National Down Syndrome Congress Starts Nationwide Grassroots Advocacy Group

Supporters of the Down syndrome community are by definition a fierce group. Parents and allies often will do anything to create a better path for their loved one with Down syndrome.

The need for grassroots advocacy training and guidance is even more important with current political threats to supports and systems (like healthcare, education, and employment) that people with Down syndrome rely on. Now, the National Down Syndrome Congress is giving you one more way to advocate.

Today NDSC rolled out the National Down syndrome Advocacy Coalition or NDAC. The coalition will be a nation-wide, grassroots group of self-advocates and allies, working together to support policies that benefit the Down syndrome community. The program hopes to train volunteers to effectively engage with lawmakers and other change-makers to promote positive advances for our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Related: Advocates Urge Congress to Increase Funding for Down Syndrome Research

“NDAC will provide a formal mechanism to engage individuals – regardless of level of advocacy experience – in these efforts in order to maximize the power of our community’s voice,” explains NDSC executive director, David Tolleson.

There will be 3 levels of membership, and advocates at any level of experience (or no experience) can get involved:

NDAC Members: Volunteer advocates of all abilities and levels of experience. There is no selection process to be a NDAC Member, but you will need to be a NDSC member first (if you attend the NDSC convention you’ve already paid the $50 annual membership fee). Find out what other benefits you receive with an NDSC membership and sign up here.
NDAC State Leaders: Volunteer advocates with more experience, who will serve as the main grassroots organizers for their state. NDSC hopes to have two to three advance advocate organizers per state. NDSC will be rolling out this level of membership in the new year, and state leaders also must be NDSC members.
NDAC Group Members: These are local, state, or national groups that can be Down syndrome specific, but also cross-disability groups that want to help with outreach and sharing information. The fee for group membership is $20, and entitles one group representative to be the point of contact for NDAC. The group fee is waived if the group is already an NDSC affiliate.

Chris Newlon and her 14-year-old daughter, Rebecca

Long-time advocate, Chris Newlon, who’s 14-year-old daughter, Rebecca, has Down syndrome says the more training opportunities to advocate the better. “Advocating isn’t specific to one organization or group. Nor is it only for politicians or educators. The more we advocate the better, from helping little kids on the playground figure out how to approach a non-verbal child to speaking with our congressmen. Our goals, our focus, is to make the lives of those with disabilities not seem so ‘alien’ but just part of life itself,” Newlon says.

Related: How to End Organ Transplantation Discrimination for People with Down Syndrome in Your State

NDSC Policy & Advocacy Director, Heather Sachs, will be heading up NDAC and says she’s excited to encourage advocates of all levels to find their voice:

“NDSC has been involved in advocacy for decades, but we have really established ourselves as the leading voice on issues such as education, Medicaid, health care, transition and employment policy over the past year. We did a massive amount of outreach and grassroots organizing during the health care and Medicaid battles over the summer, and those efforts laid the groundwork for NDAC. There is a clear need and desire for more grassroots advocacy training and opportunities in our community,” explains Sachs.

Want to apply to be a NDAC member? Click here.

Are you a NDSC affiliate or cross-disability group and want to join arms with NDSC? Email lauren@ndsccenter.org

NDAC State leaders can start applying in January of 2018.

“We encourage everyone to become a member of NDAC and ask your family and friends to join as well. Given the constant threats to Medicaid, health care, education and employment, the NDSC policy team needs help from a large grassroots army to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Join us!” Sachs says.

For more information on the National Down syndrome Advocacy Coalition click here.

Tell me about your experience as an advocate, or what experience and training you would like to gain in your advocacy journey below.

November 2, 2017November 5, 2017

Social Media Gives Self-Advocates Voice

David Feit is a Facebook aficionado. The 39-year-old electronics firm assistant with Down syndrome has exactly 5,000 Facebook friends, and uses the social media platform like an open diary. The self-proclaimed “Funcle” (or Fun Uncle for those of you who aren’t in the know) first caught my attention by seeking me out as a friend, and then engaging me in conversation with each “Like.”

“Half of my Facebook friends I went to school with. Some are old friends, and went to school with my sister. Some friends live in my old neighborhood. I have a lot of parents with children with Down syndrome on Facebook” David described when we chatted via phone the other day.

I have about 10 teens or adults with Down syndrome that are my Facebook friends. I love seeking out self-advocates to get their perspective on Down syndrome and life in general. Only a few of those friends engage with social media in an truly independent way like David, and fewer still use it to advocate for themselves and others.

Read Related Post Here: Communication is Key to Self-Advocates’ Pursuit of Goals

“I think that David has learned a lot about the world from being able to navigate the web. He learns about people, places and things going on in the world. This is mostly the world of sports and movies, but he also reads about injustices in the world and it really upsets him and we talk about it,” explains his mother, Suzanne Feit. “David has had a lot of practice advocating too. He’s advocating for everyone in the world. There are no boundaries. He will advocate for himself, and everyone else who he thinks is being wronged.”

