Advocacy

Advocacy involves actions taken by concerned citizens to demonstrate their support for an issue. In the case of Down syndrome advocacy, these issues are usually related to healthcare and research, education, economic self-sufficiency and employment and integration into the community. It is important that advocates for the Down syndrome community engage with federal, state and local government and make their voices heard.

Source: www.ndss.org

Ways to Participate

• Join DSANI’s Advocacy committee

• Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st every year

• Advocate for your loved one with Down Syndrome during Down Syndrome Awareness Month

• Walk in our annual DSANI Buddy Walk

• Join us at the NDSS Buddy Walk on Washington

• Join us at other DSANI events

DSANI’s Advocacy Committee

DSANI’s Advocacy committee consists of individuals from our board as well as regular DSANI members. The committee meets quarterly to discuss advocacy efforts which are important to DSANI families. Meetings vary in structure and content and can sometimes be pretty informal such as meeting over coffee at a local coffee shop.

Find Your Legislators

Communicating with your legislators doesn’t have to be scary or complex. Your legislators are moms, dads, sons and daughters just like you. They can usually relate and always like to hear from their constituents. It’s important that they hear our stories and concerns on topics which are important to you and your loved ones. Quick and simple ways to contact legislators are e-mail, phone calls and personal letters. Click here for an example of a letter/e-mail.
Click here to see who your legislators are: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/

Once you find your legislator, click on their name for e-mail address

How A Bill Becomes A Law

http://iga.in.gov/information/bill_becomes_law/

Advocacy from DSANI Partners and Affiliates

National Down Syndrome Society

• NDSS Legislative Agenda

• #DSWORKS

• #DSVOTES

• NDSS DS Ambassador Program

National Association for Down Syndrome Society

• https://www.nads.org/

Check out these Awesome Advocacy Resources!

• Tips for Effective Advocacy Through a Pandemic Flyer

• Awesome NDSC resource called Your Voice, Your Vote

• Outstanding YouTube video featuring Rebecca Cokley about values and disabilities: Your Values & Disability, Center for American Progress #DisabilityDemandsJustice

• Excellent NDSC Parent Webinar Series on Distance or Online Learning:

  • Part One: Preparing yourself, your family, and your home for Online learning

  • Part Two: The ABCs of K-12 Online Learning for Students with disabilities

  • Part Three: Practical Tips & Tools for Online Learning

• Great webpage with resources: Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 & Down syndrome

• NDSC Advocacy Tips and Resources Flyer

• 5 Ways to get Engaged in NDSC Advocacy Efforts