Down Syndrome Convention Showcases Jason Crabb’s “Love Is Stronger” Video

By Jamie Ward from Music News Nashville:
The emotional and heart-touching video to Grammy winner Jason Crabb’s latest hit, “Love Is Stronger,” is set to be showcased today during the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention as the star of the video, Ashley DeRamus (Ashley DeRamus Foundation), makes a special guest appearance. The advocate for Down Syndrome will appear at the convention as her work is highlighted during the 42nd Annual Event held in Indianapolis, IN.

The video, directed by multiple award winner Roman White (Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood), will be shown to all the delegates from around the globe attending the conference.

The video has impacted the hearts and lives of countless individuals since it’s debut on USAtoday.com. The track was produced by Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and has enjoyed success on country and christian radio.

Through the experience of living with Down syndrome, Ashley DeRamus’ advocacy proves that those born with Down syndrome have ability and not disability. Ashley has been featured as a speaker at the United Nations and was named one of the six most inspirational entrepreneurs with Down syndrome in the world by Disney. Ashley, along with her mother Connie DeRamus, launched a clothing line tailored to fit women with Down syndrome, Ashley by Design. Ashley resides in the Birmingham, AL area.

Jason Crabb is one busy man. Currently on the summer leg of his “Love Is Stronger’ Tour sponsored by Feed the Children and presented by Muse Concerts, the highly-celebrated individual shows no signs of slowing down. Last week, Billboard magazine broke the news that Crabb entered into an agreement with Reunion Records, a division of Provident Music / Sony, home to Brandon Heath, Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, among others.

“Love Is Stronger” on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZuWbA2LnlE

NDSC Convention Quick Reference for Sunday 7/13

NDSC Convention Schedule for Sunday 7/13 (subject to change).

7:30am-12:30pm Kids Camp Session 5
7:30am-9:00am Grandparent's Breakfast
8am-1pm Exhibits Open
8am-12:15pm Youth & Adult Conference and Talent Show
8am-12:15pm Brothers & Sisters Off-Site Trip
8:30am-10am Workshops
10:30am-12pm Workshops
1:35pm Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game

NDSC Convention Quick Reference for Saturday 7/12

NDSC Convention Schedule for Saturday 7/12 (subject to change).

7:30am-3pm Registration Open
7:30am-12:30pm Kids Camp Session 3
8am-6pm Exhibits Open
8am-5:15pm Youth & Adult Conference (break for 12-1:30pm)
8am-5:15pm Brothers & Sisters Get Acquainted (lunch included)
8:30am-10am Workshops
10:30am-12pm Workshops
12pm-1:30pm Lunch on your own
3pm-8pm Kids Camp Session 4
1:30pm-3pm General Session
3:30pm-5pm Workshops
5:30pm-6pm NDSC Membership Meeting
6:30pm-7pm Reception and Cash Bar
7pm-9pm Banquet (by ticket only)
9pm-11pm Dance (open to all)

NDSC Convention Quick Reference for Friday 7/11

NDSC Convention Schedule for Friday 7/11 (subject to change).

7am-7pm Registration Open
7:30am-12:30pm Kids Camp Session 1
8am-12:30pm Pre-Conference Sessions
9am-12pm &1-2:30pm Friendship Club Open House
10am-8pm Exhibits Open
1pm-2:30pm MFDSN Lunch N Learn
1:30-2:45pm Sharing Sessions
3pm-8pm Kids Camp Session 2
3:15pm-5:15pm Youth & Adult Kick Off Party
3:15pm-5:15pm Brothers & Sisters Get Acquainted
3:30pm-5pm Workshops
6:30pm-7:45pm Opening Session
8pm-10pm Opening Session & 321 Dance!

NDSC Convention Quick Reference for Thursday 7/10

This is a quick reference to help NDSC Conference attendees for Thursday's activities (subject to change).

