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NDSC Insider | July 2025

We are just TWO WEEKS AWAY from our favorite time of the year! What can you expect at the 2025 NDSC Convention?

 

Friends, family, educators, doctors, professionals, policy experts, colleges and universities, organizations, businesses, games, dances, activities, (gasp for air) and more! This is the largest family convention in the country and we cannot wait to see YOU!

See you in two weeks!

If you are registered for the Convention, you will be receiving a more in-depth email later today to the email you registered with.

*Note: Link to discounted hotel rates and hotel room blocks will be in your registration confirmation email.

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.

 

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.

Missed our Know Before You Go Zoom?

 

No worries! Watch the recording where we talk through logistics, ask questions, and hear last-minute tips. Listen first to a live app demo followed by an open Q&A for all general convention questions.

 

Got questions? Email info@ndsccenter.org or reply to this email to get in contact with a team member.

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
  • 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

$150 Registration


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

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. 

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 Convention attendees. Email info@ndsccenter.org if you would like to add it to your registration. Registration is preferred but not required.

NDAC Town Hall

Sponsored by: Microsoft

 

Strategy Session on Urgent Issues

 

NDAC Member Exclusive! Join the NDSC Policy Team and fellow advocates for a high-impact NDAC Town Hall, where we’ll discuss urgent policy issues of the day, share critical updates, and shape our collective advocacy strategy.

 

Time: Friday, July 25, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Location: Monte Carlo

 

This in-person session is your chance to:

  • Hear critical updates on urgent policy issues
  • Share your input and insight
  • Connect with fellow advocates
  • Help shape the future of our collective strategy

Whether you're new to the NDAC or a seasoned advocate, your insight and passion matter. Together, we are stronger and LOUDER. Feel free to bring along a beverages, dinner, dessert, or just yourself!

Winners announced next month!

 

Thank you so much to all the applicants for the 2025 Fall semester NDSC Jake Pratt Scholarship Presented by UPS! We had such impressive submissions and are honored that we have the chance to work with such incredible students with Down syndrome. Keep an eye on your email and social media to see who has been awarded. This will not be the last! We are happy that UPS is continuing to award students with these scholarships, and will be announcing our next round in the next few months.

Save the Date

Big Game Ball 2025!

 

College Football Hall of Fame

August 27, 2025

 

Big Game Ball (BGB) 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

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

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

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

Ages & Stages

Social Boundaries & the Circles Curriculum: A Practical Guide for Learners with Down Syndrome

Hosted by: Dana Halle

 

Join us on TODAY, July 10 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST for this FREE webinar

 

Understanding relationships doesn’t have to be complicated. In this session, we’ll walk through a simplified, visually-supported version of the Circles Curriculum—designed specifically for learners with Down syndrome. You’ll learn how to use the “3 Ts” (Talk, Trust, and Touch), explore the Six Deciding Factors, and gain tools to help your learner confidently navigate friendships, acquaintances, and everything in between.

 

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.

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
  • Strategies and interventions to support early development
  • Clinical research updates and opportunities for young children with Down syndrome

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.

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.

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.

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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