NDSC Insider Archive

The 2025 NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp (ATBC) was a powerful kickoff to this year’s NDSC Convention—drawing a standing-room-only crowd of 221 participants, including an incredible 59 self-advocates!

One of the biggest highlights of the morning? Texas State Representative Joe Moody (D-El Paso), House Speaker Pro Tempore, joined us to share compelling insights about engaging with lawmakers. Introduced by his sister, Melissa Moody, a self-advocate and powerful voice in her own right, Rep. Moody inspired attendees with practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a genuine passion for inclusion. He didn’t just speak; he stayed long after the session ended to answer questions and connect personally with advocates. His words and presence left a lasting impression.

We also extend our deepest thanks to all of our incredible speakers and to the self-advocates who brought advocacy to life through role-play skits. Their energy, creativity, and humor not only entertained but taught us valuable lessons about how to confidently and effectively conduct meetings with elected officials. Their performances made key strategies memorable and actionable, proving once again that advocacy is most powerful when led by those with lived experience.

Couldn’t make it to ATBC? No worries. Many session resources are now available on our website under Advocacy Training and Resources, with slide presentations coming soon—perfect tools to power advocacy in your own community.

Ready to turn passion into action?

Join NDAC, NDSC’s nationwide grassroots advocacy network of more than 1,000 advocates of all abilities and experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, there's a place for you.

A huge thank you to our NDSC Convention Advocacy Sponsor, Microsoft, and to every speaker, volunteer, and attendee who made ATBC 2025 unforgettable. Your voices matter. Your advocacy matters. And the NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team is proud to walk beside you every step of the way.

Together, we are making a difference.

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.

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, including 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

Gifts & Challenges Exchange - caregiver conversations and support for those supporting adults with Down syndrome age 30+

NDSC will host monthly family engagement sessions for parents and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome 30 and older. These sessions will feature facilitated group discussions led by Dr. Dennis McGuire, covering a range of relevant topics.

Each session will emphasize shared conversation and peer support.

Zoom conversations will be held on select Thursdays, 1-3 pm EST, starting on September 4, 2025. Future dates for October, November, and December will be announced soon.

Attendance for each Zoom conversation will be limited to 50 people. 

Join the mailing list to receive the Zoom link by registering below.  If you have questions, reach out to info@ndsccenter.org. 

National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is hiring a part-time (25 hours/week), remote Policy & Advocacy Assistant to support its growing federal, state, and local advocacy efforts. Reporting to the Policy & Advocacy Co-Directors, the Assistant will help coordinate meetings, trainings, events, and webinars; track legislation; maintain contact lists; and assist with communications, digital tools, and logistics for major events. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a strong communicator, tech-savvy, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, fully remote environment. Experience with policy, disability advocacy, or nonprofit work is preferred. Candidates in the DC metro area are preferred, as occasional in-person meetings or Hill visits may be required, but we will consider candidates from all over the United States.

Click the button below to download the full job description outlining the responsibilities.

If you are interested in the Policy & Advocacy Assistant position, please email a cover letter stating why you think you would be a good fit for this position and why you are passionate about NDSC’s mission, along with your resume, to Heather Sachs at heather@ndsccenter.org. NDSC is an equal opportunity employer.

URGENT: The Future of Special Education is at Risk — But Advocacy is Working! 

The Administration is moving aggressively to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education — a move that would devastate IDEA and the rights of students with disabilities. Layoffs have already begun, $900 million has been cut, and plans are underway to shift special education oversight to the Department of Health & Human Services — an agency with no K–12 education expertise.

BUT THERE IS HOPE: Thanks to advocates like YOU, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bipartisan bill protecting IDEA, keeping special education under the Department of Education, and preserving critical staffing.

Now it’s time to ramp up the pressure. Tell Congress to:

• Vote NO on dismantling the Department of Education
• Protect IDEA funding from block grants
• Keep special education where it belongs — under the Dept. of Ed
• Stand up for students with disabilities and their civil rights

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.

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 to ensure that they are scientifically sound.

The driving force behind our hard work and dedication is our passion for all the children and adults with Down syndrome across the country that we serve. Our belief that we are making a difference in numerous lives keeps us energized and motivated to continue our efforts.

As you thoughtfully consider giving to our annual campaign, please know that your generosity is tied to who we serve, and they are why we do what we do.

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