262. 45 Years of Advocacy: A Conversation w/ NDSS President Kandi Pickard

We’ve been so grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) over the last few years. Today, we’re chatting with Kandi Pickard, the President & CEO of NDSS, and celebrating their 45th Anniversary coming up on June 20th! Kandi is sharing the organization's journey from a support group that has grown into a major policy and advocacy organization, she shares her experience from becoming a volunteer to taking over as President & CEO, and what the future holds for NDSS! We chat about the honor of learning from and advocating alongside self-advocates, and the commitment NDSS has to representing the beauty and diversity of the Down syndrome community. We’re so grateful for the vital work they do to support and create opportunities for the community, tune in and be inspired by Kandi’s dedication and vision for the future of NDSS!

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SHOW NOTES

• Learn more about theNational Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) (ndss.org)

• Find NDSS onFacebook (facebook.com/NDSS1979),Instagram (instagram.com/ndssorg/?hl=en),X (x.com/NDSS),Tik Tok (tiktok.com/@ndssorg),YouTube (youtube.com/user/NDSSorg), andLinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/national-down-syndrome-so…)

• Learn more aboutthe history of NDSS (ndss.org/history)

• Learn more about this year’s 30thNYC Buddy Walk (ndss.org/nyc-buddy-walk-tsv)

• Learn more about theNDSS Policy Program (ndss.org/advocacy)

• Learn more aboutABLE Accounts (ndss.org/resources/able)

• Learn more about this year’sAdult Summit (ndss.org/adult-summit)

• Learn more about thefirst Barbie with Down syndrome (ndss.org/barbie-ndss)

• Download theNew And Expectant Parent’s Guide (ndss.org/resources/promising-future-together-g…)

Check out our past episodes with Kayla McKeon & Charlotte Woodward:

• 17. Self Advocacy - Down Syndrome in DC with Kayla McKeon! (theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/s2ep8-downsydr…)

• 92. Politics & Down Syndrome w/Kayla McKeon & Ashley Helsing (theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/justtwomoms2-l…)

• 160. Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!) (theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/160-organtrans…)

• 204. Self-Advocates On Capitol Hill w/Kayla McKeon, Matthew Schwab, & Charlotte Woodward (theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/204-self-advoc…)

• Check out our episode from last year’s Buddy Walk: 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights (theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/225-the-nyc-bu…)

• Learn more about theNational Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) (ndsccenter.org)

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