What time is it? SUMMER TIME! Our July 2025 Convention is just a few weeks away so make sure to include it in your summer vacation plans!
NDSC would like to congratulate all of the 2025 graduates. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what awesome things are in your future.
Read on for scholarship opportunities, Convention event information, important Medicaid updates, and more... |
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Applications due soon!
The NDSC Jake Pratt Scholarship presented by UPS will provide individual grants to people with Down syndrome who are currently enrolled or accepted in an inclusive postsecondary education program that will enhance their life through academics, social and campus engagement, independent living skills, and preparation for employment. APPLICATION CLOSES JUNE 20, 2025 |
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Save the Date Big Game Ball 2025!
College Football Hall of Fame August 27, 2025
Big Game Ball is an event that honors inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. It also recognizes individuals and organizations that advance opportunities for those with Down syndrome to attend these programs.
2025 Honorees: Inclusive Postsecondary Education programs: -
Syracuse University InclusiveU
- University Of Tennessee FUTURE Program
- Berry College IPSE – Rookie of the Year
Organization of Impact: - State Of The Art Conference
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| NDSC is looking for items for our BGB silent auction. If you have something you'd like to donate, please contact Rhonda Rice at rhonda@ndsccenter.org |
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Registration is now open! |
*Note: Link to discounted hotel rates and hotel room blocks will be in your registration confirmation email. |
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Volunteer for the 2025 NDSC Convention in Dallas, Texas!
Each year, our team at National Down Syndrome Congress relies on talented and energetic volunteers to keep our Convention running. We have many volunteer opportunities available, from one day shifts to three day shifts.
Grab your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, or organization and help us to create unforgettable memories! Register now to become part of our wonderful team. |
| Click the buttons to view all of our volunteer opportunities!
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| BECOME A REPORTER FOR A DAY!
With our International Media Award Winner ION Revista Inclusiva
Attention all self-advocates! ION Revista Inclusiva is offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to train to be a journalist with their incredible team for the 2025 Convention! If you are attending this year's convention, click the button below to review the guidelines and apply.
Application deadline: June 30, 2025 |
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Educators Conference Sponsored by: Data Center Systems
Our Educators Conference offers practical, research-based strategies that general and special education teachers can immediately implement to support students with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome - Addressing BEHAVIOR through proven strategies
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Literacy strategies to facilitate READING DEVELOPMENT
- Proven practices for INCLUSION
- Strategies for ACCESS for all
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Integrating ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE in learning
- Planning and designing CURRICULUM
- MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS for the classroom
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| $150 Registration
Registration includes: - Breakfast & Lunch
- Certificate of attendance
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0.6 CEUs (+$30)
For more information, go to ndsccenter.org Questions? Email Kim Owens at kim@ndsccenter.org |
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| Exhibit your college program at the College Fair!
Sponsored by: ThinkCollege
With approximately 3500 in attendance, including approximately 350+ self-advocates attending the Youth & Adult Conference, the NDSC College Fair event perfectly showcases inclusive postsecondary programs for individuals with intellectual disability.
College Fair Exhibitors must be part of an accredited community college, college, or university. The $75 College Fair Exhibitor Fee includes (1) 6-foot draped table, (2) chairs, and up to (4) people to assist with overseeing the booth. |
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Advocacy Training Boot Camp (ATBC) Sponsored by: Microsoft
Whether you are a beginner to advocacy or are an experienced advocate, ATBC is a great opportunity to get the training needed to take your advocacy efforts to the next level. 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 you with the skills needed to impact policy change.
ATBC is available to all General Conference attendees. Email info@ndsccenter.org if you would like to add it to your registration. Registration is preferred but not required. |
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| NDAC Town Hall Sponsored by: Microsoft You’re Invited: NDAC Town Hall at the NDSC Convention National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) Members are invited to join us for the NDAC Town Hall at the NDSC Convention Friday, July 25, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. This exclusive, NDAC members-only event offers a rare chance to connect face-to-face with fellow NDAC advocates in a small, focused setting. We’ll share updates, strategy, and inspiration to strengthen our advocacy efforts nationwide. Not an NDAC member yet? It’s easy to join — online or at the door. All are welcome, and if needed, bring your children.
Stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see you there! |
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St. Louis, MO Educators Conference
In collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Saturday, November 8 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Our Educators Conference offers practical, research-based strategies that general and special education teachers can immediately implement to support students with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome - Addressing BEHAVIOR through proven strategies
-
Literacy strategies to facilitate READING DEVELOPMENT
- Proven practices for INCLUSION
- Strategies for ACCESS for all
-
Integrating ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE in learning
- Planning and designing CURRICULUM
- MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS for the classroom
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| Registration includes: - Breakfast & Lunch
- Certificate of attendance
- 0.6 CEUs (+$30)
For more information, go to ndsccenter.org Questions? Email Kim Owens at kim@ndsccenter.org |
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Medicaid Update: Key Information for Families
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a major budget Reconciliation Bill that includes significant changes to Medicaid. These changes could have notable effects on people with disabilities, including individuals with Down syndrome.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill is projected to: - Reduce Medicaid coverage for nearly 9 million people
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Increase the number of uninsured individuals by approximately 6 million over the next 10 years
- Result in the largest cuts to food assistance programs in U.S. history
These proposed federal changes could increase pressure on state budgets and potentially affect access to home and community-based services that support independent living for people with disabilities. The bill is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate.
To help understand the real-life impact of this bill, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) has released a new policy brief: Medicaid at Risk: What the Reconciliation Bill Means for People with Down Syndrome. Authored by NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director Heather Sachs, this brief offers a clear breakdown of what's at stake. Read the brief by clicking the button below. |
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Upcoming Webinar hosted by GLOBAL Tuesday, August 5 2 PM EST | 1 PM CT | 12 PM MT | 11 AM PT Early Development and Behavior in Down Syndrome: Updates in Research and Strategies for Success
Featuring NDSC Board Member Dr. Niki Baumer - Common developmental and behavioral characteristics, skills, and abilities in children with Down syndrome
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Strategies and interventions to support early development
- Clinical research updates and opportunities for young children with Down syndrome
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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 reviews 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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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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Submit Your Nominations for the SOTA 2025 Leadership Awards! We want to celebrate IPSE trailblazers working to expand access and opportunity for students with intellectual disability. Nominees can include self-advocates, early career scholars, IPSE program administrators, and anyone else who has led local and national efforts in the field.
Submission Deadline:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 |
NDSC is a proud sponsor of the State of the Art Conference |
Share with your health care professionals!
Many people with Down syndrome do not have access to a specialty clinic for people with Down syndrome. The DSMIG-USA Project ECHO is a monthly virtual meeting developed to support health care professionals who care for individuals with Down syndrome. This program provides an opportunity for health care professionals to seek input from expert professionals with significant experience in caring for people with Down syndrome.
Any health care professional of an individual with Down syndrome is invited to present a case and/or attend. There is no cost to participate, and attendees can earn continuing education credits for attending.
Additional information is also available on the DSMIG-USA website.
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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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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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