NDSC Insider Archive

Spring has sprung!

Thank you to everyone who has already registered for the 2026 NDSC Annual Convention - we had an amazing launch!

Read on for more information on our Golf Getaway Raffle, scholarship opportunities, Self-Advocate Board Member nominations, and more.

Golf Getaway Raffle!

Dreaming of Your Next Getaway?

Here’s your chance to turn that dream into reality!

Only 250 tickets available — get yours before they’re gone!

Tickets: $100

This raffle benefits the National Down Syndrome Golf Classic!

One lucky winner will choose between:

• Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina, 4 players, 3 rounds of golf, and lodging. One of the three rounds will be at the world-famous Ocean Course.
• We-ko-pa Resort, Arizona, 4 players, 3 rounds of golf, and lodging

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to escape and unwind — grab your ticket now before they sell out!

Winner will be announced on May 5th at the National Down Syndrome Golf Classic

You don’t have to be present at the National Down Syndrome Golf Classic to win!

Golf Registration is now open!

Click the button below to register.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Windermere Golf Club

Cumming, GA

If you'd like to become a sponsor, click the button below.

Volunteer for the National Down Syndrome Golf Classic!

Not a golfer but interested in coming? We’d love to have you as a volunteer!

Orlando, Florida | Hilton Signia

July 23 - 26, 2026

Now featuring the DSAIA Pre-Con

July 22 - 23, 2026

Registration is now open!

Volunteer at the 2026 NDSC Convention!

Looking to spend your summer doing something rewarding AND having fun? Volunteer for the 2026 NDSC Convention in Orlando, Florida!

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.

Exhibit Hall Registration

now open!

Our exhibit hall is where your products and resources will get noticed! The Exhibit Hall showcases a variety of different products, organizations, and services that our community has to offer. Convention attendees will be able to browse all the different booths, collect information, check out the samples, and make important connections.

For more ways to engage with the NDSC Convention, click the buttons below!

Self-Advocate Board Member Nominations are opening soon!

Three self-advocates serve on the National Down Syndrome Congress Board of Directors. Each year, one self-advocate is elected by their peers at the convention’s Youth and Adult (Y&A) Conference for a three-year term.

Eligibility for this position:

• Has Down syndrome
• 22 years old or older
• Attended three (3) previous NDSC Annual Convention Y&A Conferences

Nominations open: April 13, 2026

Questions? Email Youth & Adult Coordinator, Olivia Finn at ofinn@ndsccenter.org

We are so excited to announce our 2026 NDSC Jake Pratt Scholarship Presented by UPS! Application opens April 9th!

The NDSC Jake Pratt Scholarship presented by UPS will provide financial assistance to help students overcome barriers to higher education and pursue their academic goals. Whether you're studying a specific field or simply exploring your interests, this scholarship can provide valuable support. This scholarship aims to support students with Down Syndrome who are currently enrolled or accepted in inclusive postsecondary education programs at colleges or universities.

Five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded, in addition to five $1,000 scholarships!

Submit your application between April 9, 2026 and May 15, 2026

For all information, click the button below.

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 and other guest professional experts, covering a range of relevant topics.

Next sessions:

• April 14 at 7 PM EST
  • Joan Guthrie Melden, MEd, RDN (nutrition)
• May 21 at 1 PM EST
  • Terri Couwenhoven (friendships)
• June 24 at 1 PM EST
  • Dr. Dennis McGuire

Each session will emphasize shared conversation and peer support. The sessions are not recorded and are limited to 50 attendees. 

National Down Syndrome Congress

Down Syndrome Policy Summit and Hill Day!

NDSC is proud to announce that on September 29 - 30, 2026, we will be hosting the Down Syndrome Policy Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.! This event will feature one full day of advocacy training, where advocates will take crash courses on policy and speaking with elected officials and their staff. The next day is a Hill Day. Advocates will take to Capitol Hill, where they will meet with their elected officials and staffers to advocate for policy that directly affects people with Down syndrome.

Save the date - Registration opens May 14th, 2026!

We cannot wait for you to #AdvocateWithUs!

NDAC Quarterly Call 

Wednesday, April 22 

2:00 - 3:30 PM ET / 1:00 - 2:30 PM CT

12:00 - 1:30 PM MT / 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT

The Agenda Includes:

• Federal Policy Updates from the NDSC Policy Team
• Spotlight on SSI/SSDI and current SSI Bills
  • Kathleen Romig, Senior Fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities sharing information on SSI and SSDI
• Policy Summit FAQ
• NDAC Member Share Time 

NDAC Quarterly Calls are for NDAC Members Exclusively. Sign up to be an NDAC member below to receive the link to register!

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.

More information coming soon!

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.

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.