Affiliates in Action

Schedule

Figure out where you want to go, then head in that direction. Session times and locations are shown by day. Click on a day to view sessions and activities, then click the activity to see a description. To print this schedule, click here.

We went to AIA with the best of our resources to share, and came home with the best of everyone else's. - Dean Feulberth

Room	5:00 - 7:00 PM	7:00 - 9:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom A	RegistrationRegistration Crystal Ballroom Foyer	Opening Remarks/Legislative BriefingAIA Planning Committee Preparing for Your Meetings on the Hill
Crystal Ballroom B
Jackson
Wilson
Harrison
Madison
Monroe
VanBuren

Room	7:00 - 7:30 AM	7:30 - 8:30 AM	8:30 - 9:30 AM
Crystal Ballroom A	RegistrationRegistration Crystal Ballroom Foyer	Travel to Capitol Hill via MetroTravel to Capitol Hill via Metro	Legislative Breakfast ReceptionRayburn Building
Crystal Ballroom B
Jackson
Wilson
Harrison
Madison
Monroe
VanBuren

Room	10:00 - 5:00 PM	6:30 - 8:00 PM	8:00 - 10:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom A	Visits with LegislatorsCapitol Hill	“Over the Hill” Reception at DoubletreeWindows Over Washington	DS AIA Idol ContestWindows Over Washington
Crystal Ballroom B
Jackson
Wilson
Harrison
Madison
Monroe
VanBuren

Room	8:00 - 9:00 AM	9:15 - 10:15 AM	10:30 - 11:30 AM
Crystal Ballroom A	NDSC/NDSS Joint PlenaryDavid Tolleson, NDSC Jon Colman, NDSS Update on the state of the national organizations within the Down syndrome community.	Creating and Maintaining a Prenatal Outreach ProgramStephanie Meredith, Canister Kori Shaw, Flourish Network Identify materials, develop a systematic, researched outreach program, and connect with other groups for effective prenatal outreach.	The Nuts and Bolts of Working With HospitalsSheila Hebein, National Association for Down Syndrome A ‘how to’ workshop that will provide your organization the tools to confidently schedule and facilitate awareness presentations at hospitals.
Crystal Ballroom B		From the Kitchen Table to the Board RoomBridget Murphy, DS of Kansas City Learn the key decisions, strategies and programs that took the Guild from a “Mom and Pop” support group to an award winning and leading non-profit organization.	Getting Past Heros, Victims, Sufferers and StriversPatricia E. Bauer, patriciaebauer.com Explore what kind of strategies are helpful in building the public's awareness that people with disabilities are people who have rights and are worthy of respect.
Jackson		Down Syndrome Cognition ResearchMichael M. Harpold, PhD, DSRTF How can momentum be maintained and further accelerated for the development of effective new therapies by leveraging together the Down syndrome community and beyond to support research?	Dads Appreciating Down SyndromeJoe Meares, DADS, DS Indiana Learn how the fathers in your group can enhance their knowledge and resources about individuals with Down syndrome, increase personal advocacy skills, heighten their family’s ability in coping, have FUN, and build camaraderie and friendships among fathers and families.
Wilson		What Your Other Children Without Down Syndrome Are Thinking: Sibling IssuesBrian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P. Explore the questions, needs, and concerns that are often raised by children who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome.	Prenatal and Postnatal Medical SupportBrian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P. Update on the latest advances in prenatal detection of Down syndrome including highlights from Dr. Skotko's publications in Pediatrics and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecologies and "take-home" recommendations to provide physicians.
Harrison		MetDESK Special Needs Estate PlanningBrian Finn, Kelly Piacenti, MetDESK Information regarding MetDESK's special needs estate planning division and how their trained specialists can share important information with your members regarding special needs trusts, guardianship, conservatorship and letters of intent.	E-CollaborationJustin Meredith, Canister Learn how to better communicate with your board, members, and surrounding community through email, online newsletters, shared sites, and general information management.
Madison		Advocacy Through the Voices of Canadians Kirk Crowther, Dale Froese Canadian Down Syndrome Society Strategies for self-advocates and organizations that want to include people with Down syndrome in their work. View a demonstration of how a group of self-advocates can affect supportive changes to an organization and create new visions with a focus on personal perspectives.	Career Solutions: Progressive Employment for Adults With Down SyndromeMelissa Rowe, DS of Louisville A progressive, person-centered approach to employment will be discussed along with personal success stories of some of the nearly 15 adults with Down syndrome that have gained career-oriented employment in our community.
Monroe		Leadership InstituteJane Page-Steiner, JPS Nonprofit Strategies Learn the fundamentals of nonprofit leadership and management from seasoned affiliate leaders through insights and best practices. Benefit from what they have learned over the years on cultivating an effective board, enhancing organizational development and expanded volunteer and staff capacity.	Leadership InstituteJane Page-Steiner, JPS Nonprofit Strategies Learn the fundamentals of nonprofit leadership and management from seasoned affiliate leaders through insights and best practices. Benefit from what they have learned over the years on cultivating an effective board, enhancing organizational development and expanded volunteer and staff capacity.
VanBuren		Creative Educational Enrichment Program for Elementary Age ChildrenDr. Jennifer L. Kimes, DS of Louisville A multidimensional program that addresses the needs of various systems, including educational and developmental needs of the children, education and support needs of caregivers, educators and school systems, and the local community.	Inclusive Congregation InitiativeLori Tullos Barta, DS of Central Texas Partner with local congregations to increase inclusion, educate congregants about Down syndrome, and raise awareness about the termination rate.