Thursday 7/10/2014

5-9pm Exhibits Open
6-9pm Registration Open
7-8:30pm First Time Attendee Orientation
7-8:30pm International Exchange
7-8:30pm Adult Sibling Reception

Bookmark DSD for daily updates about the NDSC Convention!

The simplest way to raise awareness about Down syndrome this holiday season

by Mark Leach from Down Syndrome Prenatal Testing:
In 2007, I attended my first ever National Down Syndrome Congress conference. Campbell Brasington, a genetic counselor from Charlotte, North Carolina, shared the simplest way to raise awareness about Down syndrome and engage in medical outreach. 
This is the time of year when many of us will be mailing out Christmas/Holiday/End-of-Year cards to our friends and family. Typically, these annual missives will include a photo of the family and, for some, a written update on the family’s activities. Brasington made the following simple suggestion for families to raise awareness about Down syndrome:

Include your obstetrician on your holiday card mailing list.

She explained that for many OBs, their experience with individuals with Down syndrome is the relatively brief moment of when they deliver a child with Down syndrome. If you have a child with Down syndrome, you can show how this child your OB delivered is growing up and what your child is doing. You can provide your OB a glimpse of what a life with Down syndrome can be like.
This simple tip isn’t limited just to OBs, but it would be good to at least start there. Parents could also consider adding the labor and delivery department of the hospital where their child was born, as well as the medical professionals who provided prenatal care, like genetic counselors, geneticists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
This year, a group of active moms launched a social media campaign to encourage families to follow this simple awareness raising tip. I have graciously been credited with this idea, but Campbell Brasington is who deserves the recognition as the originator of this great, easy idea.
And, also, this year, Lettercase, the publisher of materials through the National Center for Prenatal & Postnatal Down Syndrome Resources (where I serve as the bioethics specialist), is offering a great deal:

This year, please consider sending a Holiday card to your medical provider that includes a photo of your loved one with Down syndrome. From #GivingTuesday to Friday, December 6, anyone who makes a $15 donation to the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Down Syndrome Resources will receive a Medical Provider Holiday Gift Pack that includes “Understanding a Down Syndrome Diagnosis,” “Delivering a Down Syndrome Diagnosis,” our new testing pamphlet, and 5 National Center postcards.

If you missed it, today is the last day for this great deal. This gift pack is for anyone who cares about their local obstetricians having the medically-reviewed and recommended materials to be provided patients receiving a prenatal test result for Down syndrome. You can make a $15 donation to the National Center to get this gift pack at this link.
If you have a loved one with Down syndrome, I hope you will follow through with this simple tip of including your OB on your family’s holiday card list. If families did this each year, it would provide examples of what a life with Down syndrome can be like for the OB and other health care providers to share with their patients when they first deliver the diagnosis. Who knows: your family’s photo may be the one shown to a new or expectant mom to say, “well, this is how one of the families whose child I delivered is doing.”

NDSC Convention: Workshop Recordings Available Online

If you attended our convention in Denver, you know what an awesome learning experience it was. Now, you can listen to 55 of the conference workshops - which is probably about 50 more than you were able to attend while you were there! If you were unable to attend this year's convention, here's your opportunity to learn from the best, on topics that cover the lifetime of individuals with Down syndrome.    These recordings will be available for your unlimited viewing/listening until July 2014.

Podcast: NDSC Convention Round-up with guest Mac Macsovits

DSR Episode #21: Convention Roundup with Mac Macsovits of RMDSA

By Jason Cosky:

The NDSC Convention last month was fantastic!  And who would know more about it than Mac Macsovits of the Rocky Mountain DSA?  It turns out Rick and his family were also there.  The convention was very well attended with excellent sessions and events.  Great times were had by all!  Tune in and hear all the details!


We also get to hear about Rick’s visit to Albuquerque to visit the world’s friendliest restaurant, Tim’s Place!



Oh and anyone catch the irony of the Episode Number being 21?  Maybe I should point it out three times…  (get it?  Trisomy 21?).
As always, we would love to hear your comments and questions.  Also, please leave us a review on iTunes if you get a chance.
Mark

Download Down Syndrome Radio, Episode #21.
Better yet…subscribe, rate us and leave a comment on iTunes!

