Volume 1 Issue 8 | August 2020
IT'S BUDDY WALK SEASON
Big Triangle Buddy Walk announcement coming soon...
Watch your inbox!
Where do we go from here?
The situation with COVID-19 continues to change and uncertainty remains about what the rest of the summer and upcoming school year will look like. NCDSA is monitoring the situation and will relay pertinent information that directly impacts the Down syndrome community. NCDSA has limited office hours in Raleigh and Greenville by appointment only while staff continues to work remotely. NCDSA can be contacted by leaving a voicemail message at 984-200-1193 or sending an email to info@ncdsalliance.org. For current information, please follow NCDSA on Facebook.

NCDSA will continue to host virtual events as we monitor social distancing guidelines and risks to individuals with Down syndrome.

Resources for people with Down syndrome and their families: NCDSA COVID-19.

Current and accurate information about COVID-19: CDC and NC DHHS.
What has NCDSA been up to?
NCDSA supporting families in June:

  • 7 Welcome Baby Bags delivered in 7 NC counties
  • 1 New to the Community Packets
  • 1 New Spanish speaking family connected to a trained Parent Mentor
  • 8 Moms participated in Moms' Night In
  • 5 Moms participated in Noche de Mamas
  • 12 BINGO participants
  • 5 People participated in the Teen and Young Adult back to school meeting
  • 156 Volunteer hours
  • Many more NCDSA signs were delivered to families across the state
  • Feedback from BINGO!
  • Nick and I love to play Bingo, it has become a routine, we love the board and the fact he gets to see friendly faces!!!
  • Thank you! Grace has loved the bingo nights! It's a welcome social interaction in a period with limited opportunities for her!!!
  • We love Bingo, thank you so much for putting this on.

Connect with NCDSA
NCDSA families, are you connected? NCDSA staff continues to update our constituent database. Please take a few minutes to assist us in this necessary task by updating your family's information. To keep up with NCDSA throughout the month, follow NCDSA on social media. Thank you!
Flamingo Sightings

Do you know someone celebrating a big event? A birthday, a wedding anniversary, moving to a new home?

Do you know someone who loves a good gag or likes to play tricks on people?

Have you been missing your friends and family and want to share some fun with them?

NCDSA has a creative way to send a special message to your friends and family: Flock them!

Donate to NCDSA and a flock of flamingos will roost in the yard of your choosing.

Think you need Flock Insurance - we have that too!
Calling All Tutors
NCDSA is looking to connect qualified tutors with families.
All ages, all abilities, all subject areas.
Paid and volunteer positions available.
If you are interested please fill out the Tutor Application below. You will receive a followup email with further instructions! 
Make a difference during COVID-19
NCDSA's virtual events are for school age, teens, and young adults with or without Down syndrome and include activities such as Bingo, dancing, and other fun activities. Check out the virtual volunteer opportunities and sign up today. You will be contacted by NCDSA prior to each event to ensure you are prepared. Thank you!
NDSS and Voya Cares® Entrepreneur Grants
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Voya Cares® are partnering to provide financial support to entrepreneurs with Down syndrome. Four grants are available for individuals with Down syndrome who want to start their own business or invest more capital into their company.

The grants will be awarded this October, in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. They will be part of a “Go Orange” awareness campaign by NDSS and Voya Cares® to boost the national conversation about the need for greater employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Three finalists of innovative individuals with Down syndrome will be selected to receive a $10,000 grant and one finalist will be selected to receive a $25,000 grant. Recipients will be chosen based on the creativity of their business plan, their goals for the future of their business and the impact they are making in their communities.
Teen & Young Adult Parent Support Group
September 9th - 7:00 pm on Zoom
Adulthood! Are you ready, anxious, looking for answers? Do you feel like you are in this alone? You don't have to recreate the wheel! Parents of teens and young adults with Down syndrome join NCDSA for a monthly discussion about the transition to adulthood for your loved one with Down syndrome. Together we'll explore the possibilities.
Outdoor Movie Night Down East
September 11th - 8:00 pm
Hey Eastern NC Down Syndrome families! Join us for a socially distanced outdoor movie night! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite snacks.

Watch Ferdinand and pick up your 2020 Greenville Buddy Walk t-shirts!
Moms' Night In and BINGO
Actions speak louder than words
The November elections are fast approaching. Candidates have realized there is a large untapped constituency in the disability community. They will be courting voters with disability related platforms. While this new focus is welcome, please remember these are campaign promises. Actions speak much louder than words. For incumbents, their history on supporting the greater disability community can say a lot about where their true interests. You can have a positive impact on the lives of people with Down syndrome. Please consider contacting your elected officials and ask for their support for legislation that improves the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. As legislative priorities are constantly evolving, contact Donna Beckmann, NCDSA Advocacy and Outreach Director, for more information: donna@ncdsalliance.org.
Volunteer Spotlight
Have you ever wondered how NCDSA gets everything to their large events? Have you ever wondered if there are big jobs to get done behind the scenes. Well the answer is YES and the "major lifting" is accomplished by John Andrews. John owns Andrews and Hamilton, an industrial warehouse and storage supply company. He has generously stored NCDSA equipment and supplies as well as provided moving trucks to get NCDSA where we need to be. Sometimes you will even see him driving the truck. John is the first to arrive and the last to leave the annual Triangle Buddy Walk! Thank you John!
Quick Links for Families
FREE Webinar 9/11
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Estate planning for blended families can be complicated, but it’s achievable with an organized approach.
COVID 19 has brought attention to the violation of the rights of people with Down syndrome if hospitalized.


FREE National Down Syndrome Congress three part Online Learning Series webinars for parents of school age children with Down syndrome.

Updated Down syndrome and COVID 19 Question and Answer document provided by national Down syndrome organizations.


Monthly Research Focus
T21RS COVID-19 initiative

At LuMind and T21RS, they are committed to conducting and supporting research needed to understand the following issues:
  1. Whether individuals with Down syndrome are are more vulnerable to severe outcomes because of co-occurring conditions
  2. Whether those with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for complications arising in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection
  3. Whether there are atypical responses to treatments of COVID-19 among individuals with Down syndrome, including their response to future vaccines.
NCDSA Board of Directors Meetings
Third Monday of the month | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Are you interested in serving on the NCDSA
Board of Directors or serving on a committee?


Turn your shopping into a force for good. Shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1630412 and Amazon donates to North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance.

Thank You!