Join us August 16th as we kick off the 2023 - 2024 North Carolina Down Syndrome Virtual Speaker Series. This monthly virtual series will feature content experts covering important topics across the lifespan.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Access to internet service is important for job search, completing job applications online, checking email responses from potential employers and more. Upon employment, access to internet service is also helpful for remote services including reporting to Social Security. 

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program helps assure that low-income households can afford broadband internet service for school, work, healthcare, and more. It does this in two ways:

1. Provides a discount on internet service of up to $30/month for eligible households and up to $75/month for eligible households residing on qualifying Tribal lands; and
2. Provides a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Clip below for more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and application process.

Tailored Plans Delayed

The Department of Health and Human Services is delaying implementation of the Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans. Tailored Plan launch was scheduled for Oct. 1, 2023, but will now go forward at a date still to be determined.

Tailored Plans will serve people with complex behavioral health conditions, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Their behavioral and physical health needs are often significant, requiring ongoing care from multiple providers.

Congratulations to all of the 2023 graduates! We are excited to highlight our graduates, including siblings, and volunteers of all ages and stages!

Class of 2023 Highlight - Andrew

When asked how Andrew feels about graduation, he has one word to say, “READY!”

Andrew started going to school full time at 2 years old, attending both ACDS (the Association for Children with Down Syndrome) and St. Jospeh’s preschools simultaneously! His parents knew that not only was it important that he receive all of the specialized instruction and early intervention services that ACDS had to offer- but also to begin creating a “resume of inclusion” by attending the same private preschool program in their community that his sister attended. When it came time to register for kindergarten, they could then better advocate for Andrew to learn in the general ed setting. 

Knowing also that Andrew was eligible to attend school until he turned 22, his parents and IEP team found it appropriate to have him slow it down on the front end, and had him repeat kindergarten and the 4th grade- so Andrew has been going to school full time for 18 years! No wonder he’s “ready!” to graduate! 

Check out Andrew's full story below...

Save the Date

• Moms Night Out TBW Team Fundraiser: Aug 24
• Virtual Speaker Series: Sep 20
• Hispanic Families Social: Sep 30
• Triangle Buddy Walk: Oct 22

We are so excited to highlight Priyansh Patel and his various contributions to NCDSA. Most recently, he has taken on leading our monthly T-21 Club Socials, an opportunity for teens and adults ages 16+ to get together and enjoy an activity with each other.

Priyansh also works behind the scenes and helps us with our data and software. We are so grateful for all of his help and support!

Looking to get involved? Consider giving your time or expertise! We have in person and virtual opportunities available. No commitment is too small!