October 29, 2025

NADS OUT AND ABOUT

Board member, Heather Bernal, and future Self-Advocate, Charleigh Bernal, represented NADS at the Sterk Family Law Group Non-Profit Heroes Networking Night last week! They enjoyed an evening of networking and collaboration with other non-profit leaders making an impact in our community.

Sterk Family Law recognized NADS as a non-profit hero and interviewed executive director, Linda Smarto, and Heather last spring on their podcast. Check out the episode here.

PROMOTE AWARENESS

Spread Down syndrome

awareness with a yard sign!

Your yard sign spreads a message of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Quantities are limited! Get yours today.

PURCHASE HERE

Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY "Abilities Training" presentation for your school or workplace!

NADS offers informative presentations to spread our message of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with

Down syndrome.

In-Person and Zoom options available!

Email Anne for more information at areinertson@nads.org

Rock Your Socks: Collect donations to help promote Down syndrome awareness!

Declare a special dress day and collect a small donation from each person who participates with proceeds to benefit NADS! And don't forget to take a photo of your group so we can share your Ds spirit!

GIVING BACK

Penn Station is Giving Back to NADS during October

Buy Your $5 Coupon Book at your local Penn Station or add it to your next online order!

Thank you to Clover's Bar & Grill for supporting NADS by donating 20% of their sales on October 20!

SAVE THE DATE

The 2026 Fashion Show is on October 4!

Save The Date! November SAIA will take place on Zoom. Details will be sent on the Tuesday before.

November 5th: Guest Speaker on Oral Health and Habits 🪥🪥🪥🪥

November 19th: Friendsgiving 🦃🦃🦃

Are you a Self Advocate who is 16 or older?

Join Self Advocates In Action (SAIA) today!

SAIA is open to all individuals with Down syndrome who are 16 and older. We meet two times a month to learn, build community, and have fun. Most meetings are virtual.

JOIN SAIA

Do you have photos to share for our

#NADStrong campaign?

Please send them to bcovino@nads.org

Canadian filmmaker and his actor sister behind national ad about aging with Down Syndrome | CBC News

For Windsor, Ont., filmmaker Drew Hyttenrauch, it was the chance to do the production of a lifetime and highlight the issue of a growing need in the Down syndrome community - and one he and his sister are facing together.

'I love dancing with my friends': Purple Tutu in Alexandria gives special needs children ballet classes - WTOP News

Every Sunday, young dancers with Down syndrome are taught ballet by high schoolers in Alexandria, Virginia.

GET INVOLVED WITH NADS!

Follow NADS on Social Media!

FOLLOW NADS on Facebook @ NADSfan, Instagram @nadschicago, and LinkedIN @national-association-for-down-syndrome

Babies in Bloom

Come share your stories, triumphs, and challenges with other parents of babies and toddlers with Down syndrome! This group is exclusively for families whose children with Ds range from prenatal to age 4. Click to join the Babies in Bloom Facebook group

NADS DADS

This group is just for the guys: Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, Godfathers... Join for a place to share successes, ask questions, or just hang with other men who have a loved one with Down syndrome. Click to Join NADS DADS

Calling All Volunteers!

Want to make a difference in the Down syndrome community?

Come share your time and talent with us!

NADS is always in need of great people to help with events and activities! Please consider volunteering!

Click HERE to have a NADS member contact you!

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT

65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs? Be sure to inquire at work about corporate donation matching! Many companies even allow employees to submit match requests for one year following the date of the donation!

CLICK HERE to see if your employer offers this option!

REFER A NEW FAMILY

NADS partners with 46 hospitals in the Chicagoland area to support families!

Family, friends, neighbors - if you know of someone who has or is expecting a child with Down syndrome, we would love to connect with them! NADS gifts these families with a beautiful new baby basket and connects them with resources and supports.

If you would like to honor a loved one with donations to NADS, we would be happy to send you a packet of specialized envelopes for easy collection.

Email Blair at bcovino@nads.org

for more information.

Introducing Memorial Candles

NADS has created this beautiful candle to send to the families of people who passed when donations are made in honor of that individual.

Don't need anything for your special day?

Spread the love you get from others within the Down syndrome community!

Designate NADS as a gift recipient by setting up a fundraiser on Facebook or by simply sharing this link with your friends and family:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/nadsdonation

We are proud to be the 1st and OLDEST

Down Syndrome Organization in the country!

For over 60 years, NADS has been a leader in the Down syndrome community. Please consider helping us carry out our mission: "To ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of community life." Your tax deductible gift will help us continue to educate, congratulate, and spread our message. Thank you for your kindness and support of the National Association for Down Syndrome.

DONATE TODAY!

NADS | 630-325-9112 | info@nads.org | www.nads.org

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