Advocacy in Action
NDSC’s top-notch Policy & Advocacy team is diligently working to ensure that people with Down syndrome receive the resources they from the federal government to weather the COVID-19 crisis, and to make sure that their rights are protected in the process. Get the latest policy updates and stay connected with the NDSC Policy Team by:
- Signing Up for NDSC Action Alerts
- Following NDSC Policy & Advocacy on Facebook: @dsadvocates
- Joining NDSC’s nationwide grassroots advocacy program, the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC):
On Thursday, April 2, 2020, NDSC’s Policy & Advocacy Team held a webinar for NDAC members – NDAC Briefing on COVID-19 – to update on what’s happening in Washington concerning COVID-19. View Recording, Download slides for NDAC Briefing.
Check out Take a Deep Breath-IDEA implementation during COVID-19 school closings webinar done by NDSC Senior Education Policy Advisor, Ricki Sabia, were she discusses guidance issued by the US Department of Education on the provision of services to students with disabilities during coronavirus related school closures. In addition, frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and parent/student rights are answered by COPAA Legal Director, Selene Almazan.
View Recording
Download Slides
COVID-19 Policy Resources from NDSC’s Coalition Partners
Center for Public Representation (CPR): national legal advocacy center for people with disabilities. Up-to-date website with information and resources on policy aspects of COVID-19 crisis:
The Autism Society of America: advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through a strong nationwide network of Affiliates. Comprehensive COVID-19 toolkit including a section on public policy.
The Arc of the United States: national community-based organization with state chapters that advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Resources on COVID include latest federal guidance and recommendations and plain language resources. Sign up for Action Alerts from The Arc!
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies: leading subject matter experts on disaster preparedness for people with disabilities that provides resources, links and tools:
COVID-19 Education Policy Resources
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: national technical assistance center Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) that is focused on building state and local system capacity to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.
US Department of Education supplemental fact sheet on addressing the risk of COVID-19 in schools while serving children with disabilities and IDEA timelines.
US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights video on Online Learning and Website Accessibility affirming the need to consider all students.
State-specific resources from The Hunt Institute
Joint statement by COPAA, NDRN, Parent Center and NASDSE (statement supported by NDSC)