SPONSORSHIP OPPROTUNITEIS - 2018 CONFERENCE Creating Life Long Learners

SPONSORSHIP OPPROTUNITEIS - 2018 CONFERENCE–“Creating Life Long Learners”

August 11, 2018 - St. Ignatius College Prep

1076 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608

The National Association for Down Syndrome was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home.Their pioneering efforts have made it easier for later generations of individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted by their families and communities, to develop their capabilities, and to work towards independence.Our mission is to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspectsof life.

To further its mission, The National Association for Down Syndromeholds a bi-annual conference to educate and bring the community together. Our conference attendees cover a wide group of people - including teens and adults with Down syndrome, parents of children with Down syndrome, therapists and educators.

Parents learn how best to help their children acquire the skills that will enable them to lead fuller, more independent lives and how to prepare for the transition to adulthood.Teens and adults with Down syndrome learn practical skills which improve their ability to take care of themselves. Professionals learn of new developments in Down syndrome and connect with the community.

CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP – An investment in our community

By investing in a sponsorship of the National Association for Down Syndrome conference, your organization will be provided with exposure to approximately 500 conference attendees to extend your message and illustrate your support for the Down syndrome community.

All levels of Sponsorship include:

• Sponsors will be recognized during opening comments on the day of the conference.
• NADS will list your organization/business as a sponsor on our conference website.
• Registration packets will list your organization/business as a sponsor.
• Your organization/business insert or pamphlet will be added to the registration packets if provided by your business/organization.
• Exhibitor table will be available free of charge for your organization/business.

Conference Schedule Highlights:

-Keynote Speakers

• Katie Driscoll - Founder and President of Changing the Face of Beauty (nonprofit), Katie Driscoll,believes media and advertising can change perceptions of the largest minority in the world the disability community. Katie was recently named2017 TODAY Style Hero, and Good House Keepings 2017 Awesome Women Award. Katie has been featured on the Today Show, as well as interviewed by Huffington Post, People Magazine, and othermedia publications.She believes thefuture of thedisabilitycommunity will be changed if companies value this enormousminority as a consumer in theiradvertising.
• Kayla McKeon - There are thousands of registered lobbyists in Washington. But there is only one Kayla McKeon.The National Down Syndrome Society hired McKeon to serve as manager of grassroots advocacy. According to the organization, she is the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. As manager of grassroots advocacy, McKeon's responsibilities include educating others about the demand for employment among those with Down syndrome and representing the organization on Capitol Hill.

-Breakout sessions for families and professionals –

• Conference attendees find numerous opportunities to broaden their knowledge about Down syndrome, and expand their personal network of contacts.
• Our 2018 Conference will offer sessions on a variety of topics:
• Speech and Language Support
• Reading and Writing Skills
• Positive Behavior Supports
• Dual Diagnosis
• Sibling Support
• Employment
• Physical Therapy
• Nutrition, Feeding , and Oral Motor
• Legal and Future Planning
• ABLE ACT
• Education and IEP’s
• Special Needs Yoga

-Breakout sessions for teens and Adults with Down syndrome

• Workshops on health, nutrition and having an active life style
• Opportunities for socialization through a variety of activities
• Dance social with a DJ

For additional information about conference sponsorships - please contact:

Linda Smarto @ | 630-779-4245

Peggy Delaney @ | 630-487-0510