2019 Convention Insider ~ March 22
Registration Opens on March 25! Are you Ready?
Important Information Before You Register
As the opening of registration approaches, we hope that you will take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the registration system. We have prepared a video tutorial and a list of registration tips to help you have a great registration experience!
Pre-Conference Sessions
Attending a Pre-Conference session gives you the chance to spend four hours digging deep into one specific topic. The nine session choices, presented by nationally known speakers, are structured to include content that is research-based, shares best practices, and provides proven “how to” strategies. All sessions will include time for Q & A. Pre-Conference sessions require an additional charge during registration.
Pre-Conference Spotlight – Building Bridges: A Holistic Approach to Transition
A multidisciplinary team of experts from the key areas of transition including decision-making, financial planning, employment, independent living, and healthcare will facilitate this workshop. Speakers will also discuss advocating for real opportunities in employment and post-secondary education during IEP meetings and meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation and support services. We hope this session will provide the audience with guidance on navigating the transition process and developing an individualized plan to adulthood for your adolescent with Down syndrome.
For detailed information about all of our Pre-conference sessions:
Getting There, and More
Planning your trip starts with making sure you don’t miss a piece of the action! View the convention schedule to be sure you arrive and depart at the right time.
Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran attendee, there are things to consider when making your plans. We’ve put together several helpful tools, including Dining Options, Parking Information, Travel Discounts, and more. Pittsburgh has a lot to see and do, too.
Free Programming for Convention Attendees
In addition to more than 80 workshops sessions, networking opportunities, and two fun-filled dances, NDSC convention attendees have the opportunity to attend these unique events at no additional cost. Separate RSVPs are required, after completing your convention registration.
Advocacy Boot Camp – Designed to be an Advocacy 101 course, this four-hour session will cover the basics of governmental processes, how to engage with legislators and tips & experiences from advocates and self-advocates.
Research Roundtable – What parents, self-advocates & caregivers should know! The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Roundtable features renowned scientists and medical professionals providing the latest in research and medical care.
Research Rally – Start your Saturday at the LuMind RDS Research Rally. Enjoy a light breakfast, learn about current research projects, get up to date info from a panel discussion with Drs Capone, Chicoine, Hendrix and Skotko, and participate in pep-rally activities that will keep you engaged in research all year.
Educator Conference
Calling all educators! Join us for a full-day workshop for educators working to enhance outcomes for their students with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, as well as autism. This workshop will engage participants in identifying and implementing strategies applicable to classrooms from kindergarten through 8th grades. Discussions will include ways to further include students in the general education classroom through effective literacy interventions, differentiated curriculum, technology, and behavioral practices.
Practical in nature, the workshop will equip participants with ideas, solutions, and tools to implement in the classroom. CEU certificates will be provided.
Calling All Exhibitors
The exhibit floor at the NDSC convention is comprised of organizations and companies that provide information, technology, resources, and products and services to a large and receptive audience. Exhibiting at the convention will give your company exposure to the more than 3,500 people expected to attend.
We anticipate that the exhibit tables will sell out this year, so do not delay – register today!
