The weather is cooling off, the leaves are changing, and we are back to school! Read on for education policy resources, free English and Spanish webinars, job opportunities, and our Fall 2025 scholarship winners. |
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This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we are celebrating "Our Who is Our Why"
We celebrate the people with Down syndrome in our lives who motivate us to continue advocating for and supporting them, who inspire us to continue our mission, and who show us why the hard work is all worth it.
Who is your WHY?
Click below to submit your WHY to NDSC for a chance to be featured on our social media during Down Syndrome Awareness Month |
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We want to see all of your smiling faces! Submit your best photos, and NDSC will use them for our marketing and social media needs! Click below to submit your photos -- the more the merrier! |
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Raising resources to support the mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is essential for our success, growth, and future impact.
The main responsibilities for this role include leading, planning, and executing our largest fundraiser of the year, the Big Game Ball, as well as organizing a golf outing. The job also involves some cultivation work and securing sponsors and exhibitors for the NDSC Convention, along with coordinating efforts with several key national corporate sponsors.
The person in this role must be a strategic leader with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. This is a full-time, exempt, remote position. However, we need a candidate who lives in the Greater Atlanta area because we host two major fundraising events there.
Click the button below to download the full job description outlining the responsibilities.
If you are interested in the Development Coordinator position, please email a cover letter stating why you think you would be a good fit for the position and why you are passionate about our mission. Please send your cover letter and resume to Jim Hudson at jim@ndsccenter.org. |
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New NDSC Education Policy Brief: Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Services!
The topic of NDSC’s new Education Policy Brief is myths and facts about Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Services, with a focus on tips to help you advocate for your children to obtain these devices. AT can be low-tech, like adaptive scissors; mid-tech, such as calculators; or high-tech, like electronic devices. The brief highlights the rights to AT devices and services for infants, toddlers, and students under IDEA, while also providing resources that are relevant to obtaining AT for transitioning into youth and adults.
As a companion to this brief, NDSC is also working on a “plain language” version that highlights the main points of the brief. A version of both documents will soon be available in Spanish. Authored by Ricki Sabia, NDSC Senior Policy Advisor, you can read the full brief by clicking the buttons below. |
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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, including 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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| 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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Gifts & Challenges Exchange - caregiver conversations and support for those supporting adults with Down syndrome age 30+
Family engagement sessions for parents and caregivers of adults with Down syndrome 30 and older. These are facilitated group discussions led by Dr. Dennis McGuire, covering a range of relevant topics.
Each session will emphasize shared conversation and peer support. Next session: October 29, 7PM EST 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. |
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| Join us for Ages & Stages: Introduction to College Options for Students with Down Syndrome hosted by Stephanie Smith Lee and Cate Weir! Wednesday, Sept. 24 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST |
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Higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disability have greatly expanded over the past 20 years as a result of advocacy and improvements to the Higher Education Act. In this interactive session, experts will provide an "intro" to inclusive higher education, sharing information about the over 300 college programs for students with intellectual disability, how to find the right fit, how to apply for financial aid and other funding, and how to prepare in K-12. Think College staff will describe how to use their database of college programs and the positive outcomes from the evaluation of federally-funded model programs. Presenters will explain how to find opportunities to get involved at the local level through state and regional alliances. Helpful resources will be provided and the workshop will include time for discussion and questions and answers. Speakers - Stephanie Smith Lee is the Policy & Advocacy Co-Director for the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and Cate Weir, MEd, is the coordinator of the Think College National Coordinating Center, funded by the US Dept of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education.
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| Edades y etapas
Intervención sobre la conducta: prevención, anticipación y límites Emilio Ruiz Director de Canal Down 21 24 de septiembre 2025 12 PM EST / 11 AM CST / 10 AM MST / 9AM PST
Seminario GRATUITO Únete para esta charla virtual y conocerás estrategias para el manejo de comportamiento y como prevenir comportamientos no deseados. |
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We are PROUD to announce the winners of The Fall 2025 NDSC Jake Pratt Scholarship presented by UPS! These scholarships were awarded to five incredible individuals with Down syndrome who are enrolled in inclusive postsecondary education programs at colleges or universities.
Congratulations to: - Jocelyn Gaines | North Carolina | Clemson University
- Ben St. Lawrence | Massachusetts | Syracuse University
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David Reed | Georgia | Georgia Tech
- Cooper Long | Alabama | University of Alabama
- Gabriella Marz | Wisconsin | Clemson University
Thank you to all of the applicants, our friends at The UPS Foundation, the friends and families of our scholarship recipients, and the amazing UPS drivers who delivered the good news and big surprises.
Keep an eye on NDSC social media and our monthly newsletter for more scholarship opportunities! We are honored to be able to award students with Down syndrome financial assistance to achieve their dreams. |
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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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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
To celebrate, NDSC is highlighting the voices and stories of people with Down syndrome thriving in the workplace. Whether you’re working in competitive, integrated employment or running your own business, we want to share your story!
Are you a self-advocate with a story to tell—or do you know someone we should feature? Submit your employment story by clicking the button below!
Questions? Contact Jawanda at jawanda@ndsccenter.org.
Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) means work performed on a full-time or part-time basis in which employees with disabilities are compensated at or above minimum wage, receive the same level of benefits and opportunities for advancement that are provided to all employees in similar positions, and are at a location in the community where they interact with both other disabled and non-disabled employees. |
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NDAC Member Feature: Advocacy is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
When she attended her first NDSC Convention with her one-year-old daughter, Kristin Whitmer was struck by the incredible depth of knowledge and expertise within the Down syndrome community.
As she began advocating for her daughter’s education, she quickly realized that the barriers her family faced weren’t just individual; they were systemic. Policies at the state level, including department of education rules and state laws, were shaping the daily experiences of her child and many others. To be effective, she needed knowledge, allies, and the power of a collective voice. |
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Her advocacy has already made an impact. She is especially proud of helping pass Oklahoma HB1393, a law that requires parental consent before a student can be placed in an alternate assessment, shifts the burden of proof to the school district, and ensures students still receive instruction aligned with the general education curriculum.
Her journey into the Down syndrome community started with her daughter, but its roots run deeper. Decades ago, her grandmother opened her home to three adults with Down syndrome after the local institution closed, showing her family what true dignity and respect for people with disabilities looks like. Today, she carries that legacy forward. Want to be part of a powerful network of more than 1,100 advocates using their voices for change? Join NDAC today–it’s FREE! |
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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. |
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Orlando, Florida | Hilton Signia
July 23 - 26, 2026 Now featuring the DSAIA Pre-Con July 22 - 23, 2026 Call for Speakers! Portal opens: October 1, 2025 Registration opens: March 10, 2026 |
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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. |
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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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