NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference

Elevate your Advocacy Impact

Transform your advocacy approach with our signature pre-conference bootcamp experience. Each intensive session will demonstrate strategic connections between NDSS resources and multi-level policy frameworks, empowering you to drive meaningful change from local communities to federal initiatives.  

Further details on session topics, agendas, and speakers will be updated and shared with all registered attendees as we approach the 2027 conference.

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

The General Conference track includes:  

• Pre-conference webinar and materials
• Engaging keynote speaker and policy and advocacy general sessions
• Champions of Change luncheon
• Evening reception, including one drink ticket
• Transportation to Capitol Hill
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill

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:

• Pre-conference webinar and materials
• Engaging keynote speaker and policy and advocacy sessions
• Champions of Change Luncheon
• Evening reception, including one drink ticket
• Transportation to Capitol Hill
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill

Childcare will be available for children ages 6 – 11 during the conference days. Childcare will not be provided on Hill Day, and children are expected to accompany parents or caregivers on Capitol Hill or have separate childcare arrangements. The NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference is a family-friendly event, and families are encouraged to bring their children with them to Capitol Hill! Childcare tickets are sold separately.

Childcare tickets for the pre-conference bootcamp include:

• Half day of engaging activities
• A snack

Childcare tickets for the conference training day include:

• Full day of engaging activities
• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack
• Access to the evening reception
• Breakfast on Hill Day
• Transportation to Capitol Hill
• Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill

Access our 2026 legislative priorities to see what we advocated for at the 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. The legislative priorities for the 2027 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference will be shared prior to the conference.

NDSS is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships each year to support passionate advocates who require financial assistance to attend the conference. Scholarships for this year's conference are now closed. Please check back later this year for scholarship opportunities for the 2027 conference.

NDSS is proud to give the Champions 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 were honored at the 2026 NDSS Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners listed below!

Stephen Beck Jr Advocate of the Year: Audrey Presby and Jeremy Fraser. 
Individual Leader of the Year: Macy Pohl 
Self-Advocate of the Year: Will Gibson 
DS-Ambassador^® of the Year: Andrew Wall 
Organization of the Year: DS Network of Northern Arizona

NDSS offers the opportunity for advocacy organizations, service providers, self-advocate-owned businesses, and others to exhibit at the conference. Please check back for more information on exhibitor opportunities for the 2027 conference.