The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is a nonprofit organization that partners with local Down syndrome organizations and other stakeholders to build conditions in which individuals with Down syndrome thrive. Its work spans advocacy, research, information provision and community support, and it operates across the United States at federal, state and local levels.
The organisation runs three main programmes. Policy & Advocacy drives policy change on behalf of people with Down syndrome and their families at every level of government. Research advances work focused on the needs and potential of people with Down syndrome. Community Access and Supports connects families with education, employment, health, caregiving, recreation and advocacy resources across the lifespan, including support for inclusive education and employment and for health and wellness.
NDSS works with more than 250 local Down syndrome organisations, which it treats as equal partners. Its approach is collaborative, bringing together families, advocates, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals and policymakers, and it supplies accurate, accessible information to those constituencies. Its subject areas span the nonprofit, disability advocacy and services, healthcare, education, employment services, and caregiving and recreation sectors.
