In 2006, 2007, and 2008, I was very fortunate to attend the NDSC National Convention.  It is difficult for me to express how wonderful this convention is, and how much it means to me to be able to attend.  I have met wonderful people from all over the country, and world.  I have been present in a group of people all walking in the same shoes I am.  I have attended excellent seminars on a variety of topics, all relevant to my daughter's life.  I have had questions answered, support given and received, and above all, just had a wonderful time.
     This convention, held annually, has more than 2,000 people attending, from 48 states and Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Puerto Rico and United Kingdom, to name a few of the countries.
     At the Youth & Adult Conference, for people with DS ages 15 and above, over 225 teen and adult self-advocates enjoy open mike sessions, workshops, dances and a wonderful talent show.  I am very proud to say that my daughter, Laura, has attended this part of the conference, and had a blast!
     At the Brothers & Sisters conference, for siblings 11 years of age and older, over 110 sibs have attended and had the chance to connect with other kids that know what it is like to have a sibling with DS.  Again, I am very proud to say that my daughter, Kelly, has attended this workshop, and had a great time.
     There are over 120 speakers and group facilitators that generously donated their time and expertise.
     Behind the scenes, more than 300 volunteers give thousands of hours of their time to make the event a memorable one for those in attendance.
     The workshops vary from year to year.  There have been workshops presented on many different topics, covering the needs of all ages.  Some of the subjects covered:  Enhancing Family Quality of Life, Oral Motor Skills for Infants, Successful Learning Approaches, , Community College Education Programs, Assistive Technology, Learning Math Skills, Middle School Issues, Speech and Language, Early Literacy, Dual Diagnosis (for the child with DS also diagnosed with other problems, such as ADHD, OCD, Seizure Disorder, to name a few). The Dual Diagnosis was split into offerings for all ages.  This only covers a few of the topics offered.  One of my favorite times are the sharing sessions for parents, divided into separate sessions for mothers and fathers, and then divided into age groups.  This is a great time to meet other parents, and get some great ideas.
This years convention is being held at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, July 16-18.  The GSDSS Board would like to help families from our organization attend the convention.  We have set aside money to help pay for 3 families to attend.  Costs covered would be the registration fees, hotel room costs, and an amount given to help cover the cost of food.  Transportation costs would be the responsibility of the person attending.  If you are interested in attending, please let us know by email, no later than February 26th.  All names of interested people will be put in a hat, and the names of the 3 selected to attend will be drawn at the next Mom's Night Out. 
 
As a note, if your children aren't old enough to attend the Youth & Adult sessions, or the sibling sessions, don't worry.  This is truly a family conference in every sense of the word.  Families with children of all ages attend the sessions.  I have seen parents set up the portable DVD players in the back of the rooms, put a blanket on the floor with toys for their kids.  It never is a problem.  The sessions are generally an hour and a half in length.  Many of the sessions are repeated another time during the weekend, so parents can switch out childcare if needed.  There are also pools at the hotel.  Not to mention Disney. 
As a note, Disney is offering the convention room rate for several days before and after the convention.  Those additional room costs would be the responsibility of those attending.
 
Please give this some thought.  Attending the convention is a wonderful opportunity, and one that has enhanced the life of my family.
If you are interested, please reply back by email.
If you have any questions, please email and let us know.
 
For more information about the convention, and to see past pictures, visit the following website: www.ndsccenter.org/news/events.php

Thanks,
Sharon Hughes