At NDSS, we have always put self-advocates and their families at the center of everything we do. Over the years, we’ve heard you ask for national organizations to reduce fragmentation and unite. We listened, and today I am overjoyed to share exciting news: NDSS and LuMind IDSC are joining forces to deepen our impact and strengthen the future we are building with and for our community.
Moving forward, we will unite under one brand: NDSS. By combining NDSS’ deep advocacy roots, community leadership, resources, and policy influence with LuMind IDSC’s expertise in accelerating research and health equity, we will drive progress like never before.
What excites us the most is what this means for families. We are elevating our resources and adding research as a key pillar of our programmatic work. With LuMind fully integrated, NDSS now has the expertise and structure to accelerate treatment options and innovation for our entire community. Together, we will continue to lead policy change, transform research, and expand access to employment, education, and health. This newly combined organization will advance a more equitable future where every person with Down syndrome has the opportunities and supports they need to thrive throughout their lifetime.
As we begin this new chapter, I’m thrilled to share our renewed Mission: to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive. This simple, powerful statement will guide everything we do. Most importantly, we will ensure that the voices of individuals with Down syndrome and their families continue to shape our future.
While our work is expanding, our leadership remains strong and steady. I will continue in my position leading the National Down Syndrome Society as CEO, and LuMind IDSC’s Hampus Hillerstrom will step in as President of NDSS. Together, we will ensure this transition is seamless and that our united organization continues to grow.
Thank you for being part of this community. I am excited to continue this journey together, and I invite you to read more and watch our video about this monumental partnership.
With gratitude,
Kandi Pickard
CEO
National Down Syndrome Society