Our network was started by two moms, Dianna Hansen and Amanda Hamer, after their girls were born with Down syndrome just eight days apart in 2003. In 2004 we began meeting with just three moms and our daughters at the Alyce Hatch Center. In 2010 we developed an official board of directors and received our IRS non-profit status. Now in 2011 with sustained growth, we have changed our name to Central Oregon Disability Support Network and expanded our services to support families experiencing any disability. Our mission is to promote a positive understanding of disability and community inclusion, as well as be a source of support, information, and education for families and professionals. CODSN will accomplish this mission by empowering and supporting families and individuals who have been touched by disability. We will work to increase education, promote public understanding and acceptance, and encourage full inclusion of individuals with differences in our community.