Room	11:45 - 12:30 PM	12:45 - 1:45 PM	2:00 - 3:00 PM
Crystal Ballroom A	Lunch/Roundtable discussionsRoundtable discussions
Crystal Ballroom B	Lunch/Roundtable discussionsRoundtable discussions	Introduction to the newly formed Linda Crnic InstituteMichelle Whitten, Anna & John J Sie Foundation Dr. William C Mobley, MD, PhD, Stanford University Impacting people with Down syndrome here and now through immediate programs and behavioral research.	Introduction to the newly formed Linda Crnic InstituteMichelle Whitten, Anna & John J Sie Foundation Dr. William C Mobley, MD, PhD, Stanford University Impacting people with Down syndrome here and now through immediate programs and behavioral research.
Jackson		Brighter TomorrowsHarold Kleinert, Ed.D, U of Kentucky Carol A. Lunney, Ph.D., Brighter Tomorrows Discuss the development of Brighter Tomorrows including the physicians' version, key elements of the Family version, Life Glimpses, Resources for Families, and more.	15 Years of Buddy Walking TogetherBecky Switalski, NDSS Sarah Schleider, NDSS Pamela Sandonato, NDSS A brief overview of the past two Buddy Walk™ seasons as well a look to the future.
Wilson		Opening New Doors to Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Intellectual DisabilitiesStephanie Smith Lee, NDSS Madeleine Will, NDSS Hear from nationally-recognized experts about exciting new post-secondary opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.	Continuing Educational Opportunities for Adults with Down SyndromeMelissa Rowe, DS of Louisville Discuss the structure of Louisville's Adult Literacy Program as well as outcomes of the students who participate.
Harrison		Creating and Managing an Effective Volunteer ProgramJawanda Mast, DSG of Kansas City Leslie Hernandez Brown, DSG of Kansas City Learn how to recruit, train and sustain an effective volunteer base which will enhance your organization's ability to serve your members.	Ready, Set, NO! Why Good Initiatives FailBridget Murphy, DSG of Kansas City Learn the keys to overcoming obstacles which keep organizations from launching great programs and initiatives. Board, staff and member buy in, along with volunteer manpower and community engagement are requirements to your being successful. Learn how to work through these issues so your organization can say Ready, Set, GO!
Madison		Public Relations and Cause MarketingSarah Schleider, NDSS Learn how to successfully contact local media and secure coverage for local news and events.	Ask the Executive DirectorMultiple Directors Challenge a panel of Executive Directors to address your questions on your topics.
Monroe		What is an Advisory Council and Do We Need One?Janet Gora, DS of Greater Cincinnati Molly Mattheis, DS of Greater Cincinnati Learn about advisory councils that connect a non-profit with people who possess unique knowledge and skills and supplement and complement a board's work.	NDSS Empowering Affiliates to AdvocateMadeleine Will, NDSS Ricki Sabia, NDSS Stephanie Smith Lee, NDSS Strategies for empowering affiliates and their members by utilizing the advocacy information that is provided by the NDSS National Policy Center.
VanBuren		ALIVE Adult Education ClassesCarolyn Ajie, LCSW, Scott Quicke, LPC Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic Discuss the vision and development of ALIVE! and view a short film of a class in session.	Growing Your Group Through the Use of the Community PlanLinda Orso, DS of Greater St. Louis Learn how to provide your members immediate services in individual communities that will garner long term relations.

