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March 19, 2025

The mission of the National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) is to

💙Provide families with members with Down syndrome information and resources to enable them to access and evaluate appropriate services.

💛Educate the public about Down syndrome.

💙Address social policy issues and challenges facing the Down syndrome community.

💛Facilitate and encourage active participation by self-advocates and families in the delivery of education, vocational, residential and other services for persons with Down syndrome.

Consider a donation to NADS this week in honor of

World Down Syndrome Day!

NADS Recognized by Cook County Board

NADS had the great honor of accepting a resolution on World Down Syndrome Day from the Cook County Board on Thursday, March 13! Executive Director, Linda Smarto, and Self-Advocate, Julia Smarto, both spoke before the Board on behalf of NADS and the Down syndrome community.

NADS Educates

Over 1,000 Students!

Anne Reinertson, Program and Outreach Coordinator, presented to 5th and 6th grade students at Woodland Hills Intermediate School in Gurnee! Students learned about Down syndrome: awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

NADS offers informative "Abilities Training" presentations to schools and workplaces? Email Anne to schedule a complimentary presentation today!

areinertson@nads.org

🥳World Down Syndrome Day Family Celebration this Friday 3-21!

We are expecting over 150 people to join us as we celebrate those we love with Down syndrome! If you missed the registration deadline but would like to join us, please contact Blair Covino.

bcovino@nads.org

Did You Know?

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.

Refer a Family Here

Visit the NADS website to purchase 2025 yard signs, NADS' branded gear, and Down syndrome t-shirts and accessories. Merchandise will also be for sale at the event on 3-21.

PURCHASE HERE

PIGMINTSHOP.COM is donating proceeds to NADS from crazy sock purchases through 3-21!

Register for "8 Must-Know IEP Strategies for Better Support and Inclusion"

April 3 @ 6:30 PM CST

This free, online workshop will be presented by Catherine, Kahl, M.ED., Master IEP Coach.

Do you have photos to share for our

#NADStrong campaign?

Please send them to bcovino@nads.org

Thanks to everyone who joined our

St. Patrick's Day-Lucky Trivia last week!

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. Sign up below to join us!

JOIN SAIA

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, March 26

7PM on Zoom

Charades!

Billboards In Several Major Cities To Showcase People With Down Syndrome

The accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome will be on display in a big way as part of an awareness campaign springing up in cities across the country.

Gen Z Woman shares important message after learning baby has Down syndrome

Nicole Warner, 27, aims to be an advocate for families who get the diagnosis.

Maximize Your Impact!

Did you know that 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 1 year following the date of the donation!

CLICK HERE to see if your employer offers this option!

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 Covino for more information.

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

Grow Your NADStrong Community

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.

JOIN HERE

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.

JOIN HERE

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!

We are proud to be the 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