Post Convention Baseball Outing Sunday, July 21, 2013

After the Convention closes Sunday, consider heading to the ballpark to see the Colorado Rockies take on the Chicago Cubs!

NDSC families can purchase discounted tickets (25% off face value) during Convention registration to sit in our reserved section. What a great way to end the weekend!

For more information click here!

NDSC Convention Agenda Summary

NDSC Convention Home Page

NDSC Convention Schedule Friday, July 19, 2013

This is a summary of events for Friday, July 19, 2013 at the NDSC Annual Convention in Denver, CO.

7:00AM - 7:00PM Registration Open

7:30AM - 12:30PM Kids' Camp Session 1

8:00AM - 12:30PM Pre-Conferences

9:00AM - 12:00PM Friendship Club Open House

12:00PM - 8:00PM Exhibits Open

1:00PM - 2:30PM Friendship Club Open House

1:30PM - 3:00PM Sharing Sessions

1:30PM - 5:00PM Film Festival

3:00PM - 8:00PM Kids' Camp Session 2

3:15PM - 5:15PM Youth & Adult Kick Off Party

3:15PM - 5:15PM Brothers & Sisters Get Acquainted

3:30PM - 5:00PM Sharing Sessions

6:30PM - 7:45PM Opening Session

8:00PM - 10:00PM Opening Reception and 3...2...1...Dance!

8:00PM - 10:00PM Adult Sibling Networking Reception

NDSC Convention Agenda Summary
NDSC Convention Home Page

GDSF Roundtable & NDSC Convention updates

Get updates from the GDSF Roundtable & the NDSC Convention from DSD on Facebook & Twitter!

www.facebook.com/downsyndromedaily 

www.twitter.com/downdaily

Thursday 7/18 GDSF Research & Medical Care Roundtable Schedule

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is proud to announce the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Research & Medical Care Roundtable at the Children’s Hospital Colorado on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

The Global Roundtable, held at one of the nation’s top ten children’s hospitals and home to the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, is co-organized with the National Down Syndrome Congress and supported by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group. The Global Roundtable will feature nationally renowned scientists and medical professionals working to better the lives of people with Down syndrome. Topics will include sleep apnea, immune deficiency, leukemia, prenatal testing, cognition, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The morning of the Global Roundtable, bus transportation will be provided to and from the convention’s designated hotel, the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to the Children’s Hospital Colorado, departing from 7:00am. Breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided during the Global Roundtable.
To make it even more exciting, we are also offering each Global Roundtable attendee a ticket to a private performance by Colbie Caillat at 7:30pm at the Paramount Theatre – just two blocks from the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

• In order to participate in the Global Roundtable and to attend the invitation-only Colbie Caillat concert you must first register for the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in Denver from July 19-21st, and then register for the roundtable and concert. To be clear, there is no additional cost for the roundtable and concert beyond the convention registration fee.

Early-bird registration for the convention has ended but Global’s Christian Ransom Ball Scholarship Fund is offering a limited number of $50 scholarships on a first come first serve basis.


Key Locations
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
650 15th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado
13123 E 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
Rooms: Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, and Oxford
8:00 am — 5:00 pmParamount Theatre
1621 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80202
7:30 pm — 9:30 pm

Detailed Schedule of Events

• 7:00 — 8:00 am Buses from Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to Children’s Hospital Colorado
• 8:00 — 9:00 am Check-in, Continental Breakfast
• 9:00 am Welcome Remarks
• 9:15 am Medical Care Panel
• 10:50 am BREAK – Refreshments
• 11:05 am Prenatal Testing Update
• 12:10 pm Lunch Presentations – Boxed Lunches and Refreshments
• 1:00 pm Basic Research Panel
• 2:35 pm BREAK – Refreshments
• 2:50 pm Down Syndrome-Alzheimer’s Disease Panel
• 4:25 pm BREAK – Tickets for Colbie Caillat Will Be Provided
• 4:40 pm Tour of the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital CO & Buses back to Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center

7:30 pm Paramount Theatre for Musical Performance

New espisodes from the DSR Podcast

from the Down Syndrome Radio Podcast:
New espisodes are available on iTunes from Down Syndrome Radio. Down Syndrome Daily is featured in episode #6 and the NDSC Convention is freatured in episode #7.

