About the Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate October’s National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, as well as provide an annual public platform for advocacy. The walk unites individuals with Down syndrome and their invited “buddies,” which include everyone from friends and family to teachers, co-workers and community leaders. The walk promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and raises funds for Down syndrome education, research and advocacy programs.

The walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks expected across the country and around the world in 2011. Last year alone, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! There are three primary goals to the Buddy Walk—to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome; to raise the funds necessary to develop innovative and effective local and national programs; and to enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling positive influence in local and national policy and practice.

The Central Iowa Buddy Walk, in its 14th year, spans approximately one mile, and anyone can participate without special training. Pledges raised by walkers help to provide support to individuals with Down syndrome, as well as their families and the community. The Up with Down Family Support Group uses Buddy Walk funds to support our local programs through GiGi's Playhouse. These include age specific activities and playgroups, literacy program, support group meetings, open play, new parent support and other advocacy and awareness programs. The group also gifts a percentage of the funds raised by the Buddy Walk to the National Down Syndrome Society, which helps fund ongoing national education, advocacy and awareness programs.