Where It All Began: 26 Years of D...

Where It All Began: 26 Years of DSACO's Buddy Walk

DSACO: Up for Discussion by Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma
S2 · E17
Sep 21, 2026
42:58

Episode notes

Twenty-six years ago, a group of dedicated DSACO families and volunteers brought the first Buddy Walk to central Oklahoma. What began as a new community event has grown into one of DSACO’s most meaningful annual traditions.

In this episode of DSACO: Up for Discussion, Sarah speaks with members of the DSACO community who helped organize that very first walk. They reflect on how the idea began, the challenges of planning an event without social media, the community’s response, and the unforgettable moments that made the first Buddy Walk so special.

Listeners will also hear how the original event’s mission—bringing families together, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion—continues through today’s Down Syndrome Festival & 5K.

Join us as we celebrate the people who started this tradition and look ahead to this year’s Festival & 5K on September 26.

Register, donate, or learn more at dsfestivaland5k.com. For additional information and resources, visit dsaco.org.

Keywords

Down syndrome
DSACO
5K
festival
awareness
Down Syndrome Festival & 5K
disability
Advocacy
Disability awareness
buddy walk