Local Community Leaders Attend National Down Syndrome Leadership Conference

Online, March 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Brick, NJ - Members of Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association attended the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. The conference was held in DC to coincide with a devoted day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, coordinated by the National Down Syndrome Society.

The Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association is one of 73 organizations who sent representatives to the annual event. Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) is a national trade association composed of nearly 80 Down syndrome support organizations from across the country.

"I'm excited to be a part of this unique conference which encourages the exchange of ideas and resources throughout the Down syndrome community as a whole," says Valerie Marsden-Gray. "DSAIA brings Down syndrome groups together to share best practices and materials. This allows organizations like ours to shorten the learning curve, save money on costs, and better serve our local community."

Deanna Tharpe, DSAIA Executive Director, states "it is a priority to grow the capabilities of local and regional Down syndrome organizations and create a unified effort to increase the acceptance of and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome." She adds that DSAIA "supports Down syndrome affiliates through a growing repository of programs and materials, regular training webinars throughout the year, and using DSAIA's economies of scale to broker benefits for local groups."

This is the sixth year for the conference, in which national experts and affiliate leaders shared research, successful programs and operations and development tools. During the advocacy day on Capitol Hill, the Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association was able to meet with local legislators to try and gain support on issues that affect individuals with Down syndrome and their families. More information about DSAIA can be found by visiting www.dsaia.org. Learn more about the Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association by visiting www.jsdsa.org.

About DSAIA
Organized in 2006, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action started as a conference bringing together outstanding leadership from Down syndrome organizations around the country. After consecutive years of explosive attendance, the conference has extended its reach internationally and formed the trade association to continue its mission. The purpose of DSAIA is to serve Down syndrome affiliates through collaboration, resource sharing, and networking.

About Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association
The Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association primarily serves Ocean and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. The mission of the Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association is to empower and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families through increased awareness, advocacy, education and inclusion. For more information about DSAIA, or this particular story, please contact Valerie Marsden-Gray at Valerie ( @ ) jsdsa dot org or by calling 732-255-1425.

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