Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation

04/06/2026

Become a LEND Trainee The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Center at Stony Brook University is recruiting! LEND is a MCHB-funded program focused on interdisciplinary training for better care for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND). As a trainee you have the opportunity to train with field experts, learn from other disciplines, train with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, the Disability Leadership Institute, and participate in Cultural Trainings throughout the year.If you are ready to apply, click the link below! https://lend.socialwelfare.stonybrookmedicine.edu/apply
All applications are due May 31st, 2026!
If you have any questions feel free to email LEND@stonybrook.edu

04/04/2026

We’ve been sharing a lot recently about what it really means to collaborate as a full IEP team before the meeting - all year long, in fact - to create more meaningful IEPs and stronger outcomes for students with Down syndrome.

Now we’re turning that into something practical you can use right away.

Sign up to receive a FREE PDF of 3 PLAN EARLY™ Checklists For Students, Families, and Educators

These tools are designed to help teams come to the table prepared, aligned, and focused on what matters most.

Fill out this quick Google Form to get your free download and opt in to occasional emails about from DSAF and our content partner, Universal Crossings LLC.

https://forms.gle/2CQ8j3qbspFGVnnE8

Remember: IEP meetings shouldn’t be the starting point—they should reflect ongoing collaboration!

You can also check out all the posts supporting this project here!

03/26/2026

New (FREE) training to strengthen your pre-ETS practice!

Implementing the Pre-ETS Toolkit
April 14, 2026 | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

What you will learn:
🔘 ready-to-use pre-ETS lesson ideas
🔘 strategies for students with significant disabilities
🔘 tools to strengthen workplace readiness skills
🔘 ideas for community-based work experiences

Who should attend this workshop?
🔘 VR counselors
🔘 transition educators
🔘 pre-ETS facilitators

The Pre-ETS toolkit focuses on:
🔘 job exploration
🔘 workplace readiness
🔘 community work experience

Register by April 7th: https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/iXNM6rkiQ5uOlURfjoWtHg

This workshop is presented in partnership between the VCU RRTC on Employment of Transition Age Youth with Disabilities and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

03/18/2026

Join us TOMORROW MARCH 19 @ 7-8:30pm EST (Zoom)

MORE THAN WORDS: MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT AAC AND DOWN SYNDROME
WITH AMY MARQUEZ, M.S., CCC-SLP

Many families worry that Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) will prevent or limit speech or that it’s only appropriate for individuals with severe disabilities.

Research tells a very different story.

Join DSAF and Amy Marquez, MS, CCC-SLP, for this engaging and practical workshop as we break down the most common myths about AAC and explore the evidence-based facts. You’ll learn how AAC can support speech and language development and empower individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to communicate more effectively in everyday life.

If you’re beginning to explore AAC, this workshop will provide clear information, reassurance, and practical strategies to help you move forward with confidence.

Time will be provided after the presentation for Q&A.
This workshop is open to both families and professionals.

REGISTRATION LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BNwLpMyGQ3aiGgyQkjSKNg #/registration

03/17/2026

Check out this learning module from the IRIS Center!
Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms

Including Children with Disabilities - A well-designed, safe, and responsive environment is an essential first step in including young children with disabilities in early childhood settings such as public preschool, Head Start, and private childcare programs. If, however, the learning environment does not provide the support necessary to help children with disabilities to succeed, teachers MUST make changes to maximize their participation in planned activities, interactions, and routines. These intentional changes can be small and are often easy to implement, yet they can yield immediate improvement in the level of child participation and learning.

LINK:

Work through the sections of this module in the order presented in the STAR graphic above. Related to this module Copyright 2026 Vanderbilt University. All rights reserved.

03/16/2026

Join us THURSDAY MARCH 19 @ 7-8:30pm EST (Zoom)

MORE THAN WORDS: MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT AAC AND DOWN SYNDROME
WITH AMY MARQUEZ, M.S., CCC-SLP

Many families worry that Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) will prevent or limit speech or that it’s only appropriate for individuals with severe disabilities.

Research tells a very different story.

Join DSAF and Amy Marquez, MS, CCC-SLP, for this engaging and practical workshop as we break down the most common myths about AAC and explore the evidence-based facts. You’ll learn how AAC can support speech and language development and empower individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to communicate more effectively in everyday life.

If you’re beginning to explore AAC, this workshop will provide clear information, reassurance, and practical strategies to help you move forward with confidence.

Time will be provided after the presentation for Q&A.
This workshop is open to both families and professionals.

REGISTRATION LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BNwLpMyGQ3aiGgyQkjSKNg #/registration