Self-Advocate
The following are answers to common questions we have received regarding self-advocates at the conference. If you have any addition questions, please send them to info@dsaia.org.

Are there going to be separate breakouts/activities for self-advocates?
No, based on the feedback we received from a smaller committee who discussed this question thoroughly, we agreed that there would be no separate track for self-advocates and everyone would choose break outs based on their interest, not their diagnosis. One committee member said, "We want to be with everybody else." Therefore, we are committed to not having rules, materials, social events, or classes that are different for self-advocates.

Are there certain ways for speakers to present the materials that use good universal design philosophy?
Yes, we ask that presenters follow these guidelines:

Use three ways to present information

• Use a visual so people can see what the speaker is talking about
• Use a handout so people can read along with the material
• Read the materials aloud as they review it so people can hear the words

Use bullet points and have white space around their hand outs to make it easy to follow

Use font size of 16 or above for written materials

Presenters don't need to use icons or different colors on written materials

How can out-of-towners remain safe in Washington?
Your Cell Phone
Carry a cell phone and share your number with others in your group.

Store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly look at your mobile phone and find out who your first contact should be and be able to contact them.

At the Front Desk
When registering, sign only first initial and last name.

Be sure to advise the front desk not to release your room number to callers or visitors.

Get to know the staff, who will be familiar with guests and are able to more effectively monitor who enters and exits the building. Ask beforehand if a member of the staff will be available to escort you to your room if you arrive late at night. Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but away from emergency exits, stairwells, and any renovation work.

Don't call out your room number in a crowd and never accept a room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number.

While at the front desk, grab a card from the counter with the hotel's name, address and phone number on it, and keep this card on you at all times.

Inside Your Room
Once inside your room, make sure the door has a peephole and a deadbolt. Always look through the peephole before opening the door, and never open the door to a stranger. If it doesn't, make sure you don't open the door to someone you don't know.

Know where your room key/card is at all times. When you're in your room, always put the key in the same place - the night table is a good choice - so you can find it quickly. If you leave during an emergency, take the key with you; if the exits are impassable or if it's a false alarm you will need to get back into your room.

Use all available locks and chains on doors and windows while in the room.

Out and About
Make sure someone knows where you are going. Pair up with a mentor so that someone knows where you are at all times.

Seek advice from hotel personnel and guidebooks about any special precautions you should take or any areas you should avoid.

Leave expensive-or expensive-looking-jewelry at home to avoid catching the eye of a thief.

Keep only small amounts of cash in a handbag or wallet. Carry only one credit card, and don't keep all your money in one place. Never count your money in public.

Travel in a group when you can or walk near other people.

When in public, avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist: Don't stand on street corners looking at maps. Try to walk confidently; this will deter many criminals.

After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going. Avoid areas that are not well lighted.

If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly storeowner to get your bearings or directions.

If someone threatens you for your wallet or other valuables, give them up without a fight and get out of the situation as soon as possible. No possession is worth your life.

Wherever tourists go, pickpockets and thieves generally follow. Thieves often work in pairs - one to distract you (starting an argument or faking a fainting spell) while the other robs you.

Who should groups be recruiting for AIA/Washington?
Groups are encouraged to bring a self-advocate if the self-advocate has a passion for advocacy and helping the larger Down syndrome community.

People should have a leadership role in the affiliate, whether they are on the Board or have the interest of being on the Board in the future.

Twenty-one is the suggested minimum age.

What talking points are we going to learn about at the conference?
The talking points will be a combination of national and state issues. You will use whatever your groups decides would work best for it. It would also depend on who you are visiting.

Will gluten free meals and snacks be offered at the conference?
Yes, if indicated this is a need on the registration form.