Introducing the Marge Barnheiser Advocacy Scholarship

In recognition of Marge Barnheiser’s decades-long commitment to people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio is pleased to announce the creation of a scholarship fund in her honor.

In October of 2020, after 33 years of service, Marge retired from DSACO after a lifelong commitment of giving back to thousands of people with Down syndrome, their families, and the community professionals who serve them. To continue her legacy in advocacy, DSACO will annually award Marge Barnheiser Advocacy Scholarships to people with Down syndrome and other individuals who travel to Washington, D.C., for legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill.

Advocacy and awareness efforts have always been Marge’s passion. As an active member with the National Down Syndrome Society’s DS-Ambassador Program® and the National Down Syndrome Congress’s National Down Syndrome Coalition, Marge was a strong advocate both in Ohio and nationally. In 2015 Governor Kasich appointed her to the STABLE Account Program Advisory Board, which was the direct result of her leadership and advocacy for the years-long pursuit of the passage of the federal ABLE Act legislation. Within Ohio, Marge also worked to pass the Down Syndrome Information Act that now requires medical professionals to provide accurate and up-to-date information and resources on Down syndrome when delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis. She also played a critical role in passing the Organ Transplant Non-Discrimination Act, which provides people with disabilities equal access to lifesaving organs when they are in need of one.

Most recently, Marge led efforts to launch DSACO’s Public Policy Committee and Grassroots Advocacy Network to strengthen advocacy efforts on the road ahead.

More details and an application will be made available soon!