Monday, April 17 – Optional Pre-Conference Day
All pre-conference events will take place at the event hotel and venue, the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA.
Registration is open 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM in the Virginia Foyer
| Learning Sessions | Self-Advocate Sessions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | Time | Session |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Education (in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Congress) | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Self-advocates will participate in sessions covering self-advocacy basics, conference legislative priorities, and how to effectively share their stories |
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Employment | ||
| 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Health and Wellness (in collaboration with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation) | ||
Active members of the DS-Ambassador grassroots advocacy program are invited to attend the DS-Ambassador happy hour from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Members of the program will receive more information prior to conference.
Tuesday, April 18 – Legislative Training Day
All legislative training day events will take place at the event hotel and venue, the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA.
| All Attendees | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Session | ||
| 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast and Registration | ||
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Opening Plenary with Matthew Schwab of Matthew Schwab Speaks | ||
| General Sessions | Youth Advocacy Track | ||
| Time | Session | Time | Session |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Legislative Priorities | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Youth Advocate Morning Session |
| All Attendees | |||
| Time | Session | ||
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch with guest speaker Heather Avis of The Lucky Few | ||
| General Sessions | Youth Advocacy Track | ||
| Time | Session | Time | Session |
| 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Preparing for Capitol Hill | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Youth Advocate Afternoon Session |
Advocates are encouraged to get dinner on their own or with other advocates. More information will be provided to attendees on local dining options.
| Champions of Change Reception and Dance Party | |
|---|---|
| Time | Details |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Join the NDSS team to celebrate and honor members of the Down syndrome community who exemplify outstanding advocacy. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Awards will begin at 7:30 PM. Dance party to follow! |
Wednesday, April 19 – Hill Day
Hill meetings and the evening Congressional reception will take place in Congressional office building in downtown Washington, DC.
| All Attendees | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Travel to Capitol Hill. Group transportation to the Hill will not be provided. More information will be provided to attendees on transportation options. |
| 9:00 AM | Group photo at the Capitol |
| 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Hill Meetings |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Congressional Reception |