Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. But, for nearly all, there’s the one-of-a-kind NDSC family reunion feeling that permeates the convention weekend. In July 2012 our 40th Annual Convention will be heading to our Nation’s Capitol in Washington, DC. From your house to the White House, it will be an opportunity to share in the milestones of the last 40 years, advocate for continued progress through a Day on the Hill, and embrace all individuals with DS as they live the dream. We hope to see you July 19 -22, 2012 for the 40th Annual NDSC Convention.  Click here to go to NDSC webpage.

Advocacy Day on the Hill

For 40 years, the families of the NDSC have advocated for a world of equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Now it’s your turn! On Thursday, July 19th, the day before our convention begins, NDSC will be hosting a Day on the Hill – a chance for you to visit with your U.S. Senators and Representative. Training will be provided to help ensure that you have a great visit. It’s free and easy and can make a huge impact in this election year. While you’re in Washington, take the time to make your voice heard. If not now, when?

Souvenir Journal Message Opportunity

The NDSC invites exhibitors, speakers, vendors, families and others to place a message in the convention program, the Souvenir Journal. Inclusion of your message shows your support for the work of the NDSC and all of its affiliate members and assists us to better serve persons with DS. The Souvenir Journal will be distributed to more than 2,500 attendees. Messages may provide information, recognition, good wishes or may memorialize an individual. Business logos and photos may be included.

2012 Hotel Reservations

The Hotel Reservation Link for the Mariott Wardman Park is now open. Please visit the Hotel & Travel section for more information.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Registration will open March 5, 2012
Best Value Rate: June 8
Youth & Adults w/DS: June 8 (or when capacity is reached)
Brothers & Sisters: June 8
Kids’ Camp: June 8 (or when capacity is reached)
General Convention: June 27
Pre-Conferences: June 27

We need you to help us with these three things:

1)     Mark November 9^th on your calendar and add this giving link.

2)     Follow us on Facebook and Twitter  and help build the buzz.

3)     Spread the word!  Forward this email to your family and friends along with a personal note as to why you believe in our work, and why they should give on November 9^th.

11th Annual Buddy Walk

September 15, 2012

Save the date!

Techniques for Success, Saturday, November 5, 2011, 8 am – 5 pm, Frederick Fairgrounds, Null Building, 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD

Techniques for Success will be held  Saturday, November 5, 2011, 8 am – 5 pm at the Frederick Fairgrounds, Null Building, 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.

Topics:  

Our all-new list of speakers will discuss:

• Successful IEPs
• Moving Towards Independence
• Creating an effective teaching team
• Classroom Implementation of Universal Design for Learning
• Self-advocate success stories

Questions:

E-mail all questions to tfs@friendsoffredco.org.

Hosted by:

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County.

In a wonderful partnership with Chloe’s Cause Foundation, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will be selling mums this year.  The order form will also be mailed out with the brochure if you gave your name and address at last year’s walk.  You will be able to pick your mums up the day of the Buddy Walk, Sept. 17, 2011!  Please click here to download the Mums order form.  Also, click the bear logo to go to Chloe’s Cause Foundation website.

To order MUMS online at Chloe’s Cause Foundation, please click here.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. New Family Social

Date: Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Time: 1:00pm
Place: Kemptown Park (Shelter #1)
3456-B Kemptown Church Road
Monrovia, MD 21770

Over the past year we have welcomed so many wonderful new families. It has been great meeting and getting to know the parents and their special angels. We would like to host a picnic to welcome our newer families and we ask that the older members bring a dish to share and the new families who became a part of the group in the last year to bring yourself and your family. You get to be spoiled today.

So come out and enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and family. This park is well shaded with a creek and playground nearby. Please bring fun outdoor activities for the kids such as bean bag tosses, scooters, ride on toys, bubbles, etc. There may even be a water balloon fight so bring the kids bathing suits.

For the families who have been a part of FRIENDS for over a year, please select a couple items from the potluck list to bring.

See you there!