Down Syndrome Conferences
If you are newer to the realm of the Down Syndrome tribe, you may not even know that around the world there are conferences that occur to unite, educate, and empower people with Down Syndrome, their caregivers, and loved ones. There is just something about being at an event with hundreds of others like you and your loved one that leaves a person empowered and uplifted. So, without further delay, here is a list of Down Syndrome Conferences for 2018.
JULY 2018
NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS
NDSC Annual Convention – Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas, Texas: July 12-15, 2018
What’s the NDSC Annual Convention all about?
Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the NDSC Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. However, for nearly all, there’s the one-of-a-kind NDSC “giant family reunion” feeling that permeates the convention weekend.
- PARENTS learn from the best, as internationally known experts come to the convention to share their knowledge across the life span of individuals with DS.
- SELF ADVOCATES join together with over 300 friends from across the world to learn, share, become empowered and have an amazing time!
- SIBLINGS share and learn alongside peers, from each other, as well as from professionals.
- VOLUNTEERS have the experience of a lifetime by volunteering in a number of capacities available.
Thousands of parents, educators and self advocates attend this annual event. Use it as way to learn, grow and empower your story. Make new friends and connections. Some families use this time to take vacations as well. Learn from the internationally known experts as they share their knowledge with you.
WDSC 2018
Down’s Syndrome Scotland will be hosting the triennial World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Glasgow, Scotland.
More than 1,200 people from around the world will attend the four day event from 24-27 July 2018. The venue is the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and it will be the first time that the WDSC will be held in Scotland.
Registration is open, to qualify for early bird rates register before 31 March 2018.
Deadline to submit a research abstract, practice workshop proposal, lived experience presentation proposal or performance proposal is 30 November 2017.
WDSC 2018 – Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Scotland: July 24-27, 2018
By attending this conference you’ll get the opportunity of a worldwide Down Syndrome community. This event is crammed full of expert speakers sharing their cutting edge research and knowledge with everyone attending. This will be an amazing event to meet and make connections from around the globe.
SEPTEMBER 2018
Rockin’ Mom Retreat – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona: September 7-9, 2018
Rockin’ Moms has online groups for moms of children with down syndrome. Click HERE to connect with a group. This will be their 4th annual conference. The goal of this conference is to gather together from around the country to connect, recharge and inspire moms of children with down syndrome. This event is for moms only, so plan ahead for childcare.
NDSS Buddy Walk on Washington Advocacy Conference – Registration for the 2019 Buddy Walk on Washington will open September 2018
The Buddy Walk on Washington Advocacy Conference is an annual two day event that brings the Down syndrome community together to advocate for legislative priorities that impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. During the first day of the conference, advocates receive training. They head to Capitol Hill on the second day to meet with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss legislative issues that would advance education, research andhealth care opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
Canadian Down Syndrome Conference: Annual event held in May
The Canadian Down Syndrome Conference acts as a platform to share current developments and information from experts in their respective fields, as they relate to Down syndrome. Information in the fields of education, aging, health care, research, and advocacy will be shared with members of the community in the form of plenary/keynote speakers, panel discussions, and presentations.
INDIA INTERNATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONFERENCE: May 31st – June 2nd 2018
The goal of this conference is to not just connect with others, but to reach out to the people in India and around the world to talk about Down Syndrome and to provide the right kind of information to them to enable them to lead better lives. They hope to better educate the public in India about the possibilities and potential of all people with Down syndrome. One of their goals is to facilitate networking opportunities and assist in providing direct support for persons with Down syndrome and their families throughout the country. They want to try to bring to the mainstream individuals with Down syndrome in India in the field of quality education. Another goal is to empower persons with Down syndrome to become effective self-advocates who can speak for their rights and abilities.
Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center – September 12, 2018
This is a one day event, in the evening. Join advocate, former lawyer, and SEAC Executive Director Erin Richardson and DSAMT Executive Director, Alecia Talbott to learn how to be a better advocate for your child with special needs. Attendees will learn how to best prepare for IEP meetings, when to use an advocate and how they can help, and how to successfully advocate yourself. There will be plenty of time allowed for questions & answers. A light dinner will be provided. Childcare will NOT be provided.
DSAIA Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Conference: Feb 28th – March 3rd 2019
The Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Conference is focused on improving the way Down syndrome organizations deliver programs/services and operate as a nonprofit. The conference also helps deepen the connection the many DS leaders have within the community while allowing them to learn and network with the best in our community.
The DSAIA Conference is designed for new AND veteran leaders from established or growing Down syndrome-focused organizations across the country and the globe. This is a great conference to attend if you are looking to connect with community leaders.
NADS: National Association for Down Syndrome Conference: Chicago, IL Saturday, August 11, 2018
This will be a packed event! Several expert speakers with topics like Speech & Language Support, Reading & Writing Skills, Positive Behavior Supports, Dual Diagnosis, Sibling Support, Employment ,Physical Therapy, Nutrition, feeding and Oral Motor, Legal and Future Planning, ABLE Act, Education and IEP’s, Special Needs Yoga and even a special break out session only for older teens and adults with Down Syndrome. Conference attendees will find numerous opportunities to broaden their knowledge about Down syndrome and expand their personal network of contacts.
Down Syndrome Association of Florida: Annual Event
This 2-day annual conference presents state-of-the-art information and best practices concerning children and adults with Down Syndrome, their families, and professionals that serve them. The pre-conference sessions, reception, and workshops are all designed to meet the needs of family members, educators, advocates, health care providers, and Self Advocates. The conference includes workshops intended to serve every audience. This is an annual event with nationally acclaimed speakers and resources! They also offer several summer fun groups and programs.
MDSC Annual Conference: March 23, 2019
Each spring, hundreds of people with Down syndrome, their family members, health care professionals and educators from across New England attend the MDSC Annual Conference.Attendees gather to hear the research findings and important information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome. They also share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families.
DSG of Kansas: January 26, 2019
This is a one day conference withl over 300 attendees. This conference is geared towards Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists and Parents. They will have around 15 sessions with a huge range of topics spanning the lifespan. This is a great event to learn, be inspired and connect with other families.
Why attend a Down Syndrome Conference?
Whether you attend a down syndrome conference for the latest expert advice on health, learning skills, and support or you enjoy making new friends that just get it, wrap the event up with a mini vacation and you’ve just created an amazing opportunity to learn and be inspired within the Down Syndrome community. These conferences are a great way to make memories and gain knowledge that will last a lifetime.
What Down Syndrome conferences have you attended? What did you love about the conference?
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