NDSS & Advocacy

NDSS can best be described as an advocacy organization.  The mission of NDSS is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  NDSS pursues this mission through its four main areas of programming: the Buddy Walk, Community Relations, the NDSS National Policy Center and NDSS Public Awareness Initiatives.

Community Support Programs-NDSS leads a network of over 275 affiliate groups across the country, consisting of local parent support groups and other organizations that provide services to the Down syndrome community.  NDSS offers a toll-free help line and email service, several publications and the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource on Down syndrome on the web.

NDSS National Policy Center-The policy center strives to protect the rights and remove barriers for all individuals with Down syndrome.  The policy center works on legislative issues on the local, state and national levels, and partners with affiliates, families, self-advocates, experts and others.  The center’s work focuses on issues that touch every stage of life including education, health care, research and employment.

NDSS Public Awareness Initiatives-The purpose of public awareness at NDSS is to ignite a new way of thinking about people with Down syndrome, by turning the mission of value, acceptance and inclusion into a positive, comprehensive national public awareness message.  NDSS works with national media outlets 365 days a year and has partnered with Pedone Media on the My Great Story campaign.