One of David’s recent post:

It’s obvious when you read David’s posts that they are authentic, and somehow he knows more about Facebook graphics than me. “I roll with technology changes. I’m nothing like my father, who cusses at technology,” laughs David over the phone. David’s mother started an assistive technology nonprofit when he was 4-years-old, but it was David who taught her how to Facebook. “My mother taught me and then I taught her on Facebook and texting. I’m the king of texting. I take the best picture of my nieces and nephews. I just know how to capture them. They’re my world,” David explains.

Let’s face it, Facebook and other social media platforms are here to stay. Facebook has led to the fall in power of tyrannical leaders in some countries, as well as a political groundswell in our own. It can provide a new world of independence and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Read Related Post Here: Self-Advocate Uses Fame to Spread Message of Inclusion

Especially individuals with Down syndrome, who can sometimes struggle with intelligibility. Self-advocate, John Franklin Stephens, used his Facebook account to share a testimony he gave to Congress pleading for increased funding of Down syndrome research. The thought-provoking video has been viewed millions of times, and is now spreading through the news media and social media in countries where Down syndrome is being effectively eliminated through prenatal testing. Read here.

But what about parents’ legitimate fears that social media may be misused or unsavory characters may take advantage of their child?

Advocate and parent of a teen with Down syndrome, Jawanda Mast, says those are fears all parents must face. “Our 17-year-old daughter, Rachel, wanted snap for a while and her dad helped her get that set up a few months ago. She does a lot of that on her own and has really enjoyed being able to connect to her friends. We watch her social media to be sure she is being responsible and others aren’t trying to take advantage of her. Facebook is not cool with the teenage crowd, but if she does want it we can help her with it,” Jawanda explains.

“What’s going to work on literacy more than being on the web and writing to people. I trust the universe to help and don’t live in fear. I do monitor his comments on Facebook when I see something that is inappropriate. I tell him that he must be appropriate and we work hard to help him understand that he is responsible for his actions and his words. Not much unlike the rest of the world right now, don’t you think?” David’s mom, Suzanne Feit says.

Read Related Post Here: Independence for People With Down Syndrome is Just a Click Away

My own 5-year-old son, Troy, is often better at navigating the iPad than I am. Although I limit his screen time, I realize that it’s that very same technology that will likely some day help him live independently like David. “I would encourage people with Down syndrome to have a Facebook, because you can communicate with friends and family about how blessed you feel to have them in your life,” David says.

Do you allow your child with Down syndrome to use social media or technology? How has it made them more independent or led to inclusion? How do you monitor their use of technology? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

October 12, 2017October 11, 2017

Our Family LENDs Unique Perspective to Medical Professionals

The Monday after a big birthday party is not the best day to have strangers visit my home. My house looked like Toys’R’Us exploded inside, and there was still homemade icing stuck in awkward places throughout my kitchen. Still, I made a promise, and I’m glad I did.

It was a “Day in the Life” of a family with a loved one with Down syndrome.

The Leadership Education in Neuro-developmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program asked our family to invite a clinical psychologist and disability self-advocate into our home so they could see life outside your typical treatment facility.

Clinical Psychologist, Kaitlyn Eichinger, with Troy’s brother, Hunter

“I’m so excited to get to see life from you and Troy’s perspective. I think this will change how I do my job in a clinical setting,” explains clinical psychology graduate student Kaitlyn Eichinger.

Most doctors, therapists, and clinical psychologists view disability from a pathology standpoint. When your goal is to diagnosis and treat, it’s sometimes hard to see past the disability. Also, medical professionals can sometimes forget that the parent is an expert on their child’s needs, and can provide invaluable insight.

Read Related Post Here: Ending Organ Transplant Waitlist Discrimination

The LEND program recruits graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and community leaders for a year-long interdisciplinary training program focused on improving the health of children with developmental disabilities. Spending time with families as part of the Family Mentor program is only part of the year-long LEND training.

Cincinnati Children’s LEND program is one of 52 programs nationwide, but our local program is the first in the nation to include self-advocates as trainees. Rachel Rice will meet with our family alongside Kaitlyn Eichinger, and will do all the same coursework.

“I like to prove people wrong about my disability. I was told I’d never be able to do office work, but I’ve worked in an office setting for the last five years and now work with Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities,” says Rice. I thought Rachel brings a great perspective herself. It’s not often I get to hang out with adult self-advocates with disabilities other than Down syndrome, and Kaitlyn and I both agreed she rocked it!

Read Related Post Here: The Link Between Sleep and Learning

Troy and his siblings were excited to welcome Kaitlyn and Rachel into our home. They showed both ladies that Troy is more alike than different, and is an invaluable member of our family.

The two trainees will get a chance to meet with us two more times, in settings outside our home like a therapy session or playground. I’ll be sure to continue to share our journey with Kaitlyn and Rachel. Although they may only be getting one family’s perspective, it’s still gives them a glimpse into the personal lives of their patients.

There’s LEND Programs in all 50 states. If you’re interested in becoming a Family Mentor click here.

September 13, 2017September 12, 2017

Self-Advocate Uses Fame To Spread Message of Inclusion

You’ve probably seen this incredible World Down Syndrome Day PSA. I’ve yet to watch it without smiling and crying simultaneously.

