Volume 1 Issue 2 | December 2019
Get Ready to Make an Impact
Giving Tuesday is tomorrow - Set your reminder for 8:00 am!
Please help the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance bring the iCan Bike Camp back to the Triangle for a 2nd year. Your donation allows us to host people with Down syndrome and allow them to experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike. Bike riding is a rite of passage. However, people with Down syndrome must overcome many obstacles to experience the same bliss that others enjoy. You can help change that!

In order to bring this life changing program to the Triangle community again, NCDSA needs to raise $15,000. Any gift made on GIVING TUESDAY will be matched dollar for dollar by Facebook and Paypal!

 Please consider Giving Tuesday the day to change a child and adult's life forever by giving them the freedom of learning to ride a bike!

Donations made on Facebook on December 3rd at 8:00 a.m. will be MATCHED!

Bicycle Recycle Event
Girl Scout Troop 4874 invites your family to shop for a free gently used bicycle on Saturday, December 7th from from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the rear of the Mayton Inn (301 South Academy Street) in their Garage in Cary. You are welcome to "shop" for the bike that your child can enjoy throughout the year! Individuals with Down syndrome and their siblings are welcome. Parents may also attend without their children if they would like to use the bike as a Christmas Gift.

Parent Mentor Training
Are you the parent of a child with Down syndrome under the age of 8 and would like to mentor a new family as they begin their journey? If so, please save the date for the NCDSA Parent Mentor Training. For new and expectant parents, any opportunity to connect with other parents who have had similar experiences can be invaluable. NCDSA will hold a training for parents interested in becoming mentors. Potential mentors must attend the full training and be willing to commit to consistent contact with new families for up to one year. Families who have experience with adoption, medically fragile children, or are bi-lingual are encouraged to participate.

Training will be held in Raleigh at the NCDSA office. Advance registration is required. For more information, please contact Mahala Turner, NCDSA Family Support Specialist, at mahala@ncdsalliance.org .
CHOICE - choice is one thing families want for their loved one with Down syndrome and is often out of reach. ABLE Accounts offer choice for individuals with Down syndrome. However, the future of ABLE Accounts is in jeopardy. O nly people whose disabilities occurred prior to age 26 are currently eligible for ABLE accounts.

The National Down Syndrome Advocacy Council reports that "There are currently over 40 states with ABLE programs. However, the National Association of State Treasurers reports that enrollment in ABLE programs is too low to maintain self-sustainability and continue to offer a robust choice of ABLE plans with low fees. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act would significantly expand the pool of eligible ABLE participants and increase enrollment, addressing this challenge."
We need you to get Senator Richard Burr to cosponsor the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. He is one of the champions of the original ABLE bill. His support is critical because he is on the Senate Finance Committee. The ABLE Age Adjustment bill has a very good chance of being included in an end of year package legislation but Senator Burr’s office has told us they need to hear from constituents. We are stronger together and your help is needed. Please Tweet , post to FaceBook , call or email Senator Burr. MORE INFO

Volunteer Spotlight
Thank you
Kayla Christy grew up in Kannapolis, NC and graduated from UNCC. She has been heavily involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte for the past 6 years attending Camp Horizon as a 1-on-1 volunteer every August and volunteering at their Buddy Walk and Christmas festivities each year. Now that she has moved to Raleigh you will see her helping out with the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance in any way possible.
She was an integral part of hosting our teens and adults at the NC Down Syndrome Conference and the Triangle Buddy Walk. Kayla loves kids with Down syndrome, her dachshund named Roscoe, and Christmas is her favorite time of year. "People with Down syndrome have impacted my life in every positive way possible. The light they give off is so radiant, and although I do not have any family ties - I like to feel like all the DSAGC is my family, and hopefully NCDSA will be to." Thank you Kayla - welcome to the family!

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For more info - email mahala@ncdsalliance.org

Saturday, February 8th at the Crabtree Marriott is the place to be for fun, great food, and karaoke. Join NCDSA as we continue to raise awareness and funds for our empowerment programs. Save the date and get your tickets. Tickets go ON SALE 12/9/19 for the 2020 Mardi Gras Party!


PALS creates immersive experiences where young adults with Down syndrome and their peers have fun, grow as individuals, and build transformative friendships. Volunteer and Campers can check out the 2020 Summer schedule.
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Buddy Walk on Washington Comes to North Carolina
You’ve heard of the Buddy Walk® on Washington Advocacy Conference, but in 2020 the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is bringing you the first Buddy Walk® to End #LawSyndrome — Coming to a Congressional district near you! 

What is the Buddy Walk® to End #LawSyndrome? This event does not include a walk or festival-like activities that occur at our local Buddy Walk® and it is not an advocacy day. It is a local, in-district, grassroots strategy effort coordinated by the advocacy and policy team at the NDSS. Join the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance as we bring important information to our Senators and Congressmen/women here in North Carolina. Register to participate with the NDSS today!
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Upcoming Events


December 1st: PALS Program Volunteer Application Opens

December 7th: NCDSA & Gigi's Holiday Party Colonial Baptist Church (Cary) 10:00 a.m.

December 7th: Moms' Night Out KickBack Jacks (Fayetteville) 5:00 p.m.

December 11th: Marbles Family Fun Night (Raleigh) 5:30 p.m.

December 11th: Dads' Night Out Mash House Brewing Company (Fayetteville)

December 14th: Christmas Party with Santa/Buddy Walk Kickoff (Greenville) 11:00 a.m.

December 24th - January 1st: NCDSA Office Closed

January 1st: PALS Program Camper Application Opens

January 11th: New Parent Support Meeting (Raleigh) 10:00 a.m.

January 11th: Parent Mentor Training (Raleigh) 10:00 a.m.

January 13th: Dads' Nigh Out Lynnwood Brewing Concern (Raleigh) 6:00 p.m.

February 8th: Mardi Gras Party (Raleigh)
Connect with NCDSA on Social Media
Stay current and in the know with NCDSA
NCDSA Board of Directors Meetings

Third Monday of the month | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
December 16th (Holiday Social)

What your end of year giving impacts!
Your generosity helps us embrace new families with welcome baby bags and provide new and expectant mothers with up-to-date and accurate information about Down syndrome. 
Among other things, your support helps to educate healthcare professionals on how to deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome and provide special healthcare guidelines for people with Down syndrome. Whether a monetary donation, volunteering, or in-kind support, we thank you!