If you are an NDSC member, you should have received your copy of Down Syndrome News in the mail by now. (Has your membership lapsed? Renew it today at this link.)

It's such a terrific resource, we now post a copy on our website so you can easily share the information with your family, friends and professionals who work with individuals with Down syndrome. This edition is full of information, from iPad apps to classroom language skills. Our next issue will feature D.S. Headline News, written by and for our self advocates.

Speaking of self advocates, we'd like to take a minute to introduce you to our newest staff member, Chess Mitchell. Chess grew up in Fairfax, VA, and moved to the Atlanta area as an adult. He attended the LIFE program at George Mason University prior to his move to Atlanta. Chess will be doing administrative work in our national center, along with helping keep up with our social media. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for messages from Chess, and plan to meet him in person at our convention in July!

We had a great time using the internet and social media to keep up with all of the worldwide activities celebrated on March 21st. Since we couldn't all go to the United Nations that day, nor could most of us spend the day in front of the live stream of the proceedings, we want to make sure you know where you can find the recording. Go to the UN website to view over four hours of broadcasting. NDSC was a co-sponsor of the event, where board member Jose Florez participated as a speaker. Other presenters included members of the NDSC's Professional Advisory Council, Brian Chicoine and Dennis McGuire. 

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we want to recognize all of our families who have a member with both Down syndrome and an autism spectrum diagnosis. Here at our national center, the most frequent call/email we receive regarding a dual diagnosis is related to the autism spectrum. If you aren't aware of these resources, we hope you find them to be helpful:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ds-autism/

http://ds-asd-connection.org/

http://eastcoastdownsyndrome-autismconnection.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBDYQ3oyQ84

Please let us know if you have a favorite resource that we can recommend to other families!

Even if you're not planning to attend our giant family reunion this year, you can still support the event with a donation to our Silent Auction or by purchasing a message in the souvenir journal. (You can do both of those things if you're coming, too!)

Download the forms here:

1. Are you looking for a summer camp for your family member with Down syndrome? Don't wait -- it's time! Check out these resources:

http://www.acacamps.org/

http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/leisure/camps.html

2. Need some tips for your upcoming IEP meeting? Here are some resources from our friends at NICHCY and Wrightslaw:

Placement: http://nichcy.org/schoolage/placement/overview/

Inclusion: http://nichcy.org/schoolage/placement/inclusion

Ten Tips: http://www.wrightslaw.com/howey/10tips.sch.yr.htm

Stress Less: http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/12/nl.0327.htm

3. Would you like to help with a national initiative to ensure every family has access to a Down syndrome parent organization? Do you live in the Western United States? Contact sue@ndsccenter.org for more information.