Room	3:15 - 4:15 PM	4:30 - 5:30 PM	Evening
Crystal Ballroom A	A Land of Opportunity: Increasing Diversity Within Your OrganizationLisa Tokarz-Guttierez, DS Indiana Roscoe Scott	Pre-Natal Testing, Informed Decision Making and What Your Group Can DoMark Leach, DS of Louisville Learn about standards of care for expectant mothers and the development of a non-invasive prenatal test.	Dine Around Town Click here for more.
Crystal Ballroom B	Parents and Schools in PartnershipAmy Allison, DSG of Kansas City Learn how to engage and support educators, increase your organization's opportunities to work with schools collaboratively, and launch the Parents and Schools in Partnership Program.
Jackson	Buddy Walk Sharing SessionJulie Harmon, Colorado Springs DS John Donohoe, Colorado Springs DS Brainstorm what is working for other groups and to share strategies and gain new ideas that can be implemented into current Buddy Walks and/or to new walks.
Wilson	The Learning Program: Delivery Models for Effective Local Education SupportFrank Buckley, DS Education Int'l Dana Halle, DSF of Orange County Education support information on a range of delivery models for providing local, evidence-based educational support to children, parents and teachers.
Harrison	Capital Campaigns, Annual Giving and Other Fundraising InitiativesDiana Merzweiler, DS of Louisville Information on DS of Louisvill's long-range fundraising efforts established in preparation for their building of a state-of-the-art facility devoted to educational programming for individuals with Down syndrome.
Madison	Managing a Successful Parent Outreach ProgramKathleen Forney, DSA of Minnesota Learn how Minnesota's successful program can be tailored to your own area and why their organization has come to believe it has accelerated new parents' ability to cope with an unexpected journey.
Monroe	Teaching Lifeskills to Adolescents and Adults With Down SyndromeMelissa Rowe, DS of Louisville Learn about Louisville's progressive, person-centered approach to employment along with personal success stories of some of the people we have placed.
VanBuren	Strategic Planning for Down Syndrome AffiliatesJoe Bockerstette, NDSS Learn a broader context for strategic planning, a step by step method for developing a local group's strategic plan and an annual updating process for keeping the plan current.

Room	8:00 - 9:00 AM	9:15 - 10:15 AM	10:30 - 11:30 AM
Crystal Ballroom A	DS Affiliates in Action PlenaryAmy Allison Multiple Task Force Leaders Updates and announcements from the DS AIA task forces.	Healthcare Outreach Keys to SuccessSarah Hartway, RN, MS, Mile High DSA Learn healthcare outreach strategies that have proven most successful in the areas of planning, program development, staffing, funding, implementation and evaluation.
Crystal Ballroom B		Effective BoardsJane Page-Steiner, JPS Nonprofit Strategies Learn strategies ranging from recruiting new members to tools that ensure your board understands what is expected of them.	Hiring Paid StaffMike Karst Jane Page Steiner, JPS Nonprofit Strategies Learn to recognize and evaluate the appropriate time to hire paid staff.
Jackson		Buddy Walk: Imagine the PossABILITIESJawanda Mast, DSG of Kansas City Alyson Edwards, DSA of Memphis and MidSouth Learn creative and proven ways to show case the ABILITIES of people with Down syndrome at your Buddy Walk.	Fraud and Risk Management: Who’s Watching Your Wallet?Beth A. Savage, CPA, DSA of Central Ohio Marge Barnheiser, DSA of Central Ohio Learn from one affiliate group's experience with a significant situation to better protect your own organization to reduce the risk of fraud or embezzlement.
Wilson		Persuasion by DesignJustin Meredith, Canister Using a measurable system of goals, learn how to evaluate and create materials that actually influence your audience.	NDSS Education Series OpportunitiesBeth Finkelstein, NDSS Learn about educational initiatives of NDSS including the NDSS Education Series and a new pilot program that addresses diversity.
Harrison			How To Set Up Your Own Regional CouncilGena Mitchell, DSN of Montgomery County Christina Smith, ARC of the Mid-Ohio Valley Denny Weikert, Friends of Frederick County Learn the process of creating a regional council including timelines, task items and how to get the most out of having a council.
Madison		Welcome to Siberia: Supporting Families With Complex NeedsSheila Hebein, NADS Learn about services NADS has provided for families whose children have Down syndrome and Autism or Attention Deficit Disorder in the Chicago metropolitan area for the past 12 years.	Camp PALSJoshua Stein & Jenni Newbury, Camp PALS Learn about a model that actively produces more confident, energized, and independent self-advocates and highly dedicated, politicized, peers through a specially conceived one-on-one pairing process.
Monroe		Downs Ed USA: Update, Publications, Fundraising OpportunitiesFrank Buckley, DS Education Int'l Dana Halle, DSF of Orange County Learn about current cognitive, developmental and educational research and learn about no-charge online availability of Down Syndrome Education International's DSII series of books for families and educators, including the new See and Learn program.	More Alike CampaignDavid Forney, NDSC Lanny Hardy, DSA of Orange County Explore how local and regional Down syndrome organizations can extend and expand the national awareness campaign for Down syndrome via print and television media.
VanBuren		Partnering with Best BuddiesJoe Meares, DS Indiana Audrey Pacca Programs which provide opportunities for true friendship, social opportunities and more for middle school, high school, and adult-aged people with Down syndrome.	Universal Design for LearningRicki Sabia, NDSS Learn about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how affiliates and parents can advocate for UDL implementation at the Federal State and district level.

Room	11:30 - 12:30 PM	AFTERNOON
Crystal Ballroom A	Closing Remarks, Lunch, and Conference EvaluationsDS AIA Planning Committee Member	Travel Safely
Crystal Ballroom B
Jackson
Wilson
Harrison
Madison
Monroe
VanBuren