NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference

Elevate your advocacy skills with our expanded 2025 conference offering – pre-conference bootcamp! 

In response to your feedback, we're reintroducing an exclusive pre-conference day on Monday, April 28. This bonus session offers in-depth exploration of four crucial areas: 

• Employment & Policy 
• Health and Wellness & Policy 
• State Policy Bootcamp 
• Education & Policy 

Each course will highlight how NDSS resources connect local, state, and federal policies to drive meaningful change. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and amplify your impact in the Down syndrome community! 

Pre-conference bootcamp tickets are available at an additional add-on expense for attendees without disabilities. Attendees with Down syndrome or other disabilities can attend the pre-conference bootcamp sessions for FREE. Children ages 6 – 11 are encouraged to attend the childcare sessions provided at this time for an additional fee.

The general conference track is recommended for individuals with Down syndrome ages 18+ who have previously advocacy experience and all parents, caregivers, siblings ages 18+, and all other attendees. 

The general track includes: 

• Our pre-conference webinar and materials 
• An engaging keynote speaker and policy and advocacy general sessions on Tuesday, April 29 
• Breakfast on Tuesday, April 29 
• The Champions of Change luncheon on Tuesday, April 29 
• Our evening reception on Tuesday, April 29, including one drink ticket 
• Breakfast on Wednesday, April 30 
• Transportation to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30 
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30 
   

Please note: We encourage self-advocates with Down syndrome and sibling advocates ages 12 – 17 to consider attending the Modified Track, however, these participants may choose whichever track is best for them.

We offer a Modified Track designed with self-advocates in mind. This track is recommended for individuals with Down syndrome ages 12+ who wish to learn more about policy and advocacy basics and how to use their voice to advocate for change. Experienced self-advocates are encouraged to attend the general conference track but are welcome to choose whichever track best fits their needs. Siblings aged 12 – 17 are also welcome to join this track if they prefer. 

The modified track includes: 

• Our pre-conference webinar and materials 
• An engaging keynote speaker and policy and advocacy sessions on Tuesday, April 29 designed to support self-advocates and teens in developing their advocacy skills and crafting their message to Capitol Hill
• Breakfast on Tuesday, April 29 
• The Champions of Change Luncheon on Tuesday, April 29 
• Our evening reception on Tuesday, April 29, including one drink ticket 
• Breakfast on Wednesday, April 30 
• Transportation to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30 
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30

Childcare will be available for children ages 6 – 11 on Monday, April 28th for the pre-conference bootcamp from 1 pm to 5 pm and on Tuesday, April 29 from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Childcare will not be provided on Wednesday, April 30, and children are expected to accompany parents or caregivers on Capitol Hill or have separate childcare arrangements. The Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference is a family-friendly event, and families are encouraged to bring their children with them to Capitol Hill! 

Childcare tickets for April 28 and 29 are sold separately. 

Childcare tickets for April 28 (the pre-conference bootcamp) include: 

• A half day of engaging activities on Monday, April 28 
• A snack 

Childcare tickets for April 29 (the conference training day) include: 

• A full day of engaging activities on Tuesday, April 29 
• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack 
• Access to the evening reception on Tuesday, April 29 
• Breakfast on Wednesday, April 30 
• Transportation to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30 
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30

NDSS is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships each year to support passionate advocates who require financial assistance to attend the conference. We're excited to announce that scholarship applications for the 2025 conference will be open from October 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025. You can apply here. 

These scholarships are crucial in ensuring representation and fostering inclusive dialogue at our event. We encourage eligible participants to apply early, as funds are limited. 

Additionally, we recommend exploring potential support or group discounts through your local Down syndrome organization. To connect with your nearest group, please click here. For more details or questions on the application process and selection criteria email policy@ndss.org

NDSS is proud to bestow Champion of Change awards to individuals and organizations who advocate for the Down syndrome community in their local communities and at all levels of government. Awardees are nominated by peers and honored at the annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.  Submit your nominations for the Champions of Change awards!

NDSS offers the opportunity for advocacy organizations, service providers, self-advocate-owned businesses, and others to exhibit on Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29. For more information on exhibitor opportunities, please contact policy@ndss.org.