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LSU Health New OrleansThe National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention comes to New Orleans!
NDSC 50th Annual Convention
June 24-26, 2022
At the Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Convention is a 4-day event designed to provide a meaningful and educational experience for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and medical and educational professionals who support the Down syndrome community.
Convention Support!
The Human Development Center’s registration support is now closed. You can register through the NDSC webpage here: https://www.ndsccenter.org/annual-convention/register-now/
You may be able to find additional supports from local organizations. Visit the PDF in the link below for services in your region.
HDC contact
Contact Jolie Robichaux at jrob44@lsuhsc.edu or 504 556 7524 if you have questions about this application for registration support. If your plans change or you cannot attend the convention, please contact Jolie as soon as possible so she may allocate your supports to another family.
Who attends the NDSC Convention?
The convention week is comprised of several different conferences and programs and is designed for PARENTS and family members, SELF-ADVOCATES (individuals with Down syndrome), PROFESSIONALS, and community ADVOCATES. There is also a 1-day Educators Conference that takes place on Thursday, June 23rd.
Depending on your relationship to Down syndrome, you will attend one of the different conference tracks within the NDSC convention. Please keep in mind that parents, family members, and individuals with Down syndrome will independently attend separate conference tracks.
Self-Advocates (ages 15 and older)
Individuals with Down Syndrome attend the Youth and Adults (Y&A) Conference. The Y&A Conference is the heart and soul of the NDSC Annual Convention. With the support of the NDSC Youth & Adults Conference Team, this conference is planned and presented by self-advocates for self-advocates. It is designed to be a fun, educational, empowering, and inspiring experience for self-advocates (individuals with Down syndrome) ages 15 and older. Click here to learn more about the Youth & Adults Conference.
Parents and Adult Family Members
The General Conference is designed for parents, adult siblings, grandparents, caregivers, and medical and educational professionals. General Conference attendees have access to six workshop cycles. Each cycle offers a selection of 90-minute workshops that registrants attend based on their interests. These interactive workshops are presented by world-renowned experts – from those considered pioneers in early childhood communication to those who have redefined the K-12 classroom, and others leading the studies in areas that affect adults with Down syndrome. Click here to learn more about the General Conference.
Siblings (entering 4th through 12th grade in the upcoming school year)
Siblings entering 4th through 12th grade in the upcoming school year may attend the Siblings Conference, a place to learn, be inspired, and grow. Attendees will be enlightened and encouraged to ask tough questions in a supportive environment. Participants will learn about Down syndrome and disability-related issues, including how to be an advocate for their brothers and sisters. The Siblings Conference is run by young adult siblings who are alumni of the NDSC Siblings Conference. Click here to learn more about the Siblings Conference.
Professionals
The General Conference is designed for parents, adult siblings, grandparents, caregivers, and medical and educational professionals. General Conference attendees have access to six workshop cycles. Each cycle offers a selection of 90-minute workshops that registrants attend based on their interests. These interactive workshops are presented by world-renowned experts – from those considered pioneers in early childhood communication to those who have redefined the K-12 classroom, and others leading the studies in areas that affect adults with Down syndrome. Click here to learn more about the General Conference.
Educators and Related Service Professionals
Educators can join the National Down Syndrome Congress for a one-day conference on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022. The Educators Conference is designed for educators working to enhance outcomes for their students with Down syndrome, autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Practical in nature, this conference will engage participants in identifying and implementing strategies applicable to K-12 classrooms. Discussions will provide strategies for educators to enhance instruction through effective reading interventions, differentiated and universally designed curriculum, technology, and behavioral practices. Attendees will leave equipped with ideas, tips, strategies, tools, and solutions that they can implement in the classroom.
See the Educators Conference flyer here:
Educators and Related Service Professionals who attend will also receive a certificate for CEU submission. Educators can also register and attend the General Conference as a Professional. *Educators from LASARD partner schools will be prioritized. Click here to learn more about the Educators Conference.
HDC staff presenting at NDSC Convention
The Human Development Center is proud to have several staff presenting at the NDSC Convention.
Educators Conference: Thursday, June 23
LASARD Director Julie Riley, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA will at the Educator’s Conference on “Utilizing Peer-Mediated Interventions Across School Settings.” In this session, educators will explore the utility of peer-mediated interventions, review the steps to implementation, and design a plan for their students, class, or school.
General Conference: Workshop Cycle 1 – Friday, June 24 – 1:30 to 3:00 pm
LASARD‘s Donna Hammons, Melinda Luna, Jennifer Boyter, and Lisa Davidson, LOTR present in the Educational/Inclusion category aimed at school-aged children: “Spring to September: A Timeline for Annual Transition Planning.”
General Conference: Workshop Cycle 4 – Saturday, June 25 – 3:30 to 5:00 pm
LASARD‘s Ali Kowitz, M.Ed., ET/P and Chris Champagne present in the Educational/Inclusion category aimed at school-aged children: “Collaborative Conversations: Student-Centered IEP Meetings.”
General Conference: Advocacy Boot Camp – Sunday, June 26 – 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Louisiana LEND’s Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Liz Gary, will appear in the NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp as a parent advocate. This 3-hour session is designed for beginner advocates but is also a great opportunity for seasoned advocates to get the training needed to take their advocacy efforts to the next level. RSVP is required to attend!
NDSC Advocacy Training Boot Camp is included with all General Conference and is an option for Youth & Adults Conference attendees. It features information from self-advocates who are making a difference through their personal advocacy efforts, parent advocates, a State Representative, a State Senator, and the expert NDSC Policy & Advocacy Team.
Click the link below to see HDC staff highlighted on the General Conference Workshop Schedule
Hotel Information
The NDSC Convention is taking place at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, where they also have a room rate for $167 (plus taxes) per night. You can claim the convention’s hotel price when registering through the NDSC website. If you hope to use HDC funds to cover the cost of your registration, please wait until your application is accepted on April 6th before registering on the NDSC website.
Once you complete your registration through the NDSC website, you’ll receive the link to the NDSC hotel block at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Registration for the NDSC hotel block will close on June 1. If you wish to modify your existing registration, please call the NDSC Center at 770-604-9500, as the registration system will not allow you to make any adjustments on your own.
NDSC Registration
HDC’s supports for NDSC Convention attendance are limited. If you have the means to register for the convention without registration support from HDC, please do so through the NDSC registration page so that HDC can use the funds to support attendance for others who do not have the means to cover their expenses.
Visit NDSC’s registration page: https://www.ndsccenter.org/annual-convention/register-now/
Give back to HDC!
If you are interested in supporting the Human Development Center’s mission though financial donations, please visit our Foundations page. LINK TO COME.