About EPDSC
Programs For All Ages
The EPDSC is excited to focus on the mission of providing resources, education, advocacy and programs to the individuals with Down syndrome from birth to age 99! From the New & Expecting Parents Program to Teens & Young Adults and Club 21, there is something for everyone!
Educational Support
Keeping up with the latest educational advancements can be challenging. At the center, we provide families with a variety of educational opportunities. We have a lending library of books, periodicals, and videos. We also offer trainings on different topics such as inclusion and financial planning. We meet with families to review Individual Education Plans and attend IEP meetings.
Family Support
The EPDSC understands the complex needs of the family, and aims to provide support and resources to assist families in their journey. We support new families through our New & Expecting Parents Program and by providing connections to families that have similar medical or educational needs. We provide networking opportunities through annual social events and gatherings. We assist families in locating medical, educational, and recreational or social services in their area.
History of the Center
Our Center began in 1995 as concept created by several local families in order to gain access to specialized care and coordinate medical services for individuals with Down syndrome. With the assistance of The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust, the concept became a reality and on March 15th, 1999 the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center held its grand opening. On April 15th, 1999 the Center completed its first medical evaluation with the support of the first EPDSC staff including our Medical Director Dr. Donald Levick and clinical coordinators Anne Marie Dolinish-Meltzer and Patti Mertz. Over the last 22 years, the EPDSC has served hundreds of families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. In 2010, EPDSC spearheaded the Career & Independent Living & Learning Studies (CILLS) program. In partnership with East Stroudsburg University, this is the first program in Pennsylvania at a state university to include both academics and housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities. EPDSC was also responsible for financially supporting CILLS for the first three years. CILLS had 30 students enrolled in the 2017-2018 academic year.
After the launch of CILLS, EPDSC formed The Housing Initiative (THI) committee. THI works to establish a Creative Living Option (CLO) for individuals with intellectual disabilities. After years of development, this will be an apartment complex with 49 units where 20-25% will be dedicated to residents with intellectual disabilities and 75-80% occupied by typically- developing individuals aged 55+. Upon completion, it will be the first CLO in the Lehigh Valley to include residents with and without disabilities.
We have grown tremendously over the past 24 years, and now it is time for the EPDSC to take the next step. We are thrilled to announce that on January 23, 2023, the Down Syndrome Medical Clinic has become part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network and is named LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic.
This change will allow us to improve our access for clinic visits by recruiting additional providers, therapists and family support specialists to augment our current team. Drs. Levick, Morrow-Connolly, Rice and Greenburg will continue to see patients in the Clinic. With the added resources of LVHN, the goal is to grow the number of available clinic sessions. This affiliation with LVHN should facilitate access to the numerous pediatric specialists associated with LVHN and improve care across the continuum.
LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic visits (pediatric and adult) will retain the same structure, duration and location.
Who we are
The EPDSC is a non profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and individuals influenced by Down syndrome in our community.