General Conference Frequently Asked Questions

National Down Syndrome Congress is dedicated to improving the world for individuals with Down syndrome. We are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome. Each year, thousands of people from around the globe attend

the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. For many, it's to hear from world-renowned experts; for others, it's to take a one-of-a-kind vacation. But what brings all of us back, year after year, is the feeling of an international family reunion unique to the NDSC Convention weekend.

• WHAT DOES THE GENERAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INCLUDE?
  Registration includes all 8 cycles of general conference workshops, access to the Exhibit Hall, Advocacy Training Boot Camp, Welcome Session, Friday night Dance, College Fair, and the Saturday Night Dance. What does the Youth & Adult Conference include - Y&A workshops and spotlights, the Talent Show, Exhibit Hall, Advocacy Training Boot Camp, Welcome Session, Friday night Dance, College Fair, and the Saturday Night Dance.
• CAN I BOOK MORE THAN ONE HOTEL ROOM?
  Yes, but the booking system only allows for three bookings at a time. If you would like to make additional reservations, you will need to go through the process for each reservation. To request rooms near each other be sure to navigate to the special request section for each reservation to note that you would like your rooms to be close by or connecting to the other reservations being made however connecting rooms is not a guarantee and is accommodated as best as possible.
• IS FREE CHILDCARE PROVIDED DURING THE CONVENTION?
  While there is no free childcare available, we encourage you to consider Kids Camp.
• WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY KIDS WHILE I ATTEND THE CONVENTION?
  Kids Camp is available for children with and without Down syndrome from the ages of six months to 14 years old. In previous years, Kids Camp sessions were purchased individually. This year, there will be no al la carte option; all Kids Camp attendees will be registered for the entire weekend. The cost for Kids Camp is $200 per child for the weekend. To register for Kids Camp, there must be a General Conference registration purchased.
• ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED IN THE WORKSHOPS?
  Children are allowed in the workshops and parents/caregivers are asked to be respectful of the audience by keeping noise and distractions to a minimum. In workshops where space is limited, children must sit on their parent's lap or on the floor to allow registered attendees a seat.
• CAN RELATIVES COMING TO HELP WITH CHILDCARE ATTEND THE CONVENTION SESSIONS?
  To attend Convention sessions, each individual must purchase a Convention registration.
• CAN I BRING MY BABY TO THE SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION?
  Yes! If your child under 2 years old will not be eating, then a ticket is not required.
• WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR THE SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION?
  Disney attire encouraged. Some attendees will come in suits and dresses, while others prefer something a bit more casual, such as slacks for men and sundresses for women.
• CAN I BRING MY WHOLE FAMILY TO THE DANCE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT?
  All registered attendees are invited to the dances and Welcome Session.
• WHY CAN'T MY VERY MATURE 14-YEAR-OLD ATTEND THE YOUTH & ADULT CONFERENCE?
  The minimum age to participate in the Youth & Adult Conference is 15 (on the first day of the Convention). From past experience, we have found this to be the cut-off that allows the most attendees to benefit from our program.
• WHY CAN'T WE REGISTER OUR SELF-ADVOCATE FOR THE YOUTH & ADULT CONFERENCE ON-SITE?
  Registration is not accepted on-site for the Youth & Adult Conference due to the extensive planning required to support the needs of each individual attendee.
• WHY CAN'T WE REGISTER OUR CHILD FOR THE SIBLINGS CONFERENCE ON-SITE?
  Registration is not accepted on-site for the Siblings Conference due to prior planning needed for space, logistics, and the off-site trip.
• CAN YOU MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR MY 6TH GRADER TO ATTEND THE SIBLING CONFERENCE?
  Unfortunately, no, the minimum grade level to attend the Siblings Conference is students entering the 7th grade. From experience, we have found this to be the cut-off that allows the most attendees to benefit from our program.
• WHY ARE THE DEEP-DIVE SESSIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL REGISTRATION?
  Deep-dive sessions are offered in addition to our regular workshop cycles as an opportunity to spend 3 hours with an expert. Because not all General Conference attendees are interested in these intense sessions, an additional charge is applied to only the individuals interested in participating in Deep-Dive sessions.
