Inspiration

The days have disappeared so quickly!  Just a few days left until the conference.  I have met, over the past 6 years, many new families, and families with kids that are school age, that have never attended National.  I often get an odd expression and a "maybe some day we'll do that" if I mention attending.

I totally get it.  I was there.  I was one of those parents asking "why would I do that?", and "why spend the money?", and "what good would it do?".  I'd always been curious about it, and sort of wanted to go... so we  took the plunge.  We bravely attended National Conference.  We wanted to learn how to better help and support our youngest child.

We were inspired to attend..

Now, when I meet new families, and families of kids with Ds of ANY age, I can't express how much I would like for them to have the opportunity to experience this conference.  I can't help smiling when I talk about it.  I can't put into words the feeling I get when I see all of the beautiful people and children with Ds there, and know that my daughter's future can be just as bright and positive.

The first year we went, I had broken my ankle and was in a wheelchair.  One young man was very concerned and stopped us in the hallway to ask if there was anything he could do.  I told him I was alright, and that no, it didn't hurt much anymore.  He thought for a moment and said "well, if you need anything, you come and see me and I'll take care of you!".  If I could have, I would have jumped up and given him a hug.


The workshops (or 'sessions') range in topic from medical issues, learning problems & strategies, schooling & inclusion, advocacy, nonprofit support, testimonials, D.A.D.S., products & books..... the list continues.  There were over 60 sessions last year, I think.  I chose what topics and areas of concern I dealt with on a daily basis.  My husband chose those topics he deals with.

We were inspired to return.

I feel like I'm rambling, but I'm really trying to just get the point across that attending National Conference isn't just for fun (although we've always had a blast), it isn't just for hard core advocates (though there are some informative sessions on legal issues), it isn't just for parents (but there's lots of info on support groups), it isn't just for educators & professionals in the field (although there are a lot of workshops on learning strategies).

It is for all of you, and for everyone that knows and loves someone with Down syndrome.  The expense is worth it.  Check with your local area Ds support network to see if they offer any type of financial assitance.  We are very fortunate that our area Network offers reimbursement programs to help families defray some of the cost of attending National.  

We never would have dreamed of attending something like this, if it hadn't been for a little 5 lb, 6 oz. bit of inspiration that was born 6 years ago.  We would travel to the ends of the earth for any of our kids.  We have the opportunity to learn and support our youngest by attending National, so we do.  I encourage you to give it a try some year, if you haven't already.

We'll see you there!