National Association for Down

Syndrome Honors our Founder:

Kay McGee
In 1960 when Tricia McGee was born with Down syndrome, Kay and
her husband, Marty, were told to place her in an institution. They
rejected that advice and took Tricia
home and raised her with her brothers,
Marty and Mike, and her sister, Jan.

There were no support systems then,

no rights to education, no acceptance
by society, but Kay, along with other
courageous parents, ignored those who
said their children couldn’t learn and
didn’t belong in the community. With
Kay’s leadership and vision, they built
an organization that proved those ideas
wrong. Because of their groundbreak-
ing work, we have come to know the many and varied gifts of individuals
with Down syndrome and to treasure them. Today the National Associa-
tion for Down Syndrome is still advocating for Kay’s vision: the right of all
children and adults with Down syndrome to live full, productive lives in
their community. In addition to founding NADS, in 1973 Kay assisted in
forming the National Down Syndrome Congress, and she was their first
treasurer. The national movement then became international, and the
latest international convention was held in Ireland in 2009.

We salute Kay for her lifelong commitment to those with Down syn-
drome. She and Tricia paved the way for all of our children. She has led a
remarkable life and we will be forever grateful.

Kay_McGee_page.indd 1 9/24/09 5:04:12 PM