DSAIA Mascot Extraordinaire Baloo Van Bergen

Baloo and Amy were honored this past weekend with the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) Legacy Award.

Shared with the crowd of hundreds of nonprofit leaders in Albuquerque on Saturday, Feb. 22, Board President Christina Reaves said the following about Van Bergen:

If you ask most people in the Down syndrome community—and many of us in this very room—who has been the most influential person in our field and in our careers, one name comes up every time: Amy Van Bergen.

Amy’s impact on this community is nothing short of legendary. She was instrumental in the founding of DSAIA, helping shape it into the thriving network of support and leadership that it is today. For years, she has been a steadfast champion of this organization, its founding members, and countless Down syndrome associations across the country.

As the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, Amy led with passion and purpose. But her work didn’t stop there. She has guided organizations through strategic planning, stepped in as an interim executive director, served on boards, and even personally contributed financially to support the mission.

Her dedication has left an indelible mark on our community, and though she can’t be here with us in person tonight, she is joining us remotely. And of course, we’re all hoping for a special guest appearance from our beloved DSAIA mascot, Baloo!

So, without further ado, please join me in congratulating our Legacy Leader and Lifetime Member of DSAIA, Amy Van Bergen!