DSR Episode #7: NDSC Convention Download Running on fumes and adrenaline, we recap the highlights of the NDSC Convention from a very busy weekend in Washington, DC.  From advocating on Capitol Hill to dancing the night away – with workshops, exhibits, hallway and pool meetings in … Continue reading →

DSR Episode #6: Down Syndrome  In the first few installments of this humble podcast, we found ourselves continuously visiting one site for ideas for our “great/amazing/inspirational story” segment.  Down Syndrome Daily is an excellent resource for the Down syndrome community and we are very excited … Continue reading →

Episodes on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/downrightawesome-down-syndrome/id535852575

NDSC Convention Schedule for Sunday 7/22

Sunday's itinerary at the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC


8:30AM-10:00AM, 10:30AM-12:00PM Workshops
The General Convention also consists of five workshop cycles, three cycles offered on Saturday and two on Sunday.  Each cycle offers a selection of 14 workshops that registrants may attend based on their interest.  These interactive workshops are provided by the experts – from those who pioneered in early childhood communication, to those who redefined the K-12 classroom and are on the frontier of adult challenges.  Each workshop is 90 minutes in length.  Some topics are repeated to give flexibility to attendees.

7:30AM-12:30PM Kids Camp - registration is closed
Kids’ Camp will provide a means for parents to leave their children between the ages of six months and 11 years (14 years for children with DS) for designated times during the weekend in a safe, structured, and fun environment.  This program will be offered to families registered for the general convention whose children are not old enough to participate in the Brothers & Sisters or Youth & Adults Conferences.  The camp will be offered in four separate sessions.  Registration is required for each session.


8:00AM-12:15PM Youth and Adult Conference and Talent Show - registration is closed
The Youth & Adults Conference really is the heart and soul of the weekend! It is designed to be a fun, empowering, enriching and safe experience for self advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) age 15 and older. With the support of NDSC’s Y&A Support Team, this conference is planned and presented by self advocates, for self advocates.


8:00AM-12:00PM Brothers and Sisters - registration is closed
The NDSC Brothers & Sisters Conference is a fun-filled weekend where siblings can share ideas and experiences and make new friends. It is a place to learn, to be inspired and grow, to be enlightened and encouraged, and to ask tough questions in a supportive environment.  Participants will learn about Down syndrome and disability related issues, including how to be an advocate for their brothers and sisters.

12:30PM-1:00PM Grand Finale
A closing General Session.
8:00AM-1:00PM Exhibits Open
There is also an Exhibit Area for vendors where you’ll find the latest in books, toys, teaching aids, apparel, software and more.


See the NDSC Convention website for complete information.

NDSC Convention Schedule for Saturday 7/21

Saturday's itinerary at the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC


7:30AM-3:30PM NDSC Convention Registration Open!


8:30AM-10:00AM, 10:30AM-12:00PM, 3:30PM-5:00PM Workshops
The General Convention also consists of five workshop cycles, three cycles offered on Saturday and two on Sunday.  Each cycle offers a selection of 14 workshops that registrants may attend based on their interest.  These interactive workshops are provided by the experts – from those who pioneered in early childhood communication, to those who redefined the K-12 classroom and are on the frontier of adult challenges.  Each workshop is 90 minutes in length.  Some topics are repeated to give flexibility to attendees.

