NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit – Additional Information
Looking for more details about the NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit? Please review our Frequently Asked Questions and Information Packet below for helpful guidance.
If you have a question that is not addressed, we’re happy to assist. Contact us at Policy@ndsccenter.org.
Prefer a printable version? Download the Policy Summit FAQs below:
- Download (PDF – English)
- Download (PDF – Spanish)
- What is the NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit?
- Where is the Policy Summit held?
- What is included with registration?
- How much does the Policy Summit cost?
- How and when should I reserve my hotel room?
- What airports and transportation options are nearby?
- Do I need to schedule my own Capitol Hill meetings?
- What topics will be covered, and what will participants advocate for at the Policy Summit?
- How can I raise funds to attend the Policy Summit?
- What is the refund, transfer, and cancellation policy?
- What are the participation options for children ages 3-12?
- Who should I contact with additional questions?
- ¿Está disponible esta información en español?
-
What is the NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit?The NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit is a two-day event that brings advocates from across the country to Washington, DC to build advocacy skills, learn about timely policy issues, and meet with their elected officials on Capitol Hill.
Day 1 focuses on learning key policy issues and advocacy strategies to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively influence policymaking. Day 2 shifts to Capitol Hill, where participants meet with elected officials and advocate for the Down syndrome community.
-
Where is the Policy Summit held?
Day 1: Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008Day 2: Capitol Hill in Washington DC
-
What is included with registration?
Registration includes:
Advocacy Training
• A full day of interactive training designed for participants of all experience levelsPolicy Breakout Sessions
• Two tracks (Basic Concepts and Deeper Dive) led by top policy expertsCapitol Hill Day
• Congressional breakfast reception with Members of Congress
• Customized Capitol Hill meeting schedule arranged by NDSCMeals:
• Day 1: Breakfast, lunch, and evening reception
• Day 2: Congressional breakfast receptionAdvocacy Materials and Resources
• Issue briefs, talking points, and other materials to support your meetings -
How much does the Policy Summit cost?
Registration Fees:
• General Admission: $121
• Children (ages 3-12): $60
• Person with Down syndrome (ages 3+): $50Hotel Accommodations:
• $279 - $319 per night, plus tax (rate varies based on room capacity)
• Youth 17 and under stay at no additional cost -
How and when should I reserve my hotel room?
Please do not reserve a hotel room until after you complete your Summit registration, which opens on May 14, 2026.
Once registered, you will receive a unique reservation link to book your room at the discounted Summit rate.
-
What airports and transportation options are nearby?
Airports:
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)Train and Bus:
• Union StationFor additional travel information, please visit https://washington.org/dc-guide-to/washington-dc-airports
-
Do I need to schedule my own Capitol Hill meetings?
No. NDSC coordinates all Capitol Hill meetings and provides you with a personalized schedule.
To ensure a smooth and organized experience, we ask that participants do not independently schedule meetings.
If you have a personal connection with a Member of Congress or staff member, please contact us at Policy@ndsccenter.org so we can consider this information when scheduling your meetings.
-
What topics will be covered, and what will participants advocate for at the Policy Summit?
Policy priorities will be determined closer to the event date. Topics will focus on a broad range of disability issues and will not be limited exclusively to Down syndrome.
-
How can I raise funds to attend the Policy Summit?
NDSC offers a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Program to help participants offset the cost of attending. Additional details and resources will be provided soon.
-
What is the refund, transfer, and cancellation policy?
Registration fees are non-refundable after September 1, 2026.
If you need to transfer your registration, please contact Policy@ndsccenter.org as soon as possible. All cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted via email by September 1, 2026.
No refunds or transfers will be approved after that date.
-
What are the participation options for children ages 3-12?
There is no separate programming for children ages 3-12. Children are welcome to attend Summit sessions and are encouraged to join their families for Capitol Hill meetings.
A quiet play area with a volunteer adult will be available on Day 1 for families who need a break during the event.
-
Who should I contact with additional questions?
If your question is not addressed on our website, please contact us at Policy@ndsccenter.org. We are happy to assist you.
-
¿Está disponible esta información en español?
Sí. Una versión completa de las preguntas frecuentes del NDSC Down Syndrome Policy Summit está disponible en español.
Puede acceder a la versión en español aquí: [Insert Spanish FAQ Link Here]
Si necesita asistencia adicional en español, por favor comuníquese con nosotros en Policy@ndsccenter.org y con gusto le ayudaremos.
