Advocacy Group

DSANV launched a new Advocacy program in 2021 led by self-advocate, and DSANV Board Member, Charlotte Woodward. The goal of the program is to help educate members on why advocacy is important and to introduce the many organizations engaged in disability advocacy in the National Capital Region. 

The Advocacy Program is led by DSANV Board Member Charlotte Woodward.

Quarterly meetings are scheduled for March 16, June 22, September 21, and December 7.

For 2022 Charlotte had the idea of creating an Advocacy Tool Kit. The Tool Kit provides suggestions and links on how you can become an ADVOCATE for the Down Syndrome community. With a little bit of work anyone can become an Advocate.

March 16, 2023 – Anna Fedewa – Manager of Public Policy, NDSS.

Agenda

The first Advocacy Meeting took place on January 21.The guest speaker was Tonya Milling, the Executive Director of the Arc of Virginia and Director of the Arc’s Virginia Self-Advocacy Alliance. Here is a  recording of the meeting. 

Also, Tonya also provided  a link that lets you join in on an online meeting with your state delegate. 

Recording from the April 22 Advocacy Meeting.

Ashley Helsing, Director of Government Relations, and Nicole Patton, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy from NDSS, National Down Syndrome Society spoke about advocacy. Here is a link

Other items discussed during the meeting include:

Recording of Charlotte Woodward’s testimony before the VA State Senate.

Jill Egle’s Presentation

NDSS Press Release for David Egan’s book, More Alike Than Different