In 2002, the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (DSISO) was created to provide swimmers with Down Syndrome the opportunity to compete at world class level. Swimmers with Down Syndrome from around the world qualify for DSISO regional and world championships by obtaining strict qualifying times, on their own merit, to compete.

USA swimmers have attended almost all of the DSISO Championships with solid representation from a few ground breaking swimmers. In July 2018, thirteen swimmers from the USA competed at the 9th World Down Syndrome Swim Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada. They came together as a team and earned Team USA’s best finish ever of 9th in the World!

At the championship it was clear that the other teams in the top 10 had strong organizations that provided substantial social and financial support. Team USA supporters collaborated to create a formal and legal organization to support swimmers with Down Syndrome in the USA. USA Down Syndrome Swimming, Inc. (USADSS) was formed to benefit individuals with Down Syndrome to promote participation, representing the USA, in competitive swimming at the national and international level. USADSS is committed to working in accordance with the standards, rules and policies prescribed by the United States Swimming Inc (USA Swimming) and the International Swimming Federation (FINA); and it supports the efforts of the Down Syndrome International Swim Organization (DSISO) and the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS).

2018 Disability Swimming Workshop 

USA Swimming Disability Committee and the United States Paralympic Swimming will be partnering in presenting the 2018 Disability Swimming Workshop in Colorado Springs on the United States Olympic Training Center Campus and pool.