Award Nomination Form

NDSC’s awards and recognition program was established to recognize individuals and organizations whose work and contributions have advanced the mission of NDSC and the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Award nominations may be submitted by any person or organization wishing to submit individuals or organizations for selection consideration by the NDSC Board of Directors. Individuals and organizations will be reviewed based on submitted information, as well as other sources that highlight the individual's or organization’s accomplishments. Self-nominations may be submitted for consideration. The NDSC Board reserves the right to consider nominees from outside of this process to ensure the furthest reach and thoroughness of its awards program. In addition, the NDSC Board may decide to not present a particular award each year.

Award Guidelines: In its evaluation of award nominees, the NDSC Board shall consider the following factors: Reach and/or longevity of the nominee’s work: Does the work of the nominee have a local, state and/or national impact, and how long have they been doing the activity (ies) for which they are nominated? Image of Individuals with Down syndrome: Does the program, publication, or individual promote a positive image of people with Down syndrome? Significance of Contributions: Does the nominee’s work address or advance areas of concern to the Down syndrome community such as medical, education, employment, independence, etc? Does the nominee’s work recognize the value of the person with Down syndrome? Connection with the Down syndrome community: Does the work of the nominee support or advance efforts of the Down syndrome community, that may include the work of NDSC? Items to consider including within your nomination: Focus on abilities: Does the nominee accentuate abilities, not disability? Focus on individuals: Does the program focus on people, not the condition of Down syndrome? Celebrate diversity: Does the individual or program celebrate diversity? People-first language: Is the nomination written using people-first language? Does the nomination emphasize the person, not the disability? Enhance dignity of people: Does the nominee enhance the dignity of people with Down syndrome? Avoid stereotyping: Does the nomination avoid stereotyping? Information accuracy: Does the nomination present accurate information?

Nomination Timeline: September 20, 2023 - Online nomination forms open. January 15, 2024 - Nominations and supporting materials should be submitted through the online form by January 15, 2024 Nominations should contain a 300 word description of the nominee’s work and why they should receive the recognition. Selections are made by the NDSC Board Executive Committee, after review and recommendations from the NDSC Convention Planning Committee. The NDSC Board reserves the right to not present a particular award each year. Committee Awards will be presented at the NDSC Annual Convention.

March 22, 2024 - Award recipients will be notified. July 25 - 28, 2024 - Awards will be presented in person at the 2024 NDSC Annual Convention. Date and time to be determined.

Contact information for person submitting the nomination (will be notified if nominee is chosen):

Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

Select category:*

Impact on the Down Syndrome Community: Exceptional Meritorious Service Award: This award recognizes an individual whose service and contributions to people with Down syndrome and their families have had local, state, and national significance.
Employment: Employer of the Year Award: This award recognizes an employer for efforts in creating employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
Self-Advocate: Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen Award: This award recognizes an individual with Down syndrome whose achievements, service, and contributions have enhanced the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome and their families.
NDSC Service: Sig Pueschel Service Award: This award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the NDSC..
Affiliate Group: National (Affiliate vs Parent) Group Award: This award recognizes an affiliate parent group of the NDSC, which has performed outstanding service on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families. Affiliate groups will be judged on advocacy services, relationship to the NDSC, support to families, fundraising activities and local and regional programs services and community activities.
Research: Pueschel/Tjossem Research Award: This award recognizes research, which has contributed to greater knowledge and understanding of Down syndrome and has improved the lives of people with Down syndrome or their families.
Media (traditional): National Media Award (television, film, print, online): This award honors outstanding national media efforts, which create a better understanding of Down syndrome and people with Down syndrome. The award recognizes programs on television, documentaries, feature films, national publications, serials, syndicated columns, and social media. National Media Awards may be presented for the categories of film, print, and online. The media efforts must have been broadcast or published within the last calendar year.
Media (social): Social Connection Award This award honors outstanding use of social media to connect the Down syndrome community and/or create a better understanding of Down syndrome and people with Down syndrome. The award recognizes programs utilizing various social media platforms and approaches such as podcasts, Tik Tok, etc. The media efforts have been broadcast or published within the last calendar year.
Education: Education Award: This award recognizes outstanding performance on behalf of students with Down syndrome. Nominees will be judged by their demonstrated leadership and innovation in creating or advancing best educational practices for students with Down syndrome.

Nominee name (individual or organization)*

Nominee Email*

Nominee Phone*

Nominee City & State*

Please provide a description of outstanding achievement

You may also upload supporting material below.

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NDSC 51st Annual Convention - July 25 - 28, 2024