This virtual training will equip you with tools to effectively share your story, connect with policymakers, and advocate for meaningful change. Learn how to amplify our voices and make an impact for the Down syndrome community in Texas. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Ford.

Speakers:
Jawanda Barnett Mast the NDSC Grassroots Advocacy Manager. She has been involved in disability policy advocacy since her daughter Rachel was born with Down syndrome almost 25 years ago. Jawanda has graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Arkansas and was honored with the 2017 Alumni Community Service Award for her body of advocacy work.  She and her daughter Rachel spent eight years advocating for the passage of the federal ABLE Act and have spoken around the country on ABLE, Advocacy, and Inclusion. Her daughter Rachel opened the first Kansas ABLE Account. She has provided written and oral testimony on a variety of federal and state policy issues and has served on many state-appointed committees.  Jawanda believes we all have a story and we can use those stories to impact change at all levels. She is passionate about the meaningful inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities in all aspects of the community and has presented at many conferences.  Jawanda says her work is a #laborofloveandconviction. 

Jessie Smart is 35 years old and lives in Olive Branch, MS. She graduated from Lewisburg High School attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College. Jessie works as a bookkeeper for LTL Landscapes. She is a member of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Self Advocate Council, the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition (NDAC), and is currently serving a three-year term on the Board for the ARC of Northwest Mississippi. She served on the NDSC Board of Directors from 2015-2018 and her local affiliate, the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South Board of Directors from 2010 – 2016.

Jessie has been involved in policy advocacy for many years. She advocated in Washington D.C, with advocates from her state and was instrumental in passing the Mississippi ABLE Act. Jessie is especially proud that she was invited to give the welcome at the first Mississippi Down Syndrome Day at the Capitol in March. Jessie is a powerful self-advocate and especially proud of her board service. Jessie says, “We, as self-advocates, need to speak about issues that are important to us. Serving on the Board of Directors in your organization is the best place to begin. This allows us to have our voices heard.”