Since her daughter Annie was born with Down syndrome 11 years ago, Sarah Hardin has been involved in policy advocacy. Sarah first became involved with a local moms’ group. Eventually, Sarah became involved in advocacy with the Arc of Beaumont County. Then, she was hired as the Public Awareness Coordinator for child find. 
 
Sarah says she joined the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) so she could stay updated on all things important to people with Down syndrome. She feels she is connected and better able to advocate for her daughter and others with Down syndrome. Sarah says an important benefit of being part of NDAC is the connections you make. “Someone out there has experience with what you are going through and can give you direction.” Her advice to beginner advocates: “Tell Your Story.” That is what will make an impact and make you memorable to that legislator or staffer. Create a new relationship with your story.” 
 
These days, Sarah is the Executive Director of the Arc of Beaumont. Sarah says, “I get to have fun every day through all the social, educational, and support programs that we have for adults and children with IDD and their families in our area. Annie’s birth was truly a “diamond in the rough” experience because it opened my eyes to an amazing population of people whose lives are full of value!” 
 
Along with their daughters Emma, Annie, and Claire, Sarah and her husband Ronnie make their home in Beaumont, Texas. Thank you for your advocacy and for sharing your story, Sarah.

Lauren Devard, 22 of Bear, Delaware, is a Food Runner for the Trabant Center Greens to Go at the University of Delaware Food Court. Her employer is Aramark. Lauren fills customer orders by matching customer meal tickets to prepared items and bagging them with utensils and related items. Lauren then notifies customers via a tablet device that their order is ready. If there is an issue, she (with the help of her job coach) works to resolve it.  Lauren loves doing a good job and meeting so many different people; but her favorite part is the free custom salad and wraps. Lauren uses some of her earnings to go to concerts, plays and other special events. She also likes to buy art supplies, eat out, and employs a personal trainer. 

Lauren’s mom, Samtra, adds: “Lauren’s Journey is so exciting. Lauren is brave and makes the most of every opportunity that she is blessed to have. Lauren’s enthusiasm and resolve to do her best at her job is evident. Lauren gets to experience the dignity of work. I talk to families who are discouraged because their focus is on what their loved one with Down syndrome can’t do. I was there. But I want to encourage families that there is hope, and there are resources. It feels risky. But it is worth the risk. It is fulfilling to see how Lauren’s confidence and skills have grown.” 

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your employment story, and thank you Samtra, for those encouraging words that we all need to hear from time to time. 

May’s National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) featured members are 18-year-old Petra Mark and her mom Nancy Spanski of Michigan. Petra is our first self-advocate NDAC member from Michigan! Petra says, “As a person with Down syndrome, I am interested in making the world a better place for people with Down syndrome.” She goes on to say that she felt it was important to join NDAC because she likes speaking up for herself on important issues. She believes is important to be part of NDAC to stay informed. 

Nancy is a long-time member of NDAC. Nancy says, “I was inspired by the collaborative effort of advocates to be effective on a variety of issues. I also appreciate the support and advice when I am working on state and local issues.”   

Petra and Nancy’s advice for beginners is the same. “Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, believe in what you do and always stand up for yourself. Start where you feel comfortable, which could be an email or phone call to your legislator. “ 

Petra recently had breakfast with her state legislator and invited him to meet with her at the state capitol. She says, “It was good to get to know him, and I plan to keep in touch with him and also meet with my US Representative and Senator.”

Petra, Nancy, brother Ian, and Dad Chris are a farm family. Petra, a decorated 4-H member, shows rabbits, chickens, and goats in 4-H. Petra says one important thing she wants you to know about her is that she is graduating in May with her diploma! 

Petra and Nancy, thank you for your advocacy and sharing your story.

Learn more and/or join the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition here.

Elyssa Schmitz, 26 of Denver, Colorado, has two jobs. As a Courtesy Clerk at King Soopers, Elyssa is responsible for engaging with customers, bagging groceries, and gathering carts from the parking lot. Her pet peeve is when people do not place the carts back in the corrals and not just at King Soopers but anywhere! Elyssa works at King Soopers four days a week and has been there for seven years.  

If you meet Elyssa, you will know that her second job as a Happiness Ambassador for Spire is a perfect job because she has a gift for engaging and connecting with people and making them feel valued. She escorts visitors to rooms, brings drinks to visitors, and does data entry. She is included in company outings, gatherings, and holiday parties. Elyssa also invites her co-workers to dances, and recently, four of her Spire coworkers joined her for a Global Down Syndrome Foundation “I Love You” dance party. She works at Spire one day per week and has been there for three and a half years.  

Elyssa likes to spend her money on clothes, coffee, and skin care products! Sometimes she buys mom flowers and dad chocolate!

Elyssa stays busy with her many social and church activities, traveling, and going to the gym. She refers to her living room as her “Country Gril Howdy Ya’ll Cave” and spends her spare time singing. Thank you for sharing your story, Elyssa.