Adrian's Insights
Impressions from Adrian Forsythe, NDSC Policy & Advocacy Assistant
What did you think about the Policy Summit?
Amazing! It was a great turnout. We had a lot of self-advocates. We had amazing speakers. And the hill meetings were out of this world! The NDSC and the entire policy staff really put their heart into the Policy Summit and reached so many people who didn’t think they could do it—but they did.
How was it seeing so many self-advocates and family members in one room, all learning about policy and how to be the best advocate?
Inspirational. Educational. The Policy Summit can really impact people with Down syndrome and other disabilities and can give people a new reason to advocate. Going to the Policy Summit can help them reach out to their legislators and say, we need you to sign onto this bill. We want you as a cosponsor, this is affecting my kids, my kid’s friend.
Why do you think it was important for people with Down syndrome and their families to participate in the Policy Summit?
It’s kind of like a milestone for advocates and advocacy. I hope advocates learned that it takes their story, their experience, their journey to start a dialogue in making a community concern into something seen nationally.
How would you recommend self-advocates get involved in advocacy?
The more you learn, the more you can go out there and spread the word. Definitely join the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC); it is a great resource. Go to the NDSC website and just browse through the NDSC resources. Maybe there’s something there that you just haven’t seen yet.
