2026 NDSC Award Descriptions
2026 NDSC Award nominations open on January 15, 2026
- Education Award
- This award recognizes outstanding performance on behalf of students with Down syndrome. Nominees will be judged by their demonstrated leadership and innovation in creating or advancing best educational practices for students with Down syndrome. This award can be given to a teacher, professor, administrator, program, or school.
- Media Award
- This award honors outstanding media efforts to connect the Down syndrome community and/or create a better understanding of Down syndrome, including social media, television, documentaries, podcasts, feature films, and national publications. This award can be awarded to a person or entity that makes consistent efforts to uplift and highlight the Down syndrome community within their published content.
- Employer of the Year
- This award recognizes an employer for creating competitive integrated employment opportunities and fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
- Laura Lee Advocacy Award
- This award recognizes someone with or without Down syndrome or an organization for exceptional advocacy for the Down syndrome community. This award is given to someone who works to influence laws and government decisions to improve people’s lives by educating leaders, raising awareness, and promoting positive change.
- Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award
- This award recognizes an individual for long-term outstanding contributions to the Down syndrome or broader disability community.
- Pueschel/Tjossem Research Award
- This award recognizes research that has contributed to more excellent knowledge and understanding of Down syndrome and has improved the lives of people with Down syndrome or their families. This award can be given to an individual researcher, a program, or a research institution.
- Christian Pueschel Memorial Self-Advocate Award
- This award recognizes an individual with Down syndrome whose achievements, service, and contributions have enhanced the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome and their families.
