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Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center

Who We Are

The Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center at the Center for Disability Services provides parent-to-parent and professional services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

We offer support programs, educational services, social events, community events and up-to-date news and resources for families, professionals and individuals. We also work to educate the greater community about Down syndrome and to help individuals become self-advocates.

From even before a child is born, throughout childhood and adolescence and into adulthood, Down Syndrome Aim High is here to help each family and individual achieve their goals. We want every person with Down syndrome to reach their fullest potential and to become fully included members of their communities.

Join us for the 27th Annual Capital Region Buddy Walk!

Presented by Central Self Storage

In Memory of Chris Miller

Join us in promoting inclusion and awareness for the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome as we celebrate our Buddy Walk's 27th Anniversary on 9/24/2023. 

The Capital Region’s Buddy Walk is a short 1-mile stroll around the pond in Schenectady’s Central Park. Along with the walk, the day is filled with resource information, entertainment, music, games, crafts, and snacks and drinks.

Click here to set up a team and purchase the Buddy Walk t-shirt!

We are proud to dedicate this year's Buddy Walk to the memory of Chris Miller, longtime participant and champion of the Capital Region Buddy Walk. 

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The 2023 Capital Region Buddy Walk is being held in memory of one of the event’s most enthusiastic and dedicated participants, and our dear friend, Chris Miller, who passed away this past June at the age of 46. Chris was an engaging young man who lit up the room with his presence, and he would never allow his diagnosis of Down syndrome to get in the way of a good time, or of living his best life.

A 1998 graduate of Guilderland High School, Chris Miller was a fixture at the Center for Disability Services. He was employed by the Center’s Mail Fulfillment Center for over ten years and resided for many years with his good friends at the organization’s Baker Avenue residence in Niskayuna.

Along with his father, Doug, Chris was an excellent goodwill ambassador for the Center, the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center and his friends with disabilities. He appeared frequently on the Center’s Annual #518Gives Fundraiser with his housemates; and also could be found on the weekends dancing at the local Elks Club with them; and Chris was a spirited competitor in Special Olympics, winning many medals over the years for swimming. And, of course, Chris Miller loved the Buddy Walk! He and his Baker Avenue chums typically led the Walk each year and carried the event’s banner, wonderful examples of the endless capabilities promised by people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. We will miss you, Chris, and we will carry on with this year’s Buddy Walk and allow your memory to inspire us going forward!