7:30AM-12:30PM, 1:15PM-5:15PM Kids Camp - registration is closed
Kids’ Camp will provide a means for parents to leave their children between the ages of six months  and 11 years (14 years for children with DS) for designated times during the weekend in a safe, structured, and fun environment.  This program will be offered to families registered for the general convention whose children are not old enough to participate in the Brothers & Sisters or Youth & Adults Conferences.  The camp will be offered in four separate sessions.  Registration is required for each session.


8:00AM-5:15PM Youth and Adult - registration is closed
The Youth & Adults Conference really is the heart and soul of the weekend! It is designed to be a fun, empowering, enriching and safe experience for self advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) age 15 and older. With the support of NDSC’s Y&A Support Team, this conference is planned and presented by self advocates, for self advocates.


8:00AM-5:15PM Brothers and Sisters - registration is closed
The NDSC Brothers & Sisters Conference is a fun-filled weekend where siblings can share ideas and experiences and make new friends. It is a place to learn, to be inspired and grow, to be enlightened and encouraged, and to ask tough questions in a supportive environment.  Participants will learn about Down syndrome and disability related issues, including how to be an advocate for their brothers and sisters.

12:00PM-1:30PM Lunch on your own

1:30PM-3:00PM General Session
The second of two Plenary Sessions. Plenary sessions feature inspirational keynote presentations by self advocates and Down syndrome experts from around the world who present on topics of broad interest.

5:30PM-6:00PM NDSC Membership Meeting

6:30PM-11:00PM Reception, Banquet, & Dance
On Saturday evening, we will host our traditional Awards Banquet to honor outstanding achievement in the Down syndrome community in various categories.  This is a ticketed event, which includes a plated dinner and the awards presentation. 
Immediately following the banquet there will be another awesome opportunity for all attendees to dance – no ticket required.


8:00AM-6:00PM Exhibits Open
There is also an Exhibit Area for vendors where you’ll find the latest in books, toys, teaching aids, apparel, software and more.


See the NDSC Convention website for complete information.

NDSC Convention Schedule for Friday 7/20

Friday's itinerary at the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC


7:00AM-7:00PM NDSC Convention Registration Open!


8:00AM-12:30AM Pre-Conferences
Attending a Pre-Conference Session gives you the chance to spend four hours with a nationally-known speaker and dig deep into one specific topic. The sessions are structured to share best practices, content that is research-based and proven “how to” strategies. All sessions will include time for Q & A. Pre-cons will be held on Friday, July 20, from 8:00am to 12:30pm. Separate registration is required. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Pre-Conference handouts are only issued to the person registered for the session. Space may be limited in some sessions, so register early. On-site registration cannot be guaranteed.


7:30AM-12:30PM, 3:00PM-8:00PM Kids Camp - registration is closed
Kids’ Camp will provide a means for parents to leave their children between the ages of six months  and 11 years (14 years for children with DS) for designated times during the weekend in a safe, structured, and fun environment.  This program will be offered to families registered for the general convention whose children are not old enough to participate in the Brothers & Sisters or Youth & Adults Conferences.  The camp will be offered in four separate sessions.  Registration is required for each session.


3:15PM-5:15PM Youth & Adult Kick Off Party - registration is closed
The Youth & Adults Conference really is the heart and soul of the weekend! It is designed to be a fun, empowering, enriching and safe experience for self advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) age 15 and older. With the support of NDSC’s Y&A Support Team, this conference is planned and presented by self advocates, for self advocates.


3:15PM-5:15PM Brothers and Sisters Get Acquainted Session - registration is closed
The NDSC Brothers & Sisters Conference is a fun-filled weekend where siblings can share ideas and experiences and make new friends. It is a place to learn, to be inspired and grow, to be enlightened and encouraged, and to ask tough questions in a supportive environment.  Participants will learn about Down syndrome and disability related issues, including how to be an advocate for their brothers and sisters.


3:30PM-5:00PM Sharing Sessions

These popular sessions, facilitated by family members, are informal opportunities to meet your peers and share your joys, concerns and strategies with others. Please consider attending these sessions without your child with DS to allow parents to express their feelings with comfort and ease. The sessions are not audio taped.

