National Down Syndrome Congress

National Down Syndrome Congress is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers, in collaboration with organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome International, and the World Health Organization. The organization works closely with renowned researchers and experts in the field, including Dr. Jerome Lejeune, Dr. Christopher Tyson, and Dr. Brian Skotko, to advance the understanding and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. By partnering with institutions like the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United Nations, the National Down Syndrome Congress promotes awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome, as seen in events like the World Down Syndrome Day and the International Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

● History

The National Down Syndrome Congress was founded in 1973 by a group of parents and professionals, including Patricia Jacobs, Herbert Lubs, and Maria Luisa Gallagher, who were dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The organization has its roots in the early days of the Special Olympics, which was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and has since become a global movement, with events like the Special Olympics World Games and the Special Olympics USA Games. Over the years, the National Down Syndrome Congress has worked with notable figures like Tim Shriver, Anthony Shriver, and Jennie Rogers, to promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome, as seen in initiatives like the Inclusion Project and the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. The organization has also collaborated with other advocacy groups, such as the Arc of the United States, The Autism Society, and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, to advance the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress is to provide education, support, and advocacy to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers, in partnership with organizations like the National Association of Social Workers, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association. The organization's objectives include promoting awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome, as seen in campaigns like the NDSC Awareness Campaign and the Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, as supported by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The National Down Syndrome Congress also aims to provide resources and support to families and caregivers, including access to experts like Dr. Darci Kracht, Dr. Len Leshin, and Dr. Kathryn Friedman, and connecting them with organizations like the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network and the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Down Syndrome Congress offers a range of programs and services, including conferences, workshops, and online resources, in collaboration with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan, and the Johns Hopkins University. The organization provides support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers, including access to experts like Dr. George Capone, Dr. David Hessl, and Dr. Nancy Roizen, and connecting them with organizations like the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group and the National Down Syndrome Society Medical Advisory Board. The National Down Syndrome Congress also offers programs and services focused on education, employment, and independent living, as seen in initiatives like the NDSC Education Program and the Down Syndrome Transition Project, and partners with organizations like the Job Accommodation Network and the Disability Employment Initiative.

● Conferences_and_Events

The National Down Syndrome Congress hosts an annual conference, which brings together individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers, as well as professionals and experts in the field, including Dr. Robert Hodapp, Dr. Deborah Fidler, and Dr. Susan Levy. The conference features workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, and has been attended by notable figures like Chris Burke, John Lee Cronin, and Madeline Stuart. The organization also participates in other events and conferences, such as the World Down Syndrome Day and the International Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and partners with organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and the European Down Syndrome Association.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Down Syndrome Congress is a strong advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, and works with organizations like the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, The Arc of the United States, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to advance policies and laws that support individuals with disabilities. The organization has supported legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and has worked with lawmakers like Senator Tom Harkin, Senator Bob Dole, and Representative Tony Coelho to promote the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Congress also partners with organizations like the National Organization on Rare Disorders and the Genetic Alliance to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and other genetic disorders.

● Organization_and_Leadership

The National Down Syndrome Congress is led by a board of directors, which includes individuals like David Tolleson, Katie Hornberger, and Sue Joe, who are dedicated to advancing the mission and objectives of the organization. The organization has a staff of professionals, including experts like Dr. Kishore Vellody, Dr. Stephanie Meredith, and Dr. Brian Chicoine, who work to provide support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers. The National Down Syndrome Congress also has a network of affiliates and partners, including organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, and the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, which work together to promote awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome, as seen in initiatives like the NDSC Affiliate Program and the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. Category:Down syndrome