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Our Mission
We create a nurturing environment. combining expert guidance with genuine encouragement, we empower you to transform aspirations into achievements.
About US
We are dedicated to offering a comprehensive and nurturing approach that emphasizes empathy and realism in understanding the unique needs and demands of tweens and teens with Down syndrome. Our focus is on providing valuable resources and support that encompass educational life skills, community engagement opportunities, and assistance for parents. Recognizing that the Philadelphia community has a scarcity of resources tailored to the Down syndrome community, we are committed to establishing a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can feel a sense of belonging. In this space, they will have the chance to develop essential life skills forging meaningful, lifelong friendships with their peers.​
Our organization provides a space for parents/caregivers to share ideas and network with one another. We invite caregivers to communicate their needs, questions and concerns with one another, and promote fun and connections to be made in support of each other. Exceptional People programs embrace the family and help aid the development of a healthy, successful relationship between parents, individuals with Down syndrome and siblings.
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Our programs support families in developing high expectations for their son or daughter with Down syndrome. Many families are blindsided by a diagnosis of Down syndrome in pregnancy or at birth. Exceptional People programs aim to help parents overcome the diagnosis and maintain high expectations for their child to achieve success in social, educational and employment opportunities in the future.  Our staff and volunteers support parents in maintaining high expectations, even through challenging periods of time. By encouraging their child to follow routines and participate fully, parents take a big step in recognizing their child’s potential.
Down syndrome is the most prevalent chromosomal condition in our country, yet it receives the least funding. We are dedicated to supporting individuals Down syndrome, making a lifelong commitment to stand by their side.
We Believe in
1. Enhanced Social and Emotional Development:
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Socialization:
Inclusive settings allow children with Down syndrome to interact with peers who don't have disabilities, fostering social skills and friendships.
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Emotional Growth:
Interacting with a diverse group of peers can help children with Down syndrome develop their social and emotional maturity, leading to greater self-esteem and confidence.
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Sense of Belonging:
Being part of a regular classroom can help children with Down syndrome feel like they belong and are valued as members of the school community.
2. Improved Academic Performance:
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Access to a General Curriculum:
Inclusive education provides children with Down syndrome access to the same curriculum as their peers, allowing them to develop their academic skills to the best of their abilities.
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Differentiated Instruction:
Schools can adapt the curriculum and provide individualized support to meet the specific needs of children with Down syndrome, ensuring they can achieve their academic goals.
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Positive Influence of Peers:
Studies have shown that children with disabilities can progress better in classrooms with non-disabled students, benefiting from the positive influence of their peers.
3. Fostering an Inclusive Society:
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Increased Acceptance:
Being in a regular school setting can help typically developing students develop a greater understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society.
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Community Participation:
Inclusive education prepares children with Down syndrome for full participation in their communities, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
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Breaking Down Barriers:
By attending regular schools, children with Down syndrome can break down societal barriers and stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
4. Addressing Individual Needs:
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Individualized Support:
Schools can provide individualized support, including paraeducators, behavior interventionists, and therapists, to help children with Down syndrome succeed in a regular classroom.
5.Collaboration and Partnerships:
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Effective inclusion relies on collaboration between parents, educators, and other professionals to ensure the child's needs are met and that they receive the support they need.
Exception People does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, Board members, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.
Meet The Founder
Teresa McAllister
Founder, Director, Down syndrome Advocate & Coach
Hello,
I'm Teresa Savoy McAllister, a proud Christian mother and grandmother to an incredible adopted son, Trent! Since he was just two years old, I've had the joy of watching him grow and flourish, even as we faced challenges like health development, and social interactions.
My mission has always been to ensure Trent lives a life as close to normal as possible, promoting inclusive education and embracing children with Down Syndrome in our schools. I’m passionate about coaching mothers and caregivers of children with Down Syndrome, helping them navigate social challenges and advocate for their child's needs while creating opportunities for connection. Now that Trent is 13 and to explore his identity and socialize, I've recognized a significant gap in support for families like ours. This realization ignited a fire within me to establish an organization to uplift those with Down Syndrome. Thus, Exceptional People was born—a community to connect and empower families with children who have Down Syndrome (trisomy ).
I wholeheartedly believe that every young child and teen with Down Syndrome deserves the chance to thrive as valued members of our communities and build beautiful relationships! By connecting with a supportive community or organization, we can help these remarkable children navigate their journey in the world with confidence and joy.
Terasa McAlliste
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Meet the Board Members
Meet the Board of Directors. Together we have the expertise and knowledge to sustain this organization. Our board members are fiduciaries who steer the organization toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies.
