Keynote Presentation: Addressing Bias in Healthcare for People with Down Syndrome

Progress has been made in reducing bias against people with Down syndrome. However, significant bias persists in health care as evidenced by the experiences of many people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this session, Brian Chicoine, MD, will describe bias in health care, define ableism, share clinical examples, and facilitate a discussion of strategies to address bias in health care and the role individuals with Down syndrome and their families can play in the process.

What to Expect:



• Sessions Presented in Spanish
• Full Day of Interactive Learning for Teens (16 and older) and Adults with Down Syndrome 
• Breakout Sessions for All Ages and Stages, including:
• Sleep Disturbances in Individuals with Down Syndrome - An Overview
• Is Sensory or Behavior and Can I Change It?
• Advocacy Skills Big and Small, Come Learn About them All!
• Supporting People with Down Syndrome in Living a Healthy Lifestyle
• Feeding Your Infant & Toddler with Down Syndrome: Advocacy and Action
• Finding a Dental Home: Strategies to Promote Positive Experiences for Children and Youth with Down Syndrome
• ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts

Beginning February 13th:

The NCDSA Black Families Community Group is hosting the first webinar in our 4-part series on Tuesday, Feb. 13th from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. The first webinar will honor Black History Month with our speaker Jennifer White-Johnson, a distinguished Afro-Latina artist, activist, designer, and educator, whose creative expressions delve into the intersection of content and caregiving. With a profound focus on reshaping ableist visual culture, Jen, an artist-educator grappling with Graves disease and ADHD, brings a heart-centered and electric approach to disability advocacy.

In Jennifer’s Black History Month tribute, she will help us connect with black disability advocates from our past, better understand the power of our disability advocacy, and provide resources to help us advocate from a place of emotional wellness. 

Register now to join us on Feb. 13, 2024, at 6:30 pm. If this is your snack or dinner time, don’t hesitate to bring your munchies and beverages with you as we learn from Jennifer and each other how to glow up and advance disability justice. 

More About Jennifer White-Johnson:

Jen White-Johnson is a disabled and neurodivergent artist and designer educator who centers Black disabled joy and futures in her work, informed by disability justice and Black feminist disability framework. Jen has presented her disability justice activist work and collaborated with a number of brands and art spaces across print and digital such as Target, Coachella, and Adobe Design. Jen's work is also permanently archived at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National African American Museum of History and Culture in DC. Jen has an MFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She currently lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband and 11-year-old son.

Research Study on Down Syndrome & Alzheimer's Disease

Research Opportunity for People with Down Syndrome and Immune Skin Conditions

Research Opportunity to Investigate Potential Therapies for Down syndrome Regression Disorder

February 21st: Promoting Mental Health Throughout the Lifespan for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Mental health is a critical component of overall well being. In this session, commonly seen mental health concerns at various phases of life will be presented. Topics will include life transitions, grief/loss, relationships, and more. Families and caregivers will learn practical strategies to help promote mental health throughout the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome in order to work to prevent more serious mental health/behavioral issues. 

Abby Rowley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works at the Adult Down Syndrome Center in Park Ridge, Illinois. She previously worked as a case manager in a residential community for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as in the school system as a social worker.

Save the Date 2024

• February 10 and April 13: New Parent Support meetings
• February 24: NCDSA Annual Gala
• February 27th: Moms Night Out Johnston County
• March 9 and May 11: Mentor Training
• March 10: Sunday Funday Family Social
• April 27: 2024 North Carolina Down Syndrome Conference

Sibshops Fun!

Our sibs had a blast at our last Sibshops event! We hope to see you at the next on on February 25th!

The 2024 NCDSA Inclusion Gala is officially SOLD OUT, however there are still ways to participate and support fostering an inclusive future for individuals with Down syndrome!

• Join us virtually for the silent auction (details and items coming soon)!
• Purchase a Golden Ticket for your chance to choose one of five incredible destination adventures!

Calling all NCDSA moms!

•  Help connect moms in our community!
•  Support your favorite local restaurant or business!
•  Find other NCDSA moms in your area!

We are looking for volunteers to host Moms Night Out events! It doesn't just have to be an evening event, daytime and weekend events are encouraged as well! 

Looking to get involved? Consider giving your time or expertise! We have in person and virtual opportunities available.

No commitment is too small!