Registration for the 2025 NDSC Convention in Dallas, Texas opens this week! We are so excited to see all of you at the largest Down syndrome family reunion in the country!
Below you will find all you need to know about our Convention, but be sure to keep reading for information on our upcoming National Down Syndrome Golf Classic, our recent policy statements, and medical research opportunities. |
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Hilton Anatole Dallas, Texas
July 24 - 27 |
| | Registration opens March 11, 2025 12:00 PM EST |
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Convention Registration 101 Watch this informational tutorial and Q&A from our 2025 Convention Registration 101 Webinar last week! Click the buttons to view the video on YouTube or the chat log from the Zoom call. |
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2025 NDSC Convention Award Nominations are now open! National Down Syndrome Congress is proud to recognize individuals and organizations who are doing exceptional work for the Down syndrome community. Our Celebrating All Awards Banquet at the NDSC 2025 Annual Convention is a night to honor these outstanding award winners. Please fill out our nomination form to the fullest of your capability. If there are any questions or concerns, please reach out to Stephanie White at swhite@ndsccenter.org. Deadline: Monday, March 10, 2025 |
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General Conference
Each year, thousands of people from around the globe attend the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) 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. |
| Youth & Adult Conference
Our Youth & Adult Conference (Y&A) brings together 300+ individuals with Down syndrome between the ages of 15 - 70+ to build friendships, attend conference sessions, and to have fun. Conference sessions cover topics including self-advocacy, marriage and relationships, job and career pathways, and physical and mental wellness. |
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Kids Camp
Kids Camp is for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 14 years, both with and without Down syndrome. This is a great option for parents who wish to attend workshops while knowing their kids are overseen by professionals. Kids will participate in educational and therapeutic play, arts and crafts, physical movement, board games, entertainment, and more. |
| Siblings Conference
NDSC’s Siblings Conference is a place to learn, be inspired, and grow, geared towards rising 7th graders through 12th grade. Our siblings will be encouraged to ask tough questions in a supportive environment, while learning about Down syndrome and disability-related issues, including how to be an advocate for their siblings.
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Educators Conference
Our Educators Conference is practical in nature and will engage participants in identifying and implementing strategies applicable to K-12 classrooms. We offer hands-on, research-based strategies that general education and special education teachers can implement immediately to best support their students with Down syndrome and intellectual disability.
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Advocacy Training Boot Camp (ATBC)
ATBC features information from self-advocates who are making a difference through their personal advocacy efforts, parent advocates, elected officials, and disability policy experts including the NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team. ATBC is designed to empower advocates and self-advocates with the skills needed to impact policy change.
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"Celebrating All" Awards Banquet
National Down Syndrome Congress is proud to recognize individuals and organizations who are doing exceptional work for the Down syndrome community. Our Celebrating All Awards Banquet at the NDSC 2025 Annual Convention is a night to honor these outstanding award winners. This inspiring night is an opportunity to get glammed up, get a dinner, drinks and dessert, and connect with people in the community who are making a difference.
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Celebrating All - NDSC convention 2025 by Lori Turbenson
This was my idea, to have my parents to get a chance to have fun and having a great time. Me and my parents had been at 10 conventions and they had been with their 10 conventions, and loving it. I like my conventions, and the workshops that I like in attending, the speakers are amazing. My favorite one is the health and nutrition workshop, I like having my parents with me, because it’s fun for them to spend time with me; and meet new people. It’s been a blast.
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For more information and for all Convention updates, head to ndsccenter.org |
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Tee Up in Your Hometown for Down Syndrome! This exciting initiative lets you support NDSC and individuals with Down syndrome by playing golf at your local course. It's perfect for those who can't make it to our Atlanta event.
How it Works: - Play Your Way: Organize a round with friends and family anytime between April 25th and May 6th, 2025.
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Register: Sign up as an individual or foursome by clicking the button below.
- Support NDSC: Donate a minimum of $100 per golfer to support NDSC's vital work.
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Exclusive Gift: Register and donate before April 1st to receive a limited-edition NDSC Golf Classic hat! Wear it during your round and share your photos on social media to show your support for NDSC's year-round mission.
Player registration is open now!
Interested?
Learn more and register by clicking the button below. |
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We are incredibly grateful to everyone in our Down syndrome community who has shown their support for our recent statements. Your voices are invaluable as we work together to protect the policies that support our loved ones. In a dynamic political landscape, your engagement and advocacy are more important than ever, and we’re excited to continue moving forward together.
Below you will find a blog post summarizing all the recent statements that NDSC has made, including updates on section 504 lawsuit, the confirmation of Linda McMahon, and fact sheets about Medicaid and the Department of Education. |
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Support the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (S. 73)!
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) celebrates the introduction of the Eliminating Marriage Penalty in Social Security Act (EMPSA) (S. 73) by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). This critical bipartisan bill would end the unfair Supplemental Security Income (SSI) marriage penalty, ensuring that adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) can marry without losing vital benefits.
Currently, people with disabilities who rely on SSI face severe financial penalties when they marry, often forcing them to choose between love and economic security. EMPSA would eliminate this outdated rule and protect the rights of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to build their lives without fear of losing critical support. Urge your Senators to support EMPSA (S. 73)! |
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What is Medicaid? How will my loved one with Down syndrome be affected by caps and cuts? Did you know that most people with Down syndrome are on Medicaid?
Medicaid is a federal-state partnership that supports people with disabilities throughout their lifetimes. It often has different names in different states. Medicaid helps people with disabilities to get the care they need to protect their health and well-being and to live with dignity. It is more than just a nationwide health care program; it also covers things such as help with personal tasks like feeding, bathing, and dressing. Medicaid provides supports to adults with disabilities such as job coaching and personal supports that people with disabilities need to work. It provides funding for services in schools for students with disabilities.
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National Down Syndrome Congress provides easy and accessible ways to engage your elected officials. When new and important legislation is introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or more support is needed for existing bills, we will notify you and request that you contact your Members of Congress. One simple way you can advocate is to register for NDSC’s Action Alerts. Action Alerts are template emails with information about the legislation and talking points that you can forward directly to your Members of Congress.
Sign up for Action Alerts today and take action to raise the voices of those in our community. | |
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Do you want to be a part of impacting lasting change for people with Down syndrome? Then, NDAC is for you! Find more information and an easy online application by clicking the button. |
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Are you or a family member interested in participating in a medical research study? Check out the multiple opportunities to participate and improve the care and services to individuals with Down syndrome. The NDSC Medical and Scientific Review Committee review medical information and research announcements that have been presented to the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) to ensure that they are scientifically sound. |
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We are thrilled to announce that Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action is merging into the operations of the National Down Syndrome Congress!
While both organizations have been deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, our approaches are different, but complementary. Together, our missions overlap in a shared goal of enhancing the well-being of people with Down syndrome. |
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Support the NDSC! We strive to make a difference through the generosity of others.
Your donation in any amount makes a world of difference.
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