The latest news from NCDSA - October 2021

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Let’s Celebrate our History!

Did you know that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, but do you know how it came to be?

President Ronald Reagan signing the proclamation of October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month

In attendance (left to right) Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana (who introduced the resolution in the Senate); Madeleine Will, Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; George Will, parent of a child with Down syndrome; Diane Crutcher, NDSC Executive Director; and Tom O’Neill, President of the NDSC.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution proclaiming October as National Down Syndrome Month. In President Reagan’s proclamation speech, he cites that Down Syndrome Awareness month will “increase the public awareness of this condition and of the capabilities of those with Down syndrome.”

We hope you will follow us on our social media pages through October as we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Make plans to join us in celebration at the Triangle Buddy Walk or any of our other events this month.

Session 1 is currently underway!

Learn how to become a quick- thinking and problem solving master.

You must register to attend and the online course is 5 weeks long.

Open to ages 16 and older

Space is limited!

NCDSA T-21 Mom's Retreat

When: January 21-23, 2022

Where: Bay Watch Resort, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Who's Invited: All Moms of children with DS

(Children can not attend)

For information or to register Click Here

Horsemanship & Riding Event

NCDSA is partnering with Five Hearts Therapeutic Riding to host a horsemanship and riding event for our 3-21 Squad.

When: Saturday, November 6, 2021

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: Gala Farms 2140 Gala Farm Ln. | Raleigh, NC 27603

Spots are limited. Due to Covid-19 restrictions only one adult may accompany the participant. Only available for Ages 12-15

3-21 Squad serves as an opportunity for our middle school aged individuals with Down syndrome to socialize and spend time within their community. The 3-21 Squad was created for youth ages 12-15 in order to promote independence and social opportunities. NCDSA currently offers quarterly social events around the Triangle.

Volunteer Spotlight

Paige Barefoot is has been volunteering with the NCDSA for almost 5 years. She is the mother of Zachary and Lucas. Lucas just happens to have Down syndrome. Her work for the NCDSA has been monumental in the rebranding process. If you have a T-21 t-shirt or a Buddy Walk t-shirt from the past couple of year's Paige is the artist behind those designs. She mostly helps behind the scenes but NCDSA wouldn't be where we are today without her help. Please join us as we send our sincere appreciation to Paige! Thank you Paige!

Volunteer with NCDSA

Photo Background Moving Announcement _1_.png

Monthly Events and Activities

Click the individual link to register

10/13 Partee Shack Give Back Event 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

10/14 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

10/15 Parent's Night Out Give Back Event Clouds Brewing Taproom 7:00 pm - 9:00pm

10/16 NCDSA Learning Program Level 1 & 2 Session (Registration Closed)

10/18 Last day to receive Triangle Buddy Walk Incentives

10/19 Triangle Buddy Walk Committee Meeting 6:30 pm

10/19 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

10/21 Pre-registration ends for the Triangle Buddy Walk

10/21 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

10/22 Respite Night Providence Church (Raleigh) 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

10/24 TRIANGLE BUDDY WALK- Panther Creek High School

10/26 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

10/28 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

11/2 T-21 Club (Teen & Adult) Bingo (Virtual) 7:00 pm

11/3 T-21 Club Social

11/4 Mom's Night Out (Knightdale) Oak City Brewing 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

11/4 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

11/6 3-21 Squad Horsemanship & Riding Event (Raleigh) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

11/11 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

11/13 NC Down Syndrome Conference (Virtual)

11/18 Mom's Night Out (Wake Forest) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

11/18 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

11/20 NCDSA Learning Program Level 1 & 2 Session 3 (Registration Closed)

12/2 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

12/4 Pics and Cookies with Santa (Raleigh) 10:00 am - 12:00pm

12/9 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

12/9 Mom's Night Out Holiday Event (Raleigh) 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm

12/11 Eastern NC Community Group Holiday Party 10:00 - 12:00 pm

12/18 Improvaneer Workshop (Virtual) 7:00 pm

12/24-1/2 NCDSA Office Closed

1/21-1/23 NCDSA T-21 Moms Retreat (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Research Opportunities

Home Math Environment Survey Flyer_Down Syndrome_Revised.png

The NCCDD wants to communicate better and more effectively with you!

In the interest of improving our communications to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and the community, the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities has released a short survey to learn more about what kind of information our community is interested in; and what formats and channels they like to receive information.

The survey is open until October 25.

Take the Survey Here

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.

Support NCDSA

North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance | NCDSAlliance.org