NDSC is Committed to You During COVID-19
For 48 years, the mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress has been to provide information, advocacy, and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. We’ve weathered many storms together in the past near half-century, and we will get through our current national crisis together too. NDSC remains committed to being a leading resource of support and information to our members during this time of uncertainty and will continue to be here for you as we learn more about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it will affect all of us.
We are monitoring updates and recommendations closely from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and encourage you to look to the CDC and other health care professionals for accurate and up to date information. You may visit the CDC website to find information on preparing yourself and your home, caring for those at the highest risk, and other useful resources.
We also invite you to listen to NDSC President and Director of the Western Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center, Dr. Kishore Vellody, and infectious disease expert, Dr. Andrew Nowalk’s podcast discussing the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and what we know about its potential impact in children with Down syndrome.
Our policy team is working through the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) with legislators to ensure that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are included in any legislation addressing the current public health crisis as well as any future crises. Federal agencies such as the Department of Education and the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) have already issued guidance about providing services to people with disabilities during this outbreak. Our team is also part of the CCD Emergency Preparedness Task Force and has signed onto a National Call to Action from the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies.
You can stay updated about policy issues relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) by signing up to receive the NDSC Policy & Advocacy Newsline at ndsccenter.org or by following our blog.
As many school systems are closing, students, parents, and educators are embarking on a new way of learning and teaching. We invite you to join us tomorrow, March 17th, at 2:00 PM EDT, for the first session of an important webinar series to be hosted by NDSC Board member and Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas, Sean J. Smith, entitled “Preparing Yourself, Your Family, and Your Home for Online Learning”.
Dr. Smith has a background in the area of special education and technology, specifically towards the integration of technology across teacher preparation programs. He has authored and presented a number of articles and papers dealing with special education technology and is currently a Project Director on several US Department of Education program initiatives seeking to further the integration of technology components across teacher preparation programs and into the lives of students with disabilities.
Dr. Smith is an expert in using technology as a learning tool and has graciously offered to share his expertise through a series of webinars with our members. To register to attend the live session or to receive a link to the recorded session, please click our GoToWebinar link.
We will continue to provide information and resources to assist our members through this national crisis. We will let you know of future webinar dates through email communication and on our social pages. Please be sure to follow us on our socials: NDSC Facebook page, NDSC Policy Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.