Overview
The NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team is comprised of disability policy professionals who are experienced, well-connected, and highly regarded national subject matter policy experts and leaders. The Policy Team regularly consults with the engaged, experienced, and bipartisan NDSC Public Policy Advisory Council that represents a diversity of viewpoints and experiences. Recently, NDSC coalesced its large network of volunteer advocates across the country into the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC), a grassroots advocacy service that is designed to educate individuals with Down syndrome, their family members and other allies about policy issues and give them the advocacy tools, techniques and information they need to effectively engage with their legislators to advocate for change. All NDSC members and NDSC Affiliate Program subscribers are welcome to join NDAC, regardless of advocacy experience.
NDSC recognizes the value of joining our advocacy efforts with other disability and human rights groups in both informal and formal partnerships. Currently, NDSC participates in the following coalitions: Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination, National UDL Task Force, UDL Policy Council, ABLE National Resource Center and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
NDSC periodically releases statements, announcements, and informational resources for advocates. Find our recent PDFs below.
April 2025
United Coalition for Down Syndrome Joint Letter to the Down Syndrome Community
United Coalition for Down Syndrome Joint Letter to Secretary Linda McMahon
United Coalition for Down Syndrome Joint Letter to Congress
March 2025
February 2025
Why Protecting IDEA and the U.S. Department of Education is Essential for Students with Disabilities
January 2025
Press Release: NDSC Commends New U.S. Department of Education Transition Guidance
Press Release: NDSC Condemns the Use of the “R-Word” and Calls for Respectful Language
- Policy & Advocacy Co-Directors Stephanie Smith Lee and Heather Sachs discuss policy and advocacy with Extra Lucky Moms (Season 2, Ep. 3. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.)
- Stephanie Smith Lee speaks with Disability Scoop about moving Special Education Programs to Health and Human Services
- Stephanie Smith Lee sits down with NPR and WBUR Here & Now, hosted by Deepa Fernandes, to talk about the future of the Department of Education (Produced by Ashley Locke)
- Heather Sachs speaks with Chief Healthcare Executive‘s Ron Southwick about the implications of cuts to Medicaid for individuals with Down syndrome
- Stephanie Smith Lee is quoted in Politico talking about moving special education to HHS
Interested in learning more about disability rights? Join NDAC!