National Down Syndrome Society

“The draft form 990 is reviewed in detail by the finance committee and then given to the entire board to review.”

“Board members are required to annually affirm whether they have any conflicts of interest or not. If they do have any conflicts of interest, they are required to disclose them.”

“The process for determining the president and ceo's salary may include obtaining comparability data and subsequent approval by the executive compensation committee. The executive compensation committee may forgo this procedure in the event that the president & ceo receives only a cost of living salary increase.”

“The organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy and audited financial statements are available upon request. The audited financial statements and irs form 990 are also posted on the organization's website.”

“Other program services 4: national buddy walk”

“The down syndrome community is the heart of ndss. Our community engagement events and activities celebrate our loved ones with down syndrome, raise awareness and acceptance among the general public and connect individuals and families within the community. Through our scholarships, grants and awards program, ndss supports individuals with down syndrome in pursuing their dreams. Started in 1995, the national buddy walk program promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with down syndrome and raises funds for local and national organizations that support the community. Additionally, ndss hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including our times square video presentation and new york city buddy walk, racing for 3.21 on world down syndrome day, run for 3.21, dc golf outing, annual ndss gala & auction and more.”

“The ndss advocacy & public policy program champions federal, state and local policies that positively impact all people with down syndrome across the country. Through our grassroots advocacy programs, ndss works with congress and federal agencies, as well as state and local officials, to develop and improve laws, regulations and policies for the benefit of the down syndrome community. Ndss also empowers self-advocates, parents and others to influence policy themselves. The ndss legislative agenda spans the life experience of individuals with down syndrome from birth to adulthood, centered on five important areas: healthcare and research, education, economic self-sufficiency, community integration and employment.”

“Ndss is committed to providing individuals with down syndrome, their families, caregivers and the public with comprehensive information across the lifespan, from birth to end of life. Through events, webinars, videos, publications and our website, ndss provides free resources on a variety of topics including information for new and expectant parents, health and wellness, education and employment. Through our helpline and info email, ndss answers thousands of requests for support each year. Our staff responds to questions and connects parents, professionals, self-advocates and others with referrals, including to our network of more than 300 local down syndrome organizations.”

“Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society NDSS to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, more than 100 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations.”