"Emmaleigh continues to overcome obstacles with tools provided by NCDSA. With the financial support from people like you they will continue to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome and raise awareness in the community. I share our story of Emmaleigh's birth so others see how hard it was for our family not to be connected with an organization like NCDSA. It would have greatly impacted our lives from the very beginning had we lived here. If I could go back to that day and talk to myself I would say, 'Please reach out to an organization immediately and get connected to people who understand your journey'." - Christina, Emmaleigh's mom

#BuddyWalk #TBW2021 #TogetherAgain

Registration Closes 8/31

Only a few slots open

The Learning Program™ is an innovative program that serves as a platform for sharing instructional strategies, resources, and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome, equipping families with the knowledge and tools to work effectively at home and at school.

8/21 Triangle Community Group Playdate (Cary) 10:00 am

8/24 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

8/25 Noche de Mamas (Virtual) 8:00 pm

8/27 New Mom Social (Raleigh) 10:00 am

8/31 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

8/31 Learning Program Registration Closes

9/7 Buddy Walk Committee Meeting (Raleigh/virtual) 6:30 pm [email protected]

9/7 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

9/8 Teen & Young Adult Parent Support Group (Virtual) 7:00 pm

9/9 Moms Night Out (Durham) Blue Note Grill 7:00 pm

9/11 Family Farm Day (Hillsborough) 10:00 am

9/11 Eastern NC Community Group Picnic (Greenville) 11:00 am

9/14 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

9/21 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

9/23 Moms Night Out (Raleigh) Wilson's Eatery 7:00 pm

9/24 T-21 Club Fall Dance (Raleigh) 7:00 pm

9/26 First Call Committee (Virtual) 7:00 pm [email protected]

9/30 Last day to order Buddy Walk T-shirts



Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits Rule Change

Important update from the Social Security Administration regarding COVID-19 financial relief programs. The update includes information about Economic Impact Payments, also known as Stimulus Checks, as the funds relate to Supplement Security Income (SSI).

Housing Focus Groups

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) recently announced the development of a statewide Strategic Housing Plan for North Carolina. This Housing plan will provide a strategic guide to focus DHHS’s policies and decision-making about how to allocate resources to create and maximize community-based housing opportunities for people with disabilities who are homeless, living in an institution, or at risk of living in an institution over the next five years.

Challenges of Caregiving Survey



Caregivers! Your personal experience matters. LuMind IDSC has teamed up with NDSS and researchers at Boston University School of Public Health to learn more about the challenges of supporting an adult with Down syndrome.

If you are a caregiver for someone with Down syndrome who is age 18 or older, you are invited to participate in this online survey. Spending 25 minutes filling out survey questions (from the comfort of your couch!) will help Down syndrome researchers gain insight into things that matter to you. At no time will the researcher or anyone associated with the survey know your identity.

Why give to NCDSA

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is an effective, compassionate, and comprehensive resource on Down syndrome throughout North Carolina. NCDSA envisions a culture in which all people with Down syndrome are empowered to achieve their full potential and live healthy, productive lives as valued citizens within the fabric of society.