Gorgeous actress and model, Olivia Wilde, spending time with family, working, dating, living an ordinary life. But the voice is not Olivia Wilde’s. And the life it describes is anything but ordinary.

20-year-old AnnaRose is the voice behind the 2016 World Down Syndrome Day PSA “How Do You See Me?”

She says the video perfectly reflects her life of inclusion: “I want people with Down syndrome to be heard and to be treated with respect like everybody else. I think that speaking up is the right way to advocate for people who have Down Syndrome like me.”

The ad quickly became a sensation in and out of the Down syndrome community, but AnnaRose says a more recent accomplishment is what really makes her proud.

“I just graduated from Rowan College in New Jersey, and I’m so excited and proud of myself. I did a lot of exciting things to achieve my goal of graduating.”

AnnaRose says the best part of college life was being included on campus. “I’m a DJ at the Pemberton Campus at RCBC and I have also worked at the bookstore at the RCBC Mount Laurel Campus,” she explains.

This incredible self-advocate didn’t stumble upon fame and inclusion at college by accident. AnnaRose says she and her family have worked hard from day one to make her a fully included member of her school and community.

“I have always been in inclusive classes, ever since I started school. My classmates have helped me with school projects, sharing notes, following along, and learning acceptable behavior. I also have had to work sometimes to get my teachers on board with MY educational goals. I had to show them that I want to learn. In 2014, I graduated from high school and got my diploma. I was a member of the National Honor Society and an active member of many clubs in my high school,” AnnaRose describes.

She’s also been included in sports teams throughout her childhood, and in 2015 she was invited as a VIP guest of the ticker tape parade after the USA Women’s National Soccer Team won the Women’s FIFA World Cup.

AnnaRose takes her role as self-advocate seriously.

I had the privilege of meeting her this past April, as we both advocated for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome on Capitol Hill. There, she spoke with Congressmen about issues that impact her.

“For all my life, in my experience, inclusion works. Studies prove that inclusion works for everyone. But, there is still a lot of work to be done,” she argues.

AnnaRose says she is not the exception to the rule. “Inclusion is for everyone,” she argues.

For those who want to follow her path of inclusion, AnnaRose has this advice:

“In high school, you have to take serious, inclusive classes. Academics comes first. You have to be prepared to work hard in college, and that starts in middle and high school, even elementary school…

You should also take classes that you are passionate about so that in college, you will know what you want to learn more about. I took TV Technology in high school, and then interned in that classroom in college for my major, Entertainment Technology: Video and Digital Media Production. You should also make friends who support your goals, and who you can support, too. I have friends on both sides: with and without Down syndrome. That is important.”

The recent college grad now plans to look for a summer job in filmmaking, radio, or television. She’ll further her education this fall. ” I’m going to Rider University to continue my degree in Filmmaking, TV and Radio,” AnnaRose explains.

And while her ultimate dream is to work on or behind the silver screen, that dream also includes something most of us take for granted.

“I dream of having a strong group of supportive friends, and of being treated with respect by everyone I meet and work with.”

Congratulations to the amazing AnnaRose! Inclusion Evolution and the entire Down Syndrome community applauds you! You’re an inspiration and we can’t wait to follow your journey of inclusion!

August 29, 2017August 29, 2017

Communication is Key to Self-Advocates’ Pursuit of Goals

This summer I started a “Self-Advocate Communications Workshop” in my local area, and I’ve been blown away by the progress of the teens and adults with Down syndrome.

Honestly, I didn’t have many expectations for the workshop. I just wanted our local self-advocates to better represent themselves and the organization that supports them (MVDSA).

But watching our group of self-advocates rehearse for their role at our 15th Annual Buddy Walk literally brought happy tears to my eyes. I know it sounds cheesy, but they are really starting to act like self-advocates by communicating their wants and needs to people outside their family.

Our mantra for the workshop is “I Can!”

Many of our self-advocates started the workshop apprehensive to speak in front of strangers, to look someone in the eye, and tell others who they are and what they stand for. The “I Can!” mantra helped them put into words their goals for the Buddy Walk and life in general.

In our last workshop before the Buddy Walk our Theater Educator, Stephanie Radford (heavy on the “RAD”), brought in strangers to test the self-advocates’ new communications skills.

They’ve been working on:

conversational skills
non-verbal communication skills like eye contact and body language
improv skills
speech skills

The self-advocates have warmed up to us over the last three months, but we wondered how they would perform in front of complete strangers. We set up a practice advocacy table with games and brochures, like they’ll have at the real Buddy Walk.

Practice with strangers to prep for the Buddy Walk

The first interaction was a bit forced, but as the strangers started asking the self-advocates questions about their life everyone started smiling and having a good time. The self-advocates used what they’ve learned about eye contact and reciprocal conversations to engage these strangers they’ve never met. I was impressed! They know that people may have a harder time understanding them, but still they advocated for themselves and got the job done.

I can’t wait to see how they do September 16th at our Buddy Walk!

They’ll be the ambassadors of the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association; running our advocacy table and introducing national, state, and local politicians to Buddy Walk attendees.