National Down Syndrome Society

In honor of #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth, we're excited to share a special episode of Tuesdays with Liz! Host Liz Weintraub sat down with Kayla McKeon, NDSS Manager of Grassroots Advocacy, to discuss her journey to becoming the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome and the policies she is currently working on to further inclusive hiring practices! ? Join us in celebrating #NDEAM by watching Liz and Kayla's inspiring conversation. Full episode available on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/epqZ7MRU

We are thrilled to announce that Heather Avis, Mercedes Lara, and Micha Boyett from The Lucky Few Podcast will be joining us for keynote presentations at the 2024 NDSS Adult Summit next month! ?? ? The Lucky Few Podcast is well known in our community for shifting the narrative by shouting the worth of people with Down syndrome and we cannot wait for the impactful conversations and insights from these hosts. Join us November 14-16 in Costa Mesa, CA, as we dive into all things adulthood and disabilities - including but not limited to - dating, mental health, regression, independent living, and financial wellness. To see the detailed conference schedule and register to attend, visit ndss.org/adult-summit.

Voya employees gathered in our Windsor, CT office in support and celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.?A panel discussion with Voya CEO Heather Lavallee and National Down Syndrome Society CEO Kandi Pickard helped increase awareness of the importance of competitive integrated employment and the evolution of ABLE accounts.? ? #NDEAM #NationalDisabilityAwarenessMonth #VoyaCares #DisabilityEmployment?

Have you heard? We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2024 National Down Syndrome Society Adult Summit taking place November 14-16 in Costa Mesa, CA! Together, we’re committed to supporting and empowering adults with disabilities. To learn more about the conference, visit ndss.org/adult-summit.

?? ???? ???????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ????????????????: The last month has been difficult for Florida and the Southeast US due to the hurricanes. We hope your families are safe and we will continue to work to financially support the Down syndrome community that has been impacted. We invite you to come out for a relaxing, feel good evening in Orlando, FL on Saturday, October 19, to celebrate #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth. Eat, drink, get a tattoo, or just mingle with friends. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to local Down syndrome organizations to support relief for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We have also lowered the pricing to make this event more accessible during this difficult time. Check out the graphic below to for a better understanding of your ticket options for this event and sign up at https://lnkd.in/dqAVvAXR. Enter code "50Off" at checkout for $50 off tickets. ???????????????????????? ???????? ?????????? ????????????????, ?????????????? ????. #Orlando #DSAM

#TeamNDSS is taking on the Chicago Marathon this weekend! Join us in wishing them luck and cheering them on!??♀???

?? Given the extensive devastation of Hurricane Helene and the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton, we are launching a fundraiser in support of Down syndrome organizations across the Southeast. 100% of the money donated will be given to the Down syndrome organizations impacted by the hurricanes. Donate at https://lnkd.in/eqNAnRMq. ?? This fundraiser is in addition to our ongoing NDSS merch sales fundraiser, the proceeds of which will go directly to Down syndrome organizations impacted throughout the month of October. Show your support by buying merch at https://lnkd.in/ecGmF5Vr. Your support will make a direct difference in the lives of those in our community who need it most right now.

Your mental health is valuable - let’s take care of it! ?? The following sessions at the 2024 Adult Summit will discuss mental health for individuals with Down syndrome and/or their caregivers. ?? ? Addressing the Mental Health and Wellness of Individuals with Down Syndrome (Annika Soderfelt, OTD, OTR/L) ? Self-Determination: An Introduction for Caregivers and Families (Ruth Brown, PhD; Richard Chapman, PhD) ? The Recipe for Health: How to Nourish Your Mind, Body, and Soul (Dr. Brian Chicoine, MD) ? Staying Healthy with 321go! (Lake Murray; Margot Rhondeau)?? For a detailed Adult Summit schedule, visit https://lnkd.in/eYREQzGB.?? Can’t make it this year? Check out our free mental health resources at https://lnkd.in/eMMgvzVC. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealth #DownSyndrome #Caregivers

?? There are a limited number of sponsorships available for the NDSS Adult Summit, taking place November 14-16 in Orange County, CA. This is a prime opportunity to showcase your brand and support the advancement of resources and education for adults with disabilities and the disability community! Interested? Email [email protected].

NDSS is thrilled to support a landmark $2.5M The National Institutes of Health-funded study at The Ohio State University, led by Drs. Hand and Schenk. This crucial research will assess how state laws impact organ transplant access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ?? ?? As we push for the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act in Congress, we invite you to join our fight for health care equality. Urge your legislators to support this vital cause at the link below and help us ensure fair organ transplant access for all. Together, we can make a difference! https://lnkd.in/eBM74CY9?