Linda Orso
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis
Executive Director

Linda Orso is the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL).  She and her husband, Joe, have three daughters, Melanie, Lydia and Angela.  Lydia is 30 years old and has Down syndrome.  Linda is a former elementary educator, who developed and taught classes for post-secondary students with developmental disabilities at Lewis & Clark Community College.  She first came to the DSAGSL as a volunteer and helped plan the annual family conference.  From there she was hired on as a consultant to revamp the New Parent program and then accepted the part-time position of Program Director to fill the needs of a new grant position.  In March of 2006 she was hired as Executive Director.
 
The DSAGSL serves much of the state of Missouri and southern Illinois. During Linda’s two years as the Executive Director, the organization has grown in many capacities including doubling the amount of money raised at the annual Buddy Walk, adding four new staff positions and starting eight new programs.

These new programs span the age spectrum from supporting pre-natally diagnosed mothers to addressing the unique needs of adults with Down syndrome.  Additional programs include a broad range of topics, such as:
• An educational Seminar Series which provides free seminars to parents and educators on topics pertinent to parents of school age children with Down syndrome
• Expansion of the speaker’s bureau to provide trainings for special education staff (teachers and paraprofessionals) as well as provide speakers to schools for Abilities/Disability awareness weeks
• A Down Syndrome Specialist Program for area school districts
• A Weight Loss program designed specifically for adults with Down syndrome
• A Next Chapter Book club for people with developmental disabilities
• A Learning Program to teach parents how to help their children with Down syndrome improve their reading and math skills
• A Bike Camp where individuals with Down syndrome learn to ride a two-wheeler bike

Additionally, Linda has been responsible for connecting the DSAGSL with many other Down syndrome groups across the country and making St. Louis a recognized name in the Down syndrome community. Currently, she is helping start a new program for grandparents of children with Down syndrome.