#GivingTuesdayNow – May 5, 2020

Since 1979 NDSS has supported the Down syndrome community. Now more than ever, we are called to advocate for our community’s rights and provide support to individuals, caregivers, and family members facing unprecedented challenges.  

While our events have been cancelled and our opportunities to connect have been moved online, our team will continue to work for you and the entire community. We’ve been answering calls and emails from families and working as a team to get them the information and support they need. Your donation helps us continue efforts including: 

• Developing timely and comprehensive resources for our community during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

• Advocating against discrimination in the rationing of life-saving treatment in responding to COVID-19. NDSS is reaching out to asking anyone to please share if you become aware of any discriminatory practices 

• Helping families to create personalized home learning plans and supporting school districts in modifying or accommodating their virtual learning for students with disabilities

• Supporting the NDSS National Inclusive Education Task force in creating resources, such as videos with exercises for speech, PT, and OT for birth through high school

• Advocating for bills that impact our community, like the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act, which would provide grants to assist in funding home and community-based services allowing people with disabilities to remain in their homes rather than in settings like institutions, and the All Dependent Children Count Act, which will address the lack of financial relief for eligible individuals who are claimed as dependents under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

• Partnering with Lyft to provide access to transportation for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in select communities

• Releasing white papers on the impact of COVID-19 on the education and employment of people with Down syndrome.  The Employment White Paper covers a variety of topics including benefits, employment supports and training resources. The Education White paper has tips on transitioning to home learning, educational supports and additional curriculum resources

We know that many people are not in a financial position to donate right now. If you are among them and are in need of support, please reach out to us. We will get through this together!  

If you are able to support our important work, please join us on May 5th - #GivingTuesdayNow. Thank you for being part of our NDSS family.