

03/19/2026

Current research suggests between 8 and 18 percent of individuals with Down syndrome may have a dual diagnosis of autism. If you are looking for more information, please join us at the Navigating Disability Services – Autism Acceptance on April 20th @ Dream Center.

Designer Genes of North Dakota is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them to learn, earn, and belong across North Dakota. Founded more than two decades ago by a network of local families seeking connection, support, and shared experiences, Designer Genes of North Dakota has grown into a central resource and advocacy hub for families and professionals alike.

The organization supports individuals from the moment of diagnosis throughout their lifespan by providing resources, information, advocacy, and community connections. Designer Genes of North Dakota promotes education and empowerment through family support programs, works to expand employment and independence opportunities, and fosters inclusion through events like the annual Walk for Down Syndrome and family networking activities.

With a mission rooted in the belief that everyone deserves respect, opportunity, and community, Designer Genes of North Dakota embraces the diversity of all abilities and partners with healthcare providers, schools, policymakers, and communities to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with Down syndrome and their families throughout the state.

Designer Genes of North Dakota will be at Navigating Disability Services – Autism Acceptance on April 20th @ Dream Center Bismarck providing resources

03/18/2026

Who is ready to rock some socks this Saturday for World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21st. We can't wait to celebrate with the many wonderful schools, workplaces, businesses, and communities that are planning to Rock Your Socks this year.

Since March 21 falls on a Saturday this year, many groups may celebrate on Friday, March 20. That’s okay. Please tag and use the hashtag , so we can celebrate with you.

Shout out to our partners:
The Gifted Bean Coffee House | Bismarck
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

| Fargo
Sock Pick Up Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

| Grand Forks
Sock Pick Up Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Station | Minot
Sock Pick Up Time: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Special thank you to the Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot Target locations for donating socks! We look forward to seeing communities across North Dakota raising awareness and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.