Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 conference. Stay tuned for more details on the 2026 Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference!
The annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference is a transformative event that brings together advocates, families, professionals, and individuals with Down syndrome to learn, connect, and inspire change on Capitol Hill. The conference provides attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves in learning sessions, learn about our community's legislative priorities, and gain valuable resources to empower the Down syndrome community.
Conference Tracks
General Conference Track
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
- Breakfast
- The Champions of Change luncheon
- Our evening reception including one drink ticket
- Breakfast
- 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.
Modified Track
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 designed to support self-advocates and teens in developing their advocacy skills and crafting their message to Capitol Hill
- Breakfast
- The Champions of Change Luncheon
- Our evening reception including one drink ticket
- Breakfast
- Transportation to Capitol Hill
- Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill
Childcare
Childcare will be available for children ages 6 – 11. Childcare will not be provided on Capitol Hill Day 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 the pre-conference bootcamp and conference training day are sold separately.
Childcare tickets for the pre-conference bootcamp include:
- A half day of engaging activities
- A snack
Childcare tickets for the conference training day include:
- A full day of engaging activities
- Breakfast, lunch, and a snack
- Access to the evening reception
- Breakfast
- Transportation to Capitol Hill
- Pre-scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 30
Additional Information
Legislative Priorities
Click here to learn about the legislative priorities we advocated for at the 2025 Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference!
Scholarships
NDSS is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships each year to support passionate advocates who require financial assistance to attend the conference. These scholarships are crucial in ensuring representation and fostering inclusive dialogue at our event. Please check back soon for more information on scholarship opportunities for the 2026 conference.
Champions of Change
NDSS is proud to bestow Champion of Change awards, sponsored by PhRMA, 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. Congratulations to the 2025 winners listed below!
Stephen Beck Jr Advocate of the Year: Damon Kruppa
Individual Leader of the Year: Sarah Mai
Self-Advocate of the Year: Christopher Bennett
DS-Ambassador® of the Year: Dashiell Meier
Organization of the Year: Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Exhibitor Opportunities
NDSS offers the opportunity for advocacy organizations, service providers, self-advocate-owned businesses, and others to exhibit at the conference. Please check back soon for more information on exhibitor opportunities for the 2026 conference.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!
Champions of Change Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Coffee Break Sponsor
Self-Advocate Sponsor & Exhibitor
In-Kind Sponsors
Premium Exhibitors
Exhibitors