• CAN I ATTEND MORE THAN ONE DEEP DIVE?
  Yes, you can attend a Thursday evening and Friday morning Deep Dive.
• I WANT TO ATTEND THE DEEP DIVES. HOW DO I DECIDE?
  A description of the pre-conference sessions, as well as the biography for each presenter, is available for each session in the Agenda to help you decide which Deep Dive is the best for you.
• CAN I SWITCH DEEP DIVES AFTER I HAVE REGISTERED?
  Yes, you can switch to another deep-dive session as long as it is prior to the registration deadline and there is space available. Changes are not permitted after the registration deadline or onsite.
• WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IF I WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ENTIRE CONVENTION?
  The NDSC Convention has grown into a four-day event with multiple options for learning, fellowship and enjoyment. If you wish to attend the Global Roundtable (12:00 pm Thursday), you should plan to arrive in Orlando on Wednesday evening or early on Thursday morning. The Convention concludes on Sunday afternoon.
• CAN I BUY TICKETS FOR THE SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION DURING THE CONVENTION?
  No. Tickets must be purchased before the registration deadline in order to accommodate the hotel food and beverage guarantee deadline.
• WHEN WILL I GET ACCESS TO THE CONFERENCE RECORDINGS?
  We will no longer be providing a recording of the sessions. You are encouraged to view the materials provided by the presenters on the Event Power website/app. Feel free to ask the presenters for their email address after the presentations if you would like more information. Please remember that not all presenters will be comfortable providing this contact information.
• CAN SPEAKERS SEE OR EVALUATE MY CHILD?
  Families interested in professional evaluations and therapeutic services should make arrangements directly with the professional prior to or after the conference.
• HOW CAN I GET CEU CREDITS?
  NDSC does not currently partner with any professional organizations for CEU Credits. You may contact your individual organization to determine if they will count the sessions you attended towards your CEU Requirements.
• IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED TO/FROM THE AIRPORT TO HOTEL?
  No, Convention attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the hotel. Options avaialble are Uber, Lyft or can be arranged with Mears Luxury Transportation. Mears offers transportation from Orlando International Airport to Signia by Hilton Orlando. To make reservations with Mears Luxury Vehicle Services, please call 407-254-0737.
  • Rates for one way transfer FROM Orlando International Airport to our resort:
    • 3 passengers or less in a sedan: $128
    • 5-8 passengers in an SUV or Van: $160
  • Rates for one way transfer TO Orlando International Airport from our resort:
    • 3 passengers or less in a sedan: $110
    • 5-8 passengers in an SUV or Van: $142
  • * Prices include all taxes, tolls, and a 5% driver gratuity; however, customary gratuities can be added. All rates subject to change.
• WHY DID MY RESERVATION CHARGE ME A RESORT FEE?
  The resort fee is included in the negotiated hotel rate and is a required fee.
• ARE THERE LIFEGUARDS AND LIFE JACKETS AT THE POOL?
  Yes, lifeguards are stationed in designated areas where required. Areas without lifeguards, such as Leisure Cove, have clear signage indicating they are unguarded. JadeWaters offers a limited number of children’s life jackets for rent at $15 each.
• DO ALL ATTENDEES HAVE ACCESS TO THE POOL?
  Only registered hotel guests may access the pool with their resort pass from check in.
• ARE THERE REFRIGERATORS IN THE HOTEL ROOMS?
  There are mini refrigerators in each hotel room.
• CANCELLATION POLICY
  Registration for Youth & Adult Conference, Siblings Conference, Kids Camp sessions, Saturday evening celebration tickets, meal plan, and are NOT refundable after June 30, 2026. The General Conference and Deep Dives are NOT refundable after July 9, 2026.
• PARKING
  Parking is available at the hotel for $ /day. Price is subject to change.
• DOES THE HILTON SIGNIA PROVIDE FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE THEME PARKS?
  Yes, they do. Enjoy their private luxury motorcoach transportation directly from Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando to the four neighboring Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs.
  • *Please be advised that the shuttle service runs during regularly scheduled park hours only and is subject to change without prior notice.
• WHAT ARE MY FOOD OPTIONS?
  There are multiple restaurants on site for dining services. There is also a Grab and Go station that serves breakfast and lunch options. We will have a meal plan available for purchase. In addition to these options, you can take the shuttle to Disney Springs or order food to the hotel through delivery services such as DoorDash, GrubHub, or Uber Eats.