2024 Adult Summit Schedule
Modified Track

The Modified Track will cover the same topics as our General Track and is geared toward teens and adults with Down syndrome and others who prefer an environment with more guided supports, accommodations, and experiential learning opportunities.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

TimeSession
10:00 AMREGISTRATION OPENS
1:00 PM – 2:30 PMOPENING KEYNOTE GENERAL SESSION: The Lucky Few Podcast
2:30 PM – 2:45 PMBREAK
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

(Under 25)
Working My Way to Independence
Kristen Falcone
Zac Sappenfield

(25+)
I Want to Date! A Session for Self-Advocates on the Skills Needed for Successful Romantic Relationships
Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

3:45 PM – 4:00 PMBREAK
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

(Under 25)
Speak for Yourself: Taking a Central Role at Your Doctor Visits 
Dr. Alyssa Siegel, MD

(25+)
So You Want to Find a Job 
John and Mark X. Cronin, Co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks

5:00 PM – 6:30 PMNETWORKING MIXER
6:30 PM – 7:00 PMDINNER ON YOUR OWN


 

Friday, November 15, 2024

TimeSession
8:30 AM – 9:30 AMOPENING KEYNOTE GENERAL SESSION: Julie Hocker, MBA
9:30 AM – 9:45 AMBREAK
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

(Under 25)
I Want to Date! A Session for Self-Advocates on the Skills Needed for Successful Romantic Relationships 
Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L

(25+)
Lights, Camera, Action! Improv & Acting 
Anthony Ayala, Programs and Marketing Coordinator, Down Syndrome Association of Orange County

 

10:45 AM – 11:00 AMBREAK
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

(Under 25)
Living on My Own 
Zachary Owen

(25+)
Addressing the Mental Health and Wellness of Individuals with Down Syndrome
Annika Soderfelt, OTD, OTR/L

11:45 AM – 12:00 PMBREAK
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

(Under 25)
Lights, Camera, Action! Improv & Acting 
Anthony Ayala, Programs and Marketing Coordinator, Down Syndrome Association of Orange County

(25+)
Self-Determination: An Introduction for Adults
Ruth Brown, PhD
Richard Chapman, PhD

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM(All)
LUNCH & LEARN 
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

(Under 25)
Learn How to Be an Entrepreneur (Part 1) *We kindly ask attendees to participate in both sessions, as the content will build on each other.
Linda Anderson; Co-Founder, Celebrate EDU
Jenny Anderson; Co-Founder, Celebrate EDU


(25+)
What Does it Mean to Participate in a Down Syndrome Clinical Trial? 
Mike Raffi, PhD
Lauren Ptomey, PhD
Elizabeth Head, PhD

3:30 PM – 3:45 PMBREAK
3:45 PM – 5:15 PM(Under 25)
Learn How to Be an Entrepreneur (Part 2) **We kindly ask attendees to participate in both sessions, as the content will build on each other.
Linda Anderson; Co-Founder, Celebrate EDU 
Jenny Anderson; Co-Founder, Celebrate EDU

(25+)
Down for Dance 
Sari Anna Thomas
5:15 PM – 7:00 PMDINNER ON YOUR OWN
7:00 PM – 9:00 PMDANCE PARTY


 

Saturday, November 16, 2024

TimeSession
8:00 AMREGISTRATION OPENS
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

(Under 25)
Staying Healthy with 321go! 
Lake Murray (NDSS)
Margot Rhondeau (NDSS)

(25+)
Co-research: Exploring Health and Independence in Down Syndrome 
Ashley Scott
Co-Research Team

 

10:00 AM – 10:15 AMBREAK
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

(Under 25)
LIVin' My Self Determined College Life 
Olivia Adams-Falconer

(25+)
Advocating For Yourself in a Health Setting 
Amy Drow, NDSS
Lake Murray, NDSS

11:15 AM – 11:30 AMBREAK
11:30 AM – 12:30 PMCLOSING KEYNOTE GENERAL SESSION: The Lucky Few Podcast
12:30 PMCONFERENCE CONCLUDES