NDSS: The National Advocate for People With Down Syndrome

When Barton and Betsy Goodwin learned that her daughter Carson had Down syndrome, they dedicated themselves to gathering information about the genetic condition and creating opportunities for Carson to live normally. During the 1970s, however, very little support and resources for parents of a child with Down syndrome existed, as the Goodwins soon found out. In 1979, Betsy and her friend Arden Moulton founded the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Since then, the non-profit organization has been advocating for “the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”

The 1980s saw the NDSS launch its first awareness campaign; the public service advertisement had  a baseball theme and was called “Give these kids a chance at bat.” It appeared in many magazines and was the beginning of the organization's ongoing work to raise awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome. Subsequently, the NDSS helped establish October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in America. In 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program was introduced to help celebrate the month. There were 17 walks during the program's inaugural year; today, there are over 250. In 2011, more than 285,000 people took part in Buddy Walks across the country, collectively raising $11 million. This year's event is supported by Nancy O'Dell, Meredith Vieira, and John C. McGinley, who all star in the National Buddy Walk PSA.

Recently, the NDSS revamped its website. In addition to a fresh look, improved navigation, and updated information, new features include a search tool, a local support page, “You May Also Be Interested In” sections, and links to the NDSS's social media pages. The website also features the My Great Story public awareness campaign. Unveiled just a few years ago, My Great Story honors people  with Down syndrome by presenting stories written by and about them in an online storybook.