Convention Insider ~ May 15, 2019
Best Value Prices End This Friday, May 17th
Are you planning to attend NDSC’s giant family reunion in Pittsburgh, June 27 – 30?
Register now and take advantage of best value prices before they end this Friday, May 17th.
This is also the last day to register for the Youth & Adults and Brothers & Sisters Conferences.
There are a few remaining spots in Kids’ Camp Friday, June 28th! If you were hoping to attend a pre-conference session this is a great chance to spend 4 hours diving deep into a topic while we provide a safe, structured, and fun environment for your child. Kids’ Camp is available for children with Down syndrome – ages six months to 14 years old, and their siblings – ages six months to rising 3rd graders. (Rising 4th graders and older may register for the Brothers & Sisters Conference.)
For a complete list of convention fees and pricing deadlines visit our website.
Last Call for Souvenir Journal Advertisements and Messages – Application Deadline is May 22nd
Whether you are attending the convention or not, placing an advertisement or message in the Souvenir Journal is a great way to showcase your business, product, or service or to honor a family member, co-worker, or friend. Ads may be purchased for as little as $75 and can be designed professionally by the NDSC graphics designer at no additional charge. Several premium ad locations are still available. If you are interested in placing an ad for the 2019 convention Souvenir Journal, that will reach more than 3,000 people in the Down syndrome community, download the Souvenir Journal Application Form. Applications and artwork are due by Wednesday, May 22nd.
NDSC Hotel Reservation Deadline is June 4th
The discounted room rate at both the Westin and Omni Hotels will expire June 4th The Omni Hotel still has rooms available at the convention rate of $159 as well as special rates on suites. Please use this Omni William Penn Reservation Link to book a room in the NDSC block. The NDSC will provide a complimentary shuttle between the Omni Hotel and the convention center throughout the convention weekend.
If you have reserved more rooms than you need, or your plans have changed, please release those rooms before June 4th to ensure other families will have access to the discounted rate.
HELP US KEEP CONVENTION COSTS DOWN! If you booked a room outside of the convention block, please consider moving to the Omni Hotel to ensure the NDSC fulfills its commitment.
New Programs
Did you hear about the NEW programs planned for the 2019 NDSC Convention? There will be more than 30 first-time speakers and dozens of new workshop topics including a transition track for families facing those delicate transition years. The new College Fair and Advocacy Boot Camp are two more reasons to attend, plus they are free for registered attendees. The NDSC Convention in Pittsburgh is a must-attend event. Don’t miss out, Register today!
OSEP Director to Speak at the Educator Conference and Town Hall Meeting
We are thrilled that the Director of the Office of Special Education Services (OSEP), Laurie VanderPloeg, has accepted our invitation to speak at the Convention. OSEP is a unit within the U.S. Department of Education whose purpose is to strengthen and coordinate activities on behalf of students with disabilities. OSEP is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 years by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. Director VanderPloeg will share her perspective on current OSEP-based projects, national trends, and aligned topics/efforts at the Educator Conference on Friday morning, June 28th. Later that afternoon, Director VanderPloeg will speak at a Town Hall meeting where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Only NDAC members will be invited to attend the Town Hall Meeting with Director VanderPloeg. National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) is NDSC’s grassroots advocacy coalition and is open to all NDSC members regardless of the level of advocacy experience. Sign up to be a member of NDAC or visit our website for more information.
Calling All Convention Dancers!!
The theme of the 2019 Friday Night 321 Dance!™ at Convention is …… JERSEY PARTY!
Yes, wear your own sports jersey or purchase one from us and we will celebrate all of our CHAMPIONS. This year the NDSC is selling Jersey Party Swag, so get your jerseys and pom-poms for the 321 Dance!™ from us!
Pre-order before June 12th, and pick up on-site at the Convention in June. No mailing, no fuss.
Men’s Jerseys – available in sizes S – 4X – black, royal blue, and purple.
Women’s Jerseys – available in sizes S – 4X – pink, royal blue, and purple.
Children’s Jersey T-shirts – available in YXS – YXL – pink, royal blue, and purple.
(Replica jerseys not available in children’s sizes. These are cotton t-shirts)
Pom-poms are also available in mixed blue & gold!
Place your order today. Jerseys or pom-poms may be ordered by themselves, or order your Jersey Party Swag packs, which includes a jersey and a pair of pom-poms.
