NDSC News

Mission Moment
With Executive Director David Tolleson

After 19 years of service, today marks my last day with the NDSC. What a privilege it has been to meet and work with so many of you over the years!

During my tenure as NDSC’s longest-serving Executive Director, I’m proud of many things. Our convention has grown to be the largest of its kind in the world. We have expanded our outreach to many previously underserved communities.

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.

Mission Moment

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!).

Mission Moment

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.

Mission Moment

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.

Mission Moment

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