Call for Speakers Open October 1!
The Youth & Adult (Y&A) Conference is the heart and soul of the NDSC Annual Convention. With the support of the NDSC Youth & Adults Conference Team, this conference is planned and presented by self-advocates for self-advocates. Each 45-minute session should be designed to be a fun, educational, empowering, and inspiring experience for self-advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) ages 15 and older.
Timeline for Youth & Adult Call for Speakers
- October 1, 2026 - Call for speakers opens
- November 20, 2026 @ 11:59PM EST - Youth & Adult Conference Call for Speaker deadline
Please note the schedule is subject to change.
Presentation Expectations: The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) expects presenters to:
- Acknowledge they are available to speak during the timeframe of posted convention dates and during any assigned workshop cycles. An effort will be made to ensure speakers' preferences or conflicts, but final assignments will be made by NDSC.
- Work closely with convention organizers before the event to meet all deadlines.
- Make no substantial changes in content, format, or number of presenters without prior approval of convention organizers.
- Design and provide high-quality PowerPoint presentations in electronic format.
- Give NDSC permission to record the session for purpose of allowing member access post convention.
- Allow NDSC to utilize selected speakers and topics to promote convention registration.
- Recognize that a presentation is an opportunity to share information and is not a showcase for promoting one's business, practice, services, or products.
- If the Y&A speaker (including self-advocates) is interested in attending the General Conference or the Y&A conference, they must pay to register.
Description of Conference:The Youth & Adult (Y&A) Conference is the heart and soul of the NDSC Annual Convention. With the support of the NDSC Youth & Adults Conference Team, this conference is planned and presented by self-advocates for self-advocates. Each 45 minute session should be designed to be a fun, educational, empowering, and inspiring experience for self-advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) ages 15 and older.
Presentation Formats:The 2027 Youth and Adult Conference will consist of 45-minute workshop sessions.
This is a 45-minute session that will be presented anywhere from one to three times (once per rotation), each to a small group of about 40-50 self-advocate attendees. This could be an educational piece with an activity, a hands-on craft or activity, or a movement activity. If the speaker is a self-advocate, a support person will need to be identified that will provide support throughout the process – both in preparing and presenting the workshop. The Y&A Team would like for each workshop to provide handouts, resources, or fun takeaways to attendees following the conference’s conclusion.
