We were fortunate this year to arrive so early on in the Conference schedule that we could attend the ice breaker Thursday evening and the Opening Session on Friday night. It is so inspiring and uplifting to hear the stories and speakers there. This year's Keynote Presentation was by Frank Stephens, who addressed Congress. He has an amazing sense of humor and had the whole audience in stitches. Then he got to the meat of his presentation, and received standing ovations (plural) during his speech. If you have to opportunity, please, please stream his presentation. I promise you won't be bored or disappointed.
(David & Frank)
Dan Habib, filmmaker from the University of NH (Including Samuel), was also a speaker and gave a wonderful presentation and preview of his upcoming film "Disabling Segregation". Dr. Vellody, of the Ds Clinic of Western PA, was there as well. He is currently the President of the NDSC and also an inspiring speaker. He has a 42 year old brother with Ds, so he has a good grasp of what life is like for us all.
The Self Advocates group from the Youth & Adults Conference gave a presentation on their book donation initiative. You can donate $100, and they will send books to donate to your local library. All of the books portray individuals with Down syndrome in a positive light.
After all of this wonderful inspiration, it's hard to just sit still or go to sleep. So many thoughts and ideas are running through your head that you can't sit still. That's a good thing, though, because following the Opening Session is the 3-2-1 Dance! party. As always, it was tons of fun and we love, love, love seeing all of the babies, kids, teens, and adults with Ds having such a great time with their families, dancing the night away. The DJ played great upbeat music and a few classic favorites, like YMCA. They also serve desserts and munchies (cookies, brownies, fruit, tortilla chips & cheese) and have cash bars. A dance night is always a great time.
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