NDSC

NDSC E-News ~ June 2020

Mission Moment 
with Executive Director David Tolleson

Disability rights are civil rights. As an organization that promotes equal opportunity, access and treatment for all people, the NDSC stands with the Black community in rejecting the systemic racism in our society. We also recognize that, as an organization, we have fallen short in our outreach to underserved communities and pledge to do better.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We all have a role to play, both in rejecting injustice and in finding solutions. To that end, NDSC will host a Town Hall on Race Relations: How do we all do better?, Monday, June 15th, at 7:00 PM ET. I hope you will join us as we listen, learn and explore actions that will make a difference in our organization and beyond.As our community knows, inclusion means breaking down barriers and welcoming everyone. We’re better all together and all together better.

David Tolleson, NDSC Executive Director

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Convention From Your Couch Week 3

CFYC Graphic
Week 3   May 25 – 31

Each week during Convention From Your Couch we are offering registered attendees 3-4 new workshops in a webinar format.  If you haven’t registered yet, you can still view all the Convention From Your Couch workshop recordings.  Register today and get access to a private viewing channel through June 30!

Starting in June, we will kick-off Youth & Adult workshops, spotlights, and of course, the talent show!  There will also be sessions just for siblings in a virtual Brothers & Sisters Conference, along with the opportunity to attend Sharing Sessions designed for your individual ages and stages.

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Policy & Advocacy Newsline ~May 2020

Invitation to Attend NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp

NDSC’s virtual Convention from Your Couch has begun, but there is still time to register and receive all of the workshop recordings. NDSC’s Policy & Advocacy Team invites you to attend the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp, a free event for all Convention from Your Couch registrants. Aimed at beginner advocates this two-hour LIVE session, to be held on Saturday, June 27, from 1:00 PM ET – 3:00 PM ET will feature presentations from effective self-advocates, parent advocates, and the expert NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team. Learn what advocacy is, the basics of the legislative process, how to engage and build relationships with elected officials, and how to utilize social media in your advocacy efforts.  You will also receive other important resources and tips all from the comfort of your own home. We hope to “see” you there!

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#GivingTuesdayNOW ~ Meet Our Staff

We hope this email finds you healthy and well.

We are all feeling a bit unsure of so many things right now.  It seems as though COVID-19 has #GivingTuesdayNOW campaign 2020changed everything in our lives. Everything but the fact that when people unite around a common cause, real and lasting change happens.

You more than likely have heard of #GivingTuesday, an annual day of giving that generally follows Thanksgiving.  It began in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

In response to the unprecedented needs created by COVID-19, today, May 5th has been
designated as #GivingTuesdayNow. This global day of giving calls for us to be our very best—to support our communities, show up for our neighbors, and come together as one to show that our unity is stronger than fear or distance. We know that you have many choices as to how you will give on #GivingTuesdayNOW.  We hope that you will choose to support the NDSC. To make a donation you may visit the Donate page on our website or go to our Facebook page and click on any one of the #GivingTuesdayNOW posts.

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NDSC E-News ~ May 2020 ~ Convention From Your Couch

Mission Moment
With NDSC Executive Director, David Tolleson

We’ll be there for you!

First and foremost, I hope this finds you and your family well.  We know that these are challenging times, but I want you to know that we are here for you.  Over the last few weeks, our work has continued – and in some ways increased.  As always, we remain committed to bringing you resources, programming, and information that is useful to you and your family.

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Policy & Advocacy Newsline ~ April 14, 2020

Federal Coronavirus Legislation Update

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has upended everyone’s lives in many ways, but it appears that the disability community has been disproportionately impacted. Congress has passed three significant bills to address this crisis, yet many priorities of the disability community have not been adequately addressed. NDSC is working with our partners in the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities to advocate for these priorities. We have also joined over 200 disability, civil rights, faith-based, and health advocacy organizations led by the American Association for People with Disabilities in sending a letter to Congress outlining our priorities and imploring Congress to include them in the next COVID-19 bill.

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NDSC COVID-19 and Other Resources

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress has always been to provide information, advocacy, and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We know that as concern for our community grows due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, so does the amount of information that you are receiving. To help your family during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we have sifted through the avalanche of information currently available to provide you with resources that are practical and useful to you and your family.

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NDSC Statement on Discriminatory Medical Treatment Rationing During COVID-19 Crisis

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), the country’s oldest national organization serving people with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them. NDSC advocates for all people with Down syndrome to be treated equally and works to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome. We realize that during this COVID-19 public health crisis that the need for intensive medical care may exceed the capacity and resources of our healthcare system. We also recognize that medical providers may be forced to make decisions regarding who should receive care and how much care an individual will receive.

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Announcement of 2020 Convention Cancellation

After careful consideration, and in response to guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NDSC Board of Directors and staff have made the difficult decision to cancel the 48th  Annual NDSC Convention, scheduled June 25-28, 2020, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, due to risks associated with COVID-19.

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