YADSA Administrator 
Join NDSS for our FREE, month-long webinar series designed to support caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome. We’ll cover critical topics from Alzheimer’s disease to financial planning and mental health.
Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or professional caregiver, these webinars will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for your loved one. Sign up for any or all of the webinars!
On September 6, families from across the country—and as far as Australia, Dubai, and Great Britain—joined NDSS in NYC to raise awareness and celebrate the Down syndrome community.
The Times Square Video Presentation kicked off the NYC Buddy Walk, shining a spotlight on more than 500 individuals with Down syndrome as their photos lit up the iconic screens of Times Square.
On July 25th, the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act was introduced in the United States Congress by Senators Van Hollen (D-MD) and Daines (R-MT) and Representatives Scott (D-VA) and Sessions (R-TX). If passed, the bill would phase out the use of 14(c) certificates that allow employers to pay people with disabilities less than the minimum wage. While several states have already taken action to phase out the use of 14(c) certificates, federal action would mean that every person with a disability in the U.S. would have the opportunity for competitive integrated employment.
More information – https://ndss.quorum.us/campaign/135153/?vcrmeid=uSzXUotXEeJQGKFaZOlpA&vcrmiid=EiWuJT5tcECGs-BvXSLV5g
Join us for the NYC Buddy Walk® on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for a day full of celebration, inclusion, and community! Enjoy live entertainment featuring talented individuals with Down syndrome and stop by Scholastic’s Clifford’s Corner to enjoy live readings from authors who have written inspiring books about Down syndrome.
More information _ https://give.ndss.org/event/2025-new-york-city-buddy-walk-r/e647131
The Dan Piper Award is given by NDSS to an adult with Down syndrome who brings about greater public awareness and understanding of individuals with Down syndrome through everyday activities. Does that sound like someone you know? Nominate them by July 21st at ndss.org/dan-piper-award!
Apply by July 29 at 11:59 PM ET for an opportunity to receive one of two $10,000 grants to help start your own business or invest in your current company! Applicants must have Down syndrome, be 18 years or older, own or be getting ready to start a business, and be a resident of the United States.
Apply at https://ndss.org/…/ndss…/
June is Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and promote brain health. Chromosome 21 plays a key role in the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease, as it carries a gene that produces one of the key proteins involved with changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial third copy of chromosome 21. Typically, people have two copies of each chromosome. Chromosome 21 plays a key role in the relationship between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease as it carries a gene that produces one of the key proteins involved with changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s. Additionally, scientists have located several genes on chromosome 21 that are involved in the aging process and that contribute to the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It is this unique property of chromosome 21 that makes the disease a more acute concern for people with Down syndrome than those with other forms of intellectual disability.
For more information check out NDSS’ free Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome Guidebook.
The 7th annual AcceptAbility Gala attracted a record-breaking 400 attendees and raised a stunning $450,000! The gala brings together policymakers from both sides of the aisle, key scientists from NIH, corporate sponsors with BIG hearts, celebrities, and the Down syndrome community for a night of inspiration.
Thank you to all affiliates who helped make this year’s advocacy conference a tremendous success!
With over 400 attendees resulting in over 200 legislative meetings, our community made meaningful legislative change on the national level. We are so grateful for the support and leadership of affiliates across the country empowering our community to advocate and share their voices with their federal legislators.
The momentum we’ve built together doesn’t stop here. Keep advocating in your local communities, continue those important conversations with your representatives, and stay connected with us throughout the year.
Mark your calendars for May 11-12, 2026, for our 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference and stay tuned for more details! Until then, thank you for being powerful advocates for our community’s needs.
