Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa Welcomes First Self-Advocate to Board of Directors

The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT) is proud to announce the appointment of its first-ever self-advocate to the Board of Directors. This milestone marks a significant step in the organization’s ongoing mission to empower individuals with Down syndrome and ensure that their voices are not only heard but represented at the leadership level.

Curtis Bradshaw, a passionate advocate and active member of the Tulsa community, joins the Board bringing firsthand experience, insight, and a powerful voice to the table. This addition reflects DSAT’s commitment to fostering inclusion, promoting self-determination, and centering the perspectives of individuals with Down syndrome in all areas of the organization’s work.

“This is a momentous occasion for DSAT,” said Brian Wandel, Board President. “Having a self-advocate serve on our Board is more than symbolic. This is a meaningful and necessary step in advancing our mission of inclusion and empowerment.”

“We have long believed in the power of representation,” said Lindsay Nozak, Executive Director of DSAT. “Welcoming Curtis to our Board not only strengthens our leadership team but also affirms our mission to celebrate and elevate the voices of individuals with Down syndrome. Curtis’ perspective will help shape decisions that truly reflect the needs and hopes of the community we serve.”

Founded on the belief that every person with Down syndrome should be celebrated and supported, DSAT’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and communities. This is accomplished by fostering positive attitudes and opportunities for people with Down syndrome through empowerment, inclusion, educational events, and purposeful connections.

Curtis’ appointment reflects DSAT’s values in action and sets the tone for the future of the organization, where leadership includes those most impacted.

“I’m very excited to be on the DSAT Board,” said Curtis Bradshaw, newly appointed Board Member. “It’s such a cool opportunity and I’m glad to serve on the Board and help raise some money, participate, and have fun.”

Curtis’ is excited to help raise funds for their largest fundraising event, the Tulsa Buddy Walk, coming up on Sunday, October 5th. The Tulsa Buddy Walk is a 1/4-mile walk designed to promote the understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. It is a family-friendly event where friends and family form teams to support their Buddy with Down syndrome. Ninety-three percent of all money raised stays in the local community and is used to provide scholarships for families and self-advocates to attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention, to provide new parent packets to doctors and hospitals, provide new education and inclusion programs and to support families and individuals with Down syndrome. For more information on the Tulsa Buddy Walk, visit www.tulsabuddywalk.com.

As DSAT continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to creating space where individuals with Down syndrome lead, inspire, and shape the future of the organization and community.

For more information about the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa and its programs, visit www.dsat.org.