NDSC E-News ~ March 2023
Mission Moment
with NDSC Executive Director Jordan Kough
We are just weeks away from the 7th NDSC All Kinds of Heroes Golf Classic!
Calling all golfers! Join us for the 7th Annual NDSC All Kinds of Heroes Golf Classic with Grand Marshal Amy Bockerstette on April 24 at the fabulous Bear’s Best Atlanta. Player registration is now open!
If you aren’t going to be in the Atlanta area on April 24, you can still get involved in the event when you purchase Fireballs for your chance at a CASH prize or get in on the fun when you bid on silent auction items like a Dormie Network Membership or UGA Back-to-Back Champion swag! The silent auction will open on April 17th Visit the NDSC Golf Classic Facebook page for updates and to catch a glimpse of other silent auction items.
51st Annual NDSC Convention
Our 51st Annual Convention is packed full of events and opportunities for learning. Between four different conference registration types, there is something for EVERY family member.
Not only is this an opportunity for learning, but also for loads of fun at various dances, events and more social opportunities.
Check out the NDSC Matching Scholarship and Sponsor a Family Programs.
NDSC Capitol Hill Advocacy
National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Executive Director, Jordan Kough joined the NDSC Policy Team including Director of Policy and Advocacy, Cyrus Huncharek, Senior Policy Advisor Stephanie Lee Smith, Grassroots Advocacy Manager Jawanda Mast, and Policy and Advocacy Associate Chapman Bryant, for meetings on Capitol Hill with Congressional offices…
Noah Bradshaw
Noah Bradshaw, 21, of Elkton, Maryland, works as a busser at Grain Craft Bar and Kitchen and Jimmy John’s, both in Newark, DE. Noah has the typical job duties…
The National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC) is NDSC’s Grassroots Advocacy program
NDAC allows us to bring together advocates of all abilities from across the country. As constituents, NDAC members are an essential link to federally elected officials. If you would like to make an impact on policy, NDAC is for you.
NDAC has over 700 members in all 50 states. NDAC has 90 self-advocates in 32 states and the District of Columbia. One of our NDAC goals is to have at least one self-advocate in every state. This map shows where we need more self-advocates members.
Ready to join or learn more? Learn more and complete an easy online application at NDAC FAQ & ONLINE APPLICATION or contact Jawanda Mast at jawanda@ndsccenter.org.
Advocacy Training Boot Camp
Back by popular demand, Advocacy Training Boot Camp at the 2023 NDSC Convention. This 3 ½ hour session is designed for beginner advocates but is also a great opportunity for seasoned advocates to get the training needed to take their advocacy efforts to the next level. Free to all convention registrants (general, siblings, or Y&A), the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp features information from self-advocates who are making a difference through their personal advocacy efforts, parent and sibling advocates, the expert NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team, and state legislators. More details to come in the next few weeks. This session is appropriate for parents, professionals, and of course, self-advocates. Find more information and a link to last year’s presentation below.
Magnify Your Voice at the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference
Please consider joining other Down syndrome advocates in Washington DC, April 17 – 19 for the 2023 Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference (DSAC). Our voices are stronger together! #DSAC2023
The 2023 Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference is presented in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Congress, the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, LuMind IDSC Foundation, and GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc.
Website Spotlight
Network Update
Do you belong to a local Down syndrome support group or association? Do you know of any groups that have changed their name, moved locations or no longer exist? Do you know of a new group or organization that provides supports and services for those with Down syndrome?
We are updating our Down syndrome Support Network information on our website and would like your help. It is free to be added to the NDSC website. Please share the link below with your group. No group is too small, or too big, to be included. We are requesting as much information as possible: a physical address, website, email address, phone number, social media links, etc. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete, but could mean a world of difference to the families seeking help in your local area.
Upcoming Events
Mar. 21 – Convention Registration Opens
Apr. 17-19 – 2023 Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference | In-Person at Hilton, Crystal City Reagan National Airport
with the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, LuMind IDSC Foundation, GLOBAL, and GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc.
Apr. 17 – Ages & Stages Webinar | T3: Tips to Promoting Independence at an Early Age with Dr.Solandy Forte
Apr. 24 – 7th Annual All Kinds of Heroes Golf Classic | In-Person