The Family-Friendly GLOBAL Adult Guideline provides the same important information covered in the Full GLOBAL Guideline in a family-friendly format with helpful pull-out quotes, definitions of medical terms, large photos and font, and is color coded by medical topic. NCDSA will have printed copies in September but you can Download your free copy today!

• Entrepreneur Chris González and model Sofía Jirau are accomplishing great things as young adults with Down syndrome. The couple from Puerto Rico are living life without limits. Watch a recent segment on CBS News highlighting their successes.

Welcome to the World Little Ones

Monthly Speaker Spotlight

Special needs planning is a part of estate planning in which legal documents, resources, and long-term advisory plans are discussed and utilized to protect the financial interests and future of your loved one with a disability. This session will address common questions, available support, and how to get started with planning. 

Paul Yokabitus is a talented and experienced Estate Planning Lawyer in Cary, NC who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Paul attended Campbell University School of Law and later planted his roots in the Cary community with his wife, Alix, and his sons, Mason and Conor. His focus on the client-attorney relationship and the peace of mind of his clients sets Paul apart from other traditional lawyers. He believes in tailored strategies for clients, being authentic, and focusing on solutions rather than just documents and deliverables.

What parents are saying:

The learning program has helped me figure out learning strategies that work better for my child, that he is more receptive to and I have suggested those strategies to his teachers for implementing in the classroom.

Continuing to know that my child is capable regardless of her disability and the importance of teaching her in a way that ensures her success for better educational outcomes is key in advocating for my child in her IEP.

The sessions were great. As they were virtual, very convenient.

Parent Mentors

NCDSA's trained Parent Mentors are an integral part of the NCDSA First Call New and Expectant Parent Program. Parent Mentors walk beside parents on their journey and offer support, information, and resources. One of NCDSA's new families shared: "Our family was welcomed into this community last fall when we received a prenatal diagnosis. Connecting with the local organization changed our lives. My husband connected with a parent mentor almost immediately and I followed a bit later when I was ready. Meeting their son helped the fear of the unknown melt away."

Medical Outreach

Representative Training

The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance will host Prenatal Outreach Representative Training on Saturday, August 6th from 8am - 1pm. The purpose of the Medical Outreach Program is to raise awareness among medical professionals about local resources and support. This is best done by establishing relationships of trust between NCDSA and medical providers. The Prenatal Outreach Representatives visit OB/GYN offices quarterly to build relationships and distribute materials. 

Prenatal Outreach Representative training is offered so that representatives understand NCDSA's mission, vision, and focus of the program in order to represent NCDSA. 

If you are interested in participating in Prenatal Outreach Representative Training please fill out the survey by July 30th. 

Parent Mentor Training

Last chance to register

For new and expectant parents, any opportunity to connect with other parents who have had similar experiences can be invaluable. NCDSA will hold training for parents interested in becoming mentors to families that have recently received a diagnosis.

Prospective Parent Mentors should have a child with Down syndrome under the age of 8. This training is for parents to become certified in the North Carolina First Call Program. Training materials cover genetics, sharing personal stories, listening skills, resources for families, and role play.

Monthly Triangle Buddy Walk Update

The votes were counted at the Triangle Buddy Walk Kick-off and the winning color for the 2022 Triangle Buddy Walk T-Shirt has been decided.

T-shirt order deadline: September 14th

Individuals with Down syndrome registered for the Triangle Buddy Walk by September 14th receive a free t-shirt with registration.

Everyone can purchase a Triangle Buddy Walk t-shirt during registration but you must order by September 14th.

Volunteer Spotlight

7/21 - Noche de Mamas 8:00 pm (en Espanol) (Virtual)

7/23 - Hispanic Social w/ Gigi's Playhouse 11:00 am

7/24 - Sibshops 3:00 pm

7/25 - Community Playdate 10:00 am (Durham)

7/26 - Mom's Night Out 7:00 pm (Wake Forest)

7/27 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm (NCDSA Training Center & Virtual)

7/28 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

7/30 - Social Saturday 9:00 am (Ages 0-4)

7/30 - Social Saturday 10:30 am (Ages 5-10)

7/30 - Social Saturday 12:00 pm (Ages 11-15)

8/1 - Community Playdate 10:00 am (Fuquay-Varina)

8/4 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

8/5 - T-21 Club Social 7:00 pm

8/6 - Medical Outreach Training

8/8 - Community Playdate 10:00 am (Garner)

8/9 - Coffee Connection 10:00 am

8/9 - Moms' Night Out 7:00 pm (Nash County)

8/10 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm (NCDSA Training Center & Virtual)

8/10 - Parent Mentor Training (NCDSA Training Center & Virtual)

8/11 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

8/17 - 321 Squad Social Club (ages 12-15) 2:00-4:00pm

8/17 - NCDSA Virtual Speaker Series 

8/17 - Noche de Mamas 8:00 pm (en Espanol) (Virtual)

8/17 - Parent Mentor Training (NCDSA Training Center & Virtual)

8/18 - Community Playdate 10:00 am (Raleigh)

8/18 - Improvaneer Workshop 7:00 pm (Virtual)

8/18 - Moms' Night Out 7:00 pm (North Raleigh)

8/23 - Dads' Night Out 7:00 pm (Chapel Hill)

8/24 - Homeschool Meetup 12:30 pm (NCDSA Training Center & Virtual)

8/25 - Community Playdate 10:00 am (Knightdale)

8/25 - T-21 Club Bingo 7:00 pm (Virtual)

8/27 - Social Saturday 9:00 am (Ages 0-4)

8/27 - Social Saturday 10:30 am (Ages 5-10)

8/27 - Social Saturday 12:00 pm (Ages 11-15)

8/28 - Sibshops 3:00 pm