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National Resources

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American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD)

The American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD) is a non-profit, membership organization of interdisciplinary health professionals — including primary physicians, medical specialists, dentists, optometrists, nurses and other clinicians — committed to improving the quality of healthcare for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD).

Click here to learn more

American Occupational Therapy Association

The American Occupational Therapy Association is the national professional association to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services

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https://www.aota.org/

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 191,500 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students.

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https://www.asha.org/

Center for Parent Information & Resources

Your central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities”

“All the materials found on the CPIR Hub have been created and archived for Parent Centers around the country to help them provide support and services to the families they serve. The CPIR employs a user-centered process, gathering the perspectives of our experienced audience—Parent Center staff members and other experts—every step of the way, to create products and services that increase Parent Centers’ knowledge and capacity in specific domains.”

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https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)

“You may have just heard these words.  Whether you are awaiting your child’s arrival or your baby has just been born, a new or potential diagnosis can seem overwhelming.

Let us help.  Let us provide resources and education.  Let us connect you to other parents who have been in your shoes.”

Visit Online

https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/

Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA

Members of this DSMIG-USA are professionals from a variety of disciplines who provide care to individuals with Down syndrome and/or their families. This may include physicians, scientists, psychologists, nurses, genetic counselors, educators, therapists, clinic coordinators, and related health professionals. Members may also include individuals who engage in research or health policy relevant to Down syndrome. Most members work in specialized Down syndrome clinics, at academic institutions, university- and community-based medical centers, or private practice. Students, Residents, Fellows and other Trainees are welcome to join.

Visit Online

https://dsmig-usa.org/

 

Down Syndrome-Autism Connection

“The Down Syndrome-Autism Connection” is the only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to co-occurring Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (DS-ASD) in the United States.”

“Our mission is to provide education and support to individuals facing the unique challenges caused by co-occurring Down syndrome and autism.”

Visit Online

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

DS-Connect

DS-Connect® is a powerful resource where people with Down syndrome and their families can:

  • Connect with researchers and health care providers.
  • Express interest in participating in certain clinical studies on Down Syndrome, including studies of new medications and other treatments.
  • Take confidential health-related surveys. These surveys are aimed at better understanding of the health of people with Down Syndrome across their lifespans.

Visit Online

https://dsconnect.nih.gov/

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (EKS-IDDRCs)

This program, established 1 year after NICHD’s founding, supports researchers whose goals are to advance understanding of a variety of conditions and topics related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). NICHD’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch (IDDB) funds the program, which includes 15 research centers, located at universities and children’s hospitals throughout the country.

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https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/eksiddrc

LuMind IDSC

This research organization is dedicated to the study and better understanding of Down Syndrome and its many effects. Their website has many useful resources for families.

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https://www.lumindidsc.org/

Medicaid

The national Medicaid website.

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for implementing laws passed by Congress related to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program. To implement these programs, CMS issues various forms of guidance to explain how laws will be implemented and what states and others need to do to comply. In addition to regulations, CMS issues sub-regulatory guidance to address policy issues as well as operational updates and technical clarifications of existing guidance.”

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https://www.medicaid.gov/

National Association for Down Syndrome

“NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. Their pioneering efforts have made it easier for later generations of individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted by their families and communities, to develop their capabilities, and to work towards independence.”

(text from nads.org about page)

 

Visit Online

https://www.nads.org 

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)

“The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.”

Visit Online

https://www.nsgc.org/ 

NDSC: the National Down Syndrome Congress

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a membership-sustained not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, we are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of a prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. The purpose of the NDSC is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information. When we empower individuals and families from all demographic backgrounds, we reshape the way people understand and experience Down syndrome.We have worked tirelessly over the years to foster a network of local and regional groups across the country to reach out and embrace thousands of people with Down syndrome, their families, friends and the professionals who support them. We are the people who believe in our kids, demand their rights and get them affirmed. We are the community who supports them in all they do from infancy to adulthood. We are also people with Down syndrome, working together for a better future.

NDSC Mission and Vision Statements

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Congress is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

The vision of the NDSC is a world with equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

Visit Online

https://www.ndsccenter.org/

 

ADSA is a member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). We are also an affiliate of National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) as well as members of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) and the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.

NDSS: The National Down Syndrome Society

NDSS Mission

The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.

NDSS Vision

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Visit Online

http://www.ndss.org/

 

Skotko, Brian, MD, MPP

A Board-certified medical geneticist and Co-Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Skotko has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and development disabilities. In 2001 he co-authored the national award-winning book, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome and, most recently, Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters. He is a graduate of Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr. Skotko recently authored major research on how physicians deliver a diagnosis of Down syndrome to new and expectant parents. He has been featured in The Wall Street JournalThe New York TimesThe Washington PostThe L.A. Times, NPR’s “On Point,” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Dr. Skotko serves on the Honorary Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Board of Directors for the Band of Angels Foundation, and the Professional Advisory Committee for the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Down Syndrome Resources.

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Be sure to sign up for his newsletter on his website: http://brianskotko.com/

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