6:30PM-7:45PM Opening Session
Friday at 6:30 pm, the first of two Plenary Sessions will officially launch the weekend events.  Plenary sessions feature inspirational keynote presentations by self advocates and Down syndrome experts from around the world who present on topics of broad interest.


8:00PM-10:00PM Reception, Silent Auction & Just Dance
In addition to educational programming, the NDSC Convention would not be complete without a dance or two! On Friday evening, we will hold our Just Dance! event for all attendees, immediately following the Opening Session.   At the same time, attendees can browse the Silent Auction and bid on one-of-a-kind items while supporting programming and activities that empower self advocates.  These two events are open to all registered attendees.  A cash bar will be available for all beverages.  Be sure to wear your convention name tag for admittance.


12:00PM-10:00PM Exhibits Open
There is also an Exhibit Area for vendors where you’ll find the latest in books, toys, teaching aids, apparel, software and more.


See the NDSC Convention website for complete information.

NDSC Convention Schedule for Thursday 7/19

Thursday's Itinerary for the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC.

There are 2 main events planned for today.

NDSC Day on the Hill

In this important election year, WE are making a difference — more than 400 people have registered to be part of what’s expected to be the largest advocacy effort ever in our nation’s capital focused specifically on Down syndrome. Participants will have the opportunity to influence public policy that affects people with Down syndrome and their families. The day will start with meeting in the Capitol where we will be recognized by Congress and then advocates will continue on to their individual state meetings with Congress members to support the following legislative priorities.

• Cosponsor the Trisomy 21 Research Centers of Excellence Act (H.R. 2695/S.1840) and the Trisomy 21 Research Resource Act (H.R. 2696/S.1841).
• Cosponsor the Keeping All Students Safe Act (H.R. 1381/S. 2020).
• Cosponsor the Transition toward Excellence, Achievement and Mobility legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (including the TEAM-Education Act, H.R. 602; TEAM- Empowerment Act, H.R. 603; and TEAM-Employment Act, H.R. 604) and consider championing the introduction of a companion legislative package in the U.S. Senate.
• Cosponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 3423/S. 1872) to ensure the creation of tax-advantaged savings vehicles for individuals with disabilities.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala

• Featuring Dr. Huntington Potter Director of Alzheimer Disease Research, Department of Neurology & the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Preview featuring models with Down syndrome
• Attendence from members of Congress supporting people with Down syndrome
• Performances by Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney
• This is at a different location than the NDSC Convention

Also, NDSC Convention Registration opens 7-9 PM

See the NDSC Convention website for all official details.

NDSC Convention Schedule for Wednesday 7/18

Wednesday's itinerary for the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC

Training Session for NDSC Day on the Hill

Participation is designed to be easy, and it’s so important! Once you register, NDSC will schedule your appointments with your Senators and Representative, so all you’ll need to do is…Be present at a required training session On Wednesday, July 18th, for final instructions, to meet your fellow advocates, and, to pick up information to take to your elected officials.Review the advocacy training materials outlining NDSC’s policy agenda, messaging, and tips for effective advocacy.

Advocacy Training
Before coming to DC in July, review these materials to ensure a successful visit

What to Expect Rationale and Key Messaging

One Page Summary of Asks In Depth Advocacy Pre-Training Packet 4.17.12

Audio of Pre-Training Session held April 17

Day on the Hill Mandatory Training:Wednesday, July 18, 7:00pm
Marriott Wardman Park, Maryland Suite

See the NDSC Convention website for official details.

