Legislative Advocacy Alerts from NDSS on issues related to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Legislative Advocacy Alerts from NDSS on issues related to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
National Down Syndrome Congress video where fellow advocates share their best pieces of advice for legislative advocacy.
This guide is intended to provide tools and advice to self-advocates who are interested in becoming more involved in legislative advocacy to work on policies and laws.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. AAPD will advocate for policies that allow people with disabilities to fully participate in the political process, including ensuring the accessibility of polling locations and through promoting the availability of accessible voting technology.
Nonprofit organization promoting and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and development disabilities, and providing them the opportunity to live full, satisfying and self-determined lives as valued and contributing members of their communities.
Enhancing the lives of families when parents have learning difficulties. TASP brings together some of the most knowledgeable and committed professionals and self-advocates to help YOU make a difference. Our work is mainly centered around education (through conferences, webinars, and direct training), advocacy at the local and national level, direct support for parents and professionals, and resource sharing.
In the Barton Lab Dignity and Disability section you will find resources related to treating children with disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve. The series provides recommendations for practitioners who work with young children with disabilities to support these children in a way that will set them up to thrive.
DRT provides services to people with disabilities across the state with numerous issues, including employment discrimination, safety in schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services.
Telling YOUR story is crucial to advocating for yourself and others, as your experiences and needs are not only what fuels legislators’ and others’ priorities, but it also is the single most effective way to create real, meaningful change.
Reference sheet from Disability Rights TN of frequently used Legislative terminology.
Empowering families and family-led organizations to advocate for enhanced, meaningful parent involvement and leadership in all policy decision-making that impacts services for children and families
Partners in Policymaking™ is the Council’s free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities.
People First Tennessee is a statewide disability rights organization run by and for people with disabilities. Their mission is to provide a means for people with disabilities to air and alleviate their concerns in the areas that affect their lives. People First is governed entirely by people who have disabilities who are elected by their peers.
The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory. The R-word campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.
The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is a state office that promotes public policies to increase and support the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in their communities.
The Tennessee Disability Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals joined to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Contact members of Tennessee's general assembly and advocate for the rights of those with Down Syndrome.
Disability Day on the Hill, which will be Feb. 8, 2017, is an important day for families to share their personal stories with state representatives and senators to help them understand how the decisions they make on legislative issues affect individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
I can’t wait for Disability Day on the Hill in Nashville Feb. 8 and in Washington, DC on March 22. I can’t wait to see my legislators and talk about what we need in the community. I love being there with other self-advocates who want to talk about the same things.
Spread the Word to End the Word is not a political correctness campaign. It is not about censorship. It is all about RESPECT.
My name is Paul Daugherty. My blessing, one of many, is my daughter Jillian Daugherty Mavriplis. She’s 27 and has achieved a lot: High school graduation, four years of college, full-time employment, complete independence and marriage to the love of her life, Ryan. Oh, she has Down syndrome. Almost forgot that.
If your child or family member has Down syndrome, he or she may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for any medical care, housing costs, caretakers, and any other daily living needs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for people who are unable to work or participate in typical childhood activities due to a serious disability. Down syndrome almost always medically qualifies for Social Security benefits, but financial eligibility may be a little more challenging.