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Advocacy Matters June’s Advocacy Matters features a powerful threesome: Liz Gary, Denise Gehringer, and Tony Zanfordino. These three are panelists for the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp “Voices of Parents: Successful State and Local Advocacy” segment. All three are parents of individuals with Down syndrome, NDAC members, and have experiences and expertise to help participants learn how to effectively advocate at any level. |
Mission Moment
with NDSC Executive Director Jordan Kough
Early Bird Pricing Extended through June 1st
NDSC has decided to extend Early Bird registration pricing through June 1st, when registration closes. This decision was made in an effort to offset the high cost of flights and hotels. We hope this change will allow our families to make the decision that is right for them. If you or your family have any questions regarding this change, please let us know.
US Department of Education OSEP Director Valerie C. Williams to Speak At 50th Annual National Down Syndrome Congress Convention
Valerie C. Williams, Director of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), will present at the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) plenary convention to be held on June 24 in New Orleans. Director Williams, formerly the NDSC Vice President, is the parent of a son with Down syndrome and has a distinguished career in senior positions in government and non-profit organizations as well as working with Members of Congress and staff on Capitol Hill.
Mission Moment
with NDSC Executive Director Jordan Kough
Donate to prioritize people with Down syndrome. Your gift will help ensure that NDSC’s top Down syndrome self-advocates are headline sponsors of the 2022 convention.
Disability Scoop Feature: CDC, WHO Criticized for Perpetuating Down Syndrome ‘Misinformation’
Congress Passes Spending Package
Nearly halfway through the fiscal year, Congress has finally passed, and President Biden has signed, a $1.5 Trillion omnibus spending package for the fiscal year 2022, as well as a four-day stopgap measure (continuing resolution) extending current funding levels through March 15 to ensure there’s no government shutdown. Although a $22.5 billion measure to provide more COVID relief was removed last-minute over disputes regarding how it would be funded, the appropriations package does include increases for special education, respite care, and home and community-based services. Some noteworthy increases include:
Mission Moment
with NDSC Executive Director Jordan Kough
The NDSC Statement Regarding the Situation in Ukraine
Mission Moment
On January 3, NDSC welcomed Jordan Kough as our new Executive Director. Jordan has had a busy few weeks working with the Board of Directors and staff and meeting with other leaders in the community. Hear from Jordan in his first NDSC Mission Moment.
Looking Toward Lagniappe in the Big East
Mission Moment
With Executive Director David Tolleson
After 19 years of service, today marks my last day with the NDSC. What a privilege it has been to meet and work with so many of you over the years!
During my tenure as NDSC’s longest-serving Executive Director, I’m proud of many things. Our convention has grown to be the largest of its kind in the world. We have expanded our outreach to many previously underserved communities.