The Williams Syndrome Association’s (WSA) mission is to advance the interests of all individuals with Williams syndrome throughout their lifespan by providing programming and resources, supporting research, promoting partnerships and connections, and ensuring that the infrastructure of the organization has the capacity to lead our community toward its goals.

Our vision is that all individuals with Williams syndrome have the support they need throughout their lifespan to live healthy, self-directed, productive, and meaningful lives.  In order to achieve this vision, individuals with Williams syndrome must be fully included in educational, work, and community settings. 

We recognize that individuals with WS have sometimes been excluded at school, in the workplace, and in their communities.  We also recognize that supports and services often focus on what individuals with WS cannot do, rather than their strengths, gifts, and interests.

The WSA upholds the following positions on inclusion. We believe that: 

  • Everyone benefits when individuals with WS are meaningfully included in educational, work, and community settings 
  • Individuals with WS should receive all necessary supports and services to fully participate in their family lives, communities, and society as a whole
  • High expectations should be the norm, and individuals with WS and their families should decide how they best learn, work, and enjoy social settings
  • “Inclusion” is not one-size-fits-all, and will look different for each family based on each individual’s desires and needs
  • Inclusion creates a sense of belonging in society, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to achieve dreams

For our five-year strategic plan, click here. 

We also honor our mission by:

  • Providing information and emotional support to individuals with characteristics of Williams syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them
  • Developing programs and services to help build strengths and meet challenges from early childhood through adulthood
  • Increasing public awareness and understanding of Williams syndrome
  • Encouraging and supporting research into a wide range of issues related to Williams syndrome