NDSC E-NEWS Post Convention

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Mission Moment

with Executive Director, David Tolleson

David Tolleson, NDSC Executive DirectorAnd 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.

We are thrilled to also be presenting a program just for our Spanish-speaking families on Friday, July 23.  For details about the event and to register, visit https://www.ndsccenter.org/annual-convention/convencion-del-ndsc/.

Whether or not you attended this year, I hope you’re making plans now to attend next year’s in-person 50th Anniversary NDSC Convention in New Orleans, June 22-26. Nothing beats having our worldwide community come together to learn, laugh, and love.

After the last two years, we’ve all endured, you and your family deserve the fun and joy of our Annual Family Reunion. Besides, who doesn’t love a vacation in the Big Easy?!

Until then, you can rely on the NDSC to provide updated information, webinars, and other resources, while also advocating on behalf of you and your family in Washington, D.C. It’s been a great half-century for the NDSC, and the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

David C Tolleson signature

Award Winners

The Annual Convention is also the platform to recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding achievement within the Down syndrome community. This year at the NDSC 49th Annual Convention the following organizations were recognized for their commitment to the Down syndrome community.


This award recognizes outstanding performance on behalf of students with DS. Nominees will be judged by their demonstrated leadership and innovation in creating or advancing best educational practices for students with DS.

 

 

 

 

This award recognizes an affiliate parent group of the NDSC, which has performed outstanding service on behalf of people with DS and their families. Parent groups will be judged on advocacy services, relationship to the NDSC, support to families, fundraising activities, and local and regional programs and services.

 

 

2021 Employer of the Year Award_Bitty and Beaus

 

This award recognizes an employer for efforts in creating employment opportunities for people with DS.

 

 

 

 

2021 Sig Pueschel Award - The Forney Family

 

This award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the NDSC.

 

 

 

 

Christian Pueschel Memorial Citizen_Jennifer Cunningham

 

This award recognizes an individual with DS whose achievements, service, and contributions have enhanced the value and dignity of people with DS and their families.

 

 

 

 

Pueschel/Tjossem Memorial Research Award – T21RS

 

This award recognizes research, which has contributed to greater knowledge and understanding of DS and has improved the lives of people with DS or their families.

 

 

 

Exceptional Meritorious Service Award – Dennis McGuire

 

This award recognizes an individual whose service and contributions to people with DS and their families have had local, state, and national significance.

 

 

 

President’s Award

 

The NDSC President’s Award is a unique award. Each year the recipient is chosen by the acting NDSC President for their impact on the DS community.

 

 

 

NDSC Board Service Award – Mar Warm

 

The Board Service Award is presented to NDSC Board members in recognition of the time, talents, and service given to the NDSC.

 

 

 

 

2021 Spanish Program

Familias los invitamos a participar desde la comodidad de su hogar en la 49ª Convención Anual del NDSC ¡Un nuevo día lleno de oportunidades! Videoconferencias en español, el próximo 23 de julio.

Durante décadas, la Convención Anual del NDSC ha sido la más grande del mundo para personas con síndrome de Down, sus familias, y los expertos que trabajan con ellos. Este legado continúa con la 49ª Convención Anual del NDSC que se llevará a cabo el próximo 23 de julio de manera virtual y con conferencias impartidas en español. Contaremos con la participación de expertos en síndrome de Down de EEUU, México, España y Chile.

Costo: $39 dólares y con acceso ilimitado por tres meses. Ofreceremos una pre-conferencia de 3 horas y 11 conferencias de una hora, habrá oportunidad de enviar preguntas a los expertos, un espacio virtual para los padres, y también tendremos una presentación de la obra de teatro “Cactus, sólo muere lo que se olvida”. La obra teatral es interpretada por personas con síndrome de Down. ¡No se la pierdan!

Para mayores informes: espanol@ndsccenter.org

Informes e inscripción : https://www.ndsccenter.org/annual-convention/convencion-del-ndsc/

Save the Date for the 2021 NDSC Soiree of Stars Gala

Soiree of Stars Logo

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Mark your calendar! You are invited to join us at the second annual NDSC Soiree of Stars Gala on Thursday, October 21, 2021. This event will honor and celebrate stars in the Down syndrome community. Proceeds from the Soiree of Stars will fund programs that address the Down syndrome community’s needs in the areas of inclusion, education, and employment.

 

Executive Director Search horiz

 

The National Down Syndrome Congress’ Board of Directors is embarking on a search for a talented and qualified leader to serve as the organization’s next Executive Director. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for providing strategic vision/leadership and executing/advancing objectives and programs based on this vision.

The next Executive Director of NDSC will be a strong, visionary leader who has non-profit experience and a record of strengthening organizations, delivering breakthrough results, and setting the direction for sustainable growth and impact in the future. Candidates with varied backgrounds will be considered, although ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience and success in the following areas:

  • Ten to fifteen years of increasing professional experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success and achievement.
  • Preferred candidates will have experience managing an equal or larger organization or possess a professional background in successfully leading large teams.
  • Management experience in the not-for-profit sector with a particular interest in those coming from human services, the disability community, or the Down syndrome community is preferred but not required for the right candidate.
  • Experience, understanding of and connection to the disability community.

The National Down Syndrome Congress has retained Spencer Stuart to assist in this recruitment. To nominate an individual, express personal interest in the position, or communicate comments, questions, or suggestions to the search committee, please feel free to use the confidential search mailbox ndsced@spencerstuart.com

A complete position description will be sent on request or can be found at https://www.ndsccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/NSDC-ED-Search-Announcement.pdf

 

Thank you to our 49th Annual Convention Sponsors

2021 NDSC Convention Sponsors