Volume 1 Issue 7 | July 2020
SAVE THE DATE - IT'S BUDDY WALK SEASON
Where do we go from here?
The situation with COVID-19 continues to change and uncertainty remains about what the rest of the summer and upcoming school year will look like. NCDSA is monitoring the situation and will relay pertinent information that directly impacts the Down syndrome community. NCDSA has limited office hours in Raleigh and Greenville by appointment only while staff continues to work remotely. NCDSA can be contacted by leaving a voicemail message at 984-200-1193 or sending an email to info@ncdsalliance.org. For current information, please follow NCDSA on Facebook.

NCDSA will continue to host virtual events throughout the summer as we monitor social distancing guidelines and risks to individuals with Down syndrome.

Resources for people with Down syndrome and their families: NCDSA COVID-19.

Current and accurate information about COVID-19: CDC and NC DHHS.
What has NCDSA been up to?
NCDSA supporting families in June:

  • 2 Welcome Baby Bags
  • 3 Prenatal Packets
  • 4 New to the Community Packets
  • 1 New family was connected to a trained Parent Mentor
  • 21 Moms participated in 4 virtual Moms' Night In
  • 8 Moms participated in Noche de Mamas
  • 31 Teens and adults played BINGO on Zoom on 4 nights
  • 200 Volunteer hours
  • Many more NCDSA signs were delivered to families across the state
2020 Covid-19 Crisis Appeal Update
NCDSA received a tremendous response to the 2020 Covid-19 Crisis Appeal. Through the generosity of individual donors and the anonymous matching donor, NCDSA is pleased to announce the Appeal raised $37,500 as of June 30th. Thank you for your continued support of NCDSA as we weather this storm together. NCDSA looks forward to finding creative solutions to engage and support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the greater community across North Carolina during these challenging times.
Connect with NCDSA
NCDSA families, are you connected? NCDSA staff continues to update our constituent database. Please take a few minutes to assist us in this necessary task by updating your family's information. To keep up with NCDSA throughout the month, follow NCDSA on social media. Thank you!
Buddy Walk Team Incentive 7/16-7/22
That's right, it's time to get a little friendly competition going among Buddy Walk Teams!

Registered Buddy Walk Teams that raise at least $250 will be entered into a random drawing for one winner to choose from:

  • Inflatable for the Day OR
  • Outdoor Movie Night

  • Contest begins July 16th at 12:00am
  • Contest ends July 22nd at 11:59 pm

Register your Buddy Walk Team and start fundraising today!


July's Moms'/Mamas' Night In and BINGO
Flamingo Sightings

Do you know someone celebrating a big event? A birthday, a wedding anniversary, moving to a new home?

Do you know someone who loves a good gag or likes to play tricks on people?

Have you been missing your friends and family and want to share some fun with them?

NCDSA has a creative way to send a special message to your friends and family: Flock them!

Donate to NCDSA and a flock of 50 flamingos will roost in the yard of our choosing.
Volunteer Spotlight
Brie Mackie is originally from Virginia where she grew up as the older sister to Dee who happens to have Down syndrome. Last year, Brie was instrumental in securing donations of food and beverages for the Triangle Buddy Walk. As a new member of the Buddy Walk Committee, Brie jumped right in and took charge of the responsibility of feeding a couple of thousand hungry and thirsty Buddy Walk participants. From pizza and hot dogs to gold fish and cookies, Brie and her volunteer committee did an outstanding job at the Buddy Walk!

Thank you Brie!!!
Congratulations!!!
Nicole Bell graduated high school from Friendship Christian School in May. Congratulations Nicole!
Thank You!
Inspired by the Todd Family of Virginia Beach to " do good things," Lindsay Holcombe founded If You Had Wings where adults with special needs build and market birdhouses. A ll proceeds benefit non-profits that share their goal of community acceptance. Each month Lindsay picks a local non-profit to support. Lindsay choose North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance in June and donated $1,500 to NCDSA. Thank you Lindsay!

Quick Links for Families
FREE Webinar
A to Zs of COVID-19 for Families and Individuals
with I-DD
Healthcare needs
Patient rights
Receiving services and more.

COVID 19 has brought attention to the violation of the rights of people with Down syndrome if hospitalized.


The Adult Down Syndrome Center of the Advocate Medical Group has a resource library and video gallery for and about people with Down syndrome.

Updated Down syndrome and COVID 19 Question and Answer document provided by national Down syndrome organizations.



Monthly Research Focus
Survey Ends July 16th

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has asked Global Down Syndrome Foundation to comment on Down syndrome research and medical care funding for the next seven years . Please take a few minutes and complete a brief survey to help ensure better medical care and improved health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome!
Infant Brain Imaging Study

Down syndrome research needs you. To better understand very early brain development in Down syndrome, the Infant Brain Imaging Study is recruiting families who have an infant with Down syndrome. During the uncertain time of the COVID-19 virus, we are currently not able to complete in person research visits. Ho wever, we would very much like to include new families performing as much of our research as possible. Infants can begin participation at either 6 or 12 months of age with virtual visits so families can participate safely from home. Follow-up visits at 12 and 24 months of age we be adjusted as needed for COVID-19. Virtual visits will involve phone interviews and online questionnaires. Compensation for virtual visits is $50. Families can contact Shannon Sweeney at shannon_sweeney@med.unc.edu  for more information.

American with Disabilities Act turns 30
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin – and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- the ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities.
Healthcare & Direct Service Provider Resources
The Office of Rural Health is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). They have issued a Request For Proposals for an initiative that will send up to 250 Community Health Workers to historically under-served areas with high COVID-19 caseloads. Starting in August, teams of trained frontline public health professionals will connect North Carolinians affected by COVID-19 with needed services and support.
NCDSA Board of Directors Meetings
Third Monday of the month | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.



Turn your shopping into a force for good. Shop at  smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1630412  and Amazon donates to North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance.

Thank You!