
Overview of Strategies and Activities
March 2008 – March 2009
Executive Summary
During 2008/2009 we will continue the process of
implementing the new organizational model and strategic focus
approved by the NDSS Board of Directors in December 2006. NDSS
will be a nimble, efficient nonprofit organization focused on
cutting-edge strategies and delivering measurable results for
our constituents.
This year is the culmination of several years of planning,
building and collaboration in key areas. Because of these
investments of time, effort and resources, we will be able to
demonstrate tangible deliverables and results to the Down
syndrome community. These exciting developments will
include:
- Tentative launch of the National Down Syndrome Research
Agenda
- Launch of new Website
- Full implementation of the Early Childhood Education
Network
- Completion of the Kennedy Foundation grant with NDSC,
with best practices for First Call programs
Through these results and our ongoing work on the strategic
imperatives listed below, NDSS will make significant progress
towards fulfilling its desired position as the national
professional leader for the Down syndrome community.
Strategic Imperatives
Bring together key players in the Down syndrome research
field and deliver critical milestones which will lead to
increased public and private funding and improved research
results.
- Advocate for improved policies, funding and protection
of the rights of individuals with Down syndrome across the
lifespan as determined by the National Governmental Affairs
Committee.
- Serve as a national professional leader and advocate in
education opportunities for people with Down syndrome, with
emphasis on postsecondary education, early childhood
inclusion, IDEA, No Child Left Behind, etc.
- Provide informational leadership to families,
affiliates, self-advocates, professionals and the public,
with a focus on best practices and awareness.
Programmatic Areas of Focus
RESEARCH
Launch high-visibility and high-impact deliverables that have
been in progress for the past few years – Down Syndrome
Research Agenda and inaugural leadership conference – while
continuing direct research funding and active advocacy at
federal level. Use these research announcements as centerpiece
to create “buzz” within Down syndrome community, policy
community and general public about the need for and importance
of research.
POLICY/ADVOCACY Continue momentum on
National Government Affairs Legislative Agenda, with primary
focus on improving education opportunities for people with Down
syndrome.
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION Transition New
Jersey postsecondary education model program into evaluation
phase so that challenges and successes can be assessed and
developed into materials to be applied to other
communities/schools.
NEW/EXPECTANT PARENT EDUCATION
Develop and implement best practices for educating
new/expectant parents and building relationships with health
care professionals.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Provide
professional leadership to local communities on inclusive early
childhood education.
BUDDY WALK Continue growth of Buddy Walk
program nationally and in New York City to achieve objectives
of awareness and advocacy, with emphasis on online
tools/strategies.
AFFILIATES Enhance communications with
affiliates to demonstrate value of NDSS work on national level
and provide value-added services to affiliates.
SELF-ADVOCATES Continue to integrate
self-advocates into all activities whenever possible and
solicit ongoing input and feedback via Self-Advocate Advisory
Board.
GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
Support all NDSS activities with strategic
communications/marketing, with emphasis on electronic and
online tools.
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