Advocacy is a powerful way to influence change by making your voice heard. Through NDSS’ grassroots advocacy programs, we encourage everyone with a connection to Down syndrome to become an advocate.
The most impactful voices are those of individuals with Down syndrome, or self-advocates. By sharing your story, you can ensure a brighter future for all individuals with Down syndrome.
Advocacy 101
What is Advocacy 101?
The purpose of Advocacy 101 is to provide advocates with the necessary resources to become inspirational advocates. This will include trainings, practices, and opportunities to get involved with NDSS as well as with the community at large. Self-advocates can focus on community integration, contribute to conversations, and get involved through opportunities presented below. Guidebook coming soon.
What does Advocacy Mean?
Advocacy means finding your voice and being able to share it with others. We all use self-advocacy to educate and inspire change. Sometimes when we are out in public people may have preconceived notions about us. This can be from behaviors caused by past stereotypes to policies affecting us as people with Down Syndrome. That is the key element when we advocate for ourselves and others.
How can I get Involved?
1. Voting
- You can get involved by registering to vote as a role-model for people with disabilities learning the process to vote. Learn more here.
- View SABE’s website and voting information
2. DS-AMBASSADOR®
DS-AMBASSADOR® is an opportunity to build relationships with your elected officials at the federal, state, and local level of government to continually raise awareness, educate and advocate for public policy solutions that help the Down syndrome community.
Self-Advocates can get an opportunity to inspire social change to elected officials by sharing personal stories. This can benefit people with Down Syndrome.
- Anyone who wants to be involved as a DS-Ambassador® can learn more here.