National Down Syndrome Congress Secures Experts to Speak During National Convention

Leading medical professionals, researchers to share best practices and research findings during world's largest annual Down syndrome community gathering

press release from the NDSC:
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), a leading provider of information, support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, today released the complete schedule of workshops and speakers for its upcoming Annual Convention, taking place July 19-22 in Washington, D.C. Considered the largest annual Down syndrome community gathering, the Annual Convention unites families, caregivers and individuals impacted by Down syndrome for a weekend of education and celebration.
The Convention will feature more than 70 breakout sessions and workshops throughout the weekend covering more than 50 topics. Each session will feature a leading Down syndrome researcher, medical professional or educational expert sharing key findings and "how to" strategies pertinent to the latest developments affecting the Down syndrome community in areas including education, pre-natal development and adult issues.

Featured sessions of the Convention schedule include:

• "Starting out with Language and Speech: Birth to Preschool" - Libby Kumin, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Author, Loyola University (Baltimore, MD)
• "A Plan for Educating All Kids" - Michael Remus, MS, Director of Student Support Services, Deer Valley Unified School District (Phoenix, AZ)
• "Promoting Health, Independence, Safety, & Community for Teens and Adults with DS" - Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director, Adult DS Center of Lutheran General Hospital (Park Ridge, IL)
• "Managing Behavior in Children with DS: How Understanding Leads to Intervention" - Mary Pipan, MD, Clinical Director, Trisomy 21 Program, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)

"As we celebrate our 40th Annual Convention and the achievements the Down syndrome community has enjoyed during that time, it's important that we also look ahead to what's next," said David Tolleson, executive director of the NDSC. "We are excited to welcome such an accomplished pool of speakers to this year's Convention, and look forward to their insights and strategies that will help improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families."
While pre-event registration for the Convention is closed, limited space is available on-site. The NDSC will be live streaming select sessions throughout the Convention weekend on its website for the first time in the event's history. For more information about the live streaming program, and to view a complete schedule of workshops and sessions available online, click here.
To view the complete list of speakers and sessions for the NDSC's Annual Convention, and to learn more about the event, visit http://convention.ndsccenter.org/.

About the National Down Syndrome Congress

Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is the oldest national organization supporting people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them. The NDSC provides information, advocacy and support for all aspects of life, and works to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome. For more information about the NDSC, visit http://ndsccenter.org/.
Website: http://ndsccenter.org/

NDSC General Convention Overview 7/20-7/22

from the NDSC:

The General Convention is a three-day program designed for parents, other family members, caregivers and professionals.  It kicks off Friday afternoon at 3:30 pm with a series of Sharing Sessions for moms, dads, grandparents and siblings.  These popular sessions, facilitated by family members, are informal opportunities to meet your peers and share your joys, concerns and strategies with others. Some sessions are also topic specific.  Please consider attending these sessions without your child with DS to allow parents to express their feelings with comfort and ease.

Friday at 6:30 pm, the first of two Plenary Sessions will officially launch the weekend events. Plenary sessions feature inspirational keynote presentations by self advocates and Down syndrome experts from around the world who present on topics of broad interest.
The General Convention also consists of five workshop cycles, three cycles offered on Saturday and two on Sunday.  Each cycle offers a selection of 14 workshops that registrants may attend based on their interest.  These interactive workshops are provided by the experts – from those who pioneered in early childhood communication, to those who redefined the K-12 classroom and are on the frontier of adult challenges.  Each workshop is 90 minutes in length.  Some topics are repeated to give flexibility to attendees.  A complete list of workshops can be downloaded from this page, as well as a workshop planner to use as a tool to help organize your selections.

The convention will close on Sunday at 12:30pm with the Grand Finale where self advocates commence the Convention’s celebration of 40 years.

Another entertaining component of the General Convention is the Film Festival,  The Film Festival is organized by Gail Williamson, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, and provides an opportunity to view the best films, film clips and documentaries featuring individuals with Down syndrome.  All films are shown during the workshop cycles.

There is also an Exhibit Area for vendors where you’ll find the latest in books, toys, teaching aids, apparel, software and more.

At registration, all registered attendees will receive the official program guide, called the Souvenir Journal.  The Souvenir Journal will detail the entire convention’s schedule and much more.  Volunteers are available on-site to review the Souvenir Journal for first-time attendees.