All registered participants were emailed detailed conference information on Thursday, August 25, at the email provided upon registration. Please check your inbox or spam folder for full conference day details or contact us.
Conference Overview:
The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) have collaborated to bring you a joint conference that will touch on topics for caregivers who have loved ones in early childhood, school age, young adults in their 20s and 30s, in addition to self-advocate sessions throughout the day.
Click Each Graphic to View Full Details:
Conference Schedule and Tracks:
Each conference track includes the opening plenary session featuring Austin & Jan Underwood from Austin's Underdawgs, four breakout sessions per age group, lunch, and the closing plenary with Dr. Tara Goodwin. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse and speak with exhibitors throughout the day. Detailed conference schedule coming soon!
Early Childhood (0-4 Years): In-Person Sessions on mental health and wellness (Rose Reif, MS, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH), pediatric healthcare (Sari Bar, DO, Claire Usala, MD, Sarah King, LMSW & Joanna Spahis, APRN, CNS, ACGN, DS Clinic at Children's Health) occupational and speech therapy (Julie Bayless, OTR and owner & Heather Snook-M.S., CCC-SLP, Keystone Pediatric Therapy), and behavior (Regan Roth Fitzgerald, M. Ed, BCBA).
School Age (Elementary-High School): In-Person Sessions on new Inclusive Education Guidelines (NDSS), fatigue and mental health (Rose Reif, MS, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH), augmentative and alternative communication (Sara Loving, Speech Language Pathologist at Chatterbox Therapy), and supporting healthy sexuality and boundaries (Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L).
NDSS Adult Summit (High School-Adulthood): In-Person & Virtual Sessions on helping your adult understand death and cope with grief (Rose Reif, MS, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH), supporting healthy sexuality and relationships for your adult with Down syndrome (Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L), independence, and employment.
NDSS Adult Summit: Self-Advocate (Self-Advocates 16 and Older): In-Person Hands on sessions for self-advocates with Down syndrome on dating and relationships (Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L), staying safe at home, at work, and on the internet (Rose Reif, MS, LCMHC, CRC, BC-TMH), employment, self-advocacy, and more.
Who Should Attend?
Parents, family members, educators, medical professionals, service providers, direct care staff, and self-advocates ages 16 and older are encouraged to attend. Certificates of attendance will be available for continuing education credits. However, please note that the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas may not be approved and accepted by all professional associations.
Registration:
Registration is $50 per person and includes light breakfast, coffee, lunch, and handouts. A virtual registration option is available for the NDSS Adult Summit caregiver track only. All other conference sessions will be presented in-person at the Hilton Dallas Richardson Conference Center. A 20% group discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Please Contact Us for more details. **Thanks to the generosity of NDSS, the first 100 families to register will receive one $20 off coupon for Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U) .**
Room Block:
A small room block has been established at the Hilton Dallas Richardson. To reserve a room in the conference room block, Book Online or call 972-231-9600 and mention Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas as the group name.
Questions?
Please contact the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas at 214-267-1374 or info@downsyndromedallas.org.