Mission Moment
with NDSC Executive Director David Tolleson
October is wonderful for many reasons – the arrival of sweater weather, apple picking, and trick-or-treating. But one of the very best things about October is that it’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month! NDSC families led the successful effort to convince President Ronald Reagan to establish the yearly observance in 1984.
with NDSC Executive Director David Tolleson
To me, back-to-school time has always felt more like the beginning of a new year than has the first of January. Whether as a child or as a parent, the start of a new school year has always signaled a time to wrap up the summer and start something new (and, hopefully, exciting!).
With NDSC Executive Director David Tolleson
It’s almost back-to-school time, and for some kids that means a trip to the doctor. Now, no one likes getting shot, but a moment of discomfort can have a lifetime of benefit for ourselves and for society. Never had smallpox? Thank vaccines! In fact, add polio, tetanus, and a host of other diseases to that list of diseases you haven’t contracted, thanks to vaccines.
with Executive Director, David Tolleson
And just like that, half the year is gone. But what a way to finish out the second quarter – this year’s NDSC Virtual Convention was outstanding! This was the world’s largest online presentation of workshops, Deep Dives, social engagement, and interaction for self-advocates, their families, and the professionals who work with them. If you missed it, you missed a lot. Fortunately, if you are a registered attendee, you still have nearly 3 months to watch recordings at your leisure.
with Executive Director David Tolleson
Now is the time to take a moment and register for next month’s NDSC Virtual Convention! We are presenting a carefully curated selection of workshop and Deep Dive sessions and an unparalleled collection of nationally and internationally known speakers throughout a robust six days of programming for the whole family.
Dear Friends of the National Down Syndrome Congress:
Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” For almost 20 years, David Tolleson has served honorably and unwaveringly as the Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC). I am writing to inform you that David’s last day of service with the organization will be October 31, 2021. We want to thank David for the gifts of his time, talent, and passion to the NDSC and to the disability community. David will be missed at the NDSC and we extend our very best wishes to him.
The Board of Directors has initiated a search process to find the next Executive Director for the NDSC. The Search will begin June 1, and we invite you to follow the process at www.ndsccenter.org and/or NDSC social media for more details. The Executive Search Firm of Spencer Stuart is working to coordinate and find our new Executive Director. It is the goal of the NDSC to have our new Executive Director in place by late fall. The board and staff remain committed to mission excellence and increasing our impacts on the communities, organizations, and individuals we serve.
Thank you so much for your unending support of the mission of the NDSC.
Shauntel Neal-Howe, President
National Down Syndrome Congress
Board of Directors
Mission Moment
with Executive Director David Tolleson
Now more than ever, it’s important that individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, and the educators and medical professionals who work with them have access to the best, most up-to-date information on a wide variety of issues impacting life with Down syndrome. Whether it’s early intervention, virtual and in-person classroom strategies, post-secondary education, transition to adulthood, independent living, employment, mental health issues, or something else, NDSC’s Annual Convention remains the biggest, best, and most important source of accurate, up-to-date information in our community. This year’s conference is no different. Because it’s virtual, you’ll be able to attend “live” or watch later at a time that works for you. And, unlike an in-person event, you don’t have to pick between workshops – you can watch them all. If you have a young adult, you’ll both want to attend our College Fair, co-sponsored by Think College. As with all exhibitors, you’ll be able to have your questions asked and answered through real-time video chats. You can also enjoy social interactions to whet your appetite for next year’s in-person Convention in New Orleans.
Mission Moment
with Executive Director David Tolleson
This month marks a year since we entered lockdown. While it’s too early to declare victory over the virus, as safe, effective vaccines are distributed, brighter days are in sight. Looking back, I’m proud of our work over the last year. NDSC’s Programs and Convention staff produced high-quality virtual educational and social programming in English and Spanish. We have hosted three Town Hall meetings on race relations in our community, most recently to discuss how both NDSC and our local and regional affiliates can do a better job of engaging families who haven’t traditionally felt welcome in our organizations.
Mission Moment
with Executive Director David Tolleson
Change is in the air as we begin a new year! The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines are finally being distributed – albeit not as fast as we’d like – offering the hope of future hugs, joyful reunions, and a world getting back to work. Along with our valued national partners, NDSC is working on comprehensive, updated COVID-19 information for you and your family. In the meantime, because so many of you are calling with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, we have prioritized the development of a COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ sheet. Look for it to release early next week.
Mission Moment
with Executive Director David Tolleson
I’ve never been so glad to see a year end! 2020 has been challenging for all of us, but now a new year is just a couple of weeks away, bringing hope and promise. At the NDSC, we continue to develop and execute programs and resources that meet the changing needs of families like yours. Early in the new year, we will launch our Ages & Stages learning programs with both free and premium options to serve everyone, wherever they are. Soon after, we will host the third discussion on race relations centering on how NDSC and our affiliates can work together to better engage all families in our community.