B.U.D.S. is a non-profit organization that was started in 2003 that benefits anyone in North Alabama that is impacted by Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the #1 genetic variation. Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 live births, and more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. It occurs when a person has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. It is this additional genetic material that alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome.
Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.
While the opportunities currently available to individuals with Down syndrome have never been greater, it is only through the collective efforts of parents, professionals, and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming even more widespread. It is the mission of B.U.D.S and the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure that all people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives. Individuals with Down syndrome touch the lives of family members, educators, employers, health care professionals, peers and others. The network of people who are impacted by Down syndrome numbers in the millions. Approximately 5,000 children with Down syndrome are born each year. The cause of Down syndrome is completely unknown and it occurs at or before the moment of conception. It is generally assumed that babies born with Down syndrome are born to older mothers. However, due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. This is where B.U.D.S. comes in!