Highlights and Speaker Notes from the 2020 Nothing Down About if Conference
Highlights and Notes from our 2020 Nothing Down About it Conference
The goal of the conference was to provide all attendees with practical information and tools to help individuals with Down syndrome become successful in inclusive settings in the community and to enhance all attendees knowledge of Down syndrome and available local resources.
The conference was offered to parents, grandparents, other family members, medical professionals, educators, therapists, service providers, direct care staff.
PRESENTERS INCLUDED:
Keynote Speaker Rick Smith, aka Noah's Dad:
Rick has been sharing the story of raising his son Noah (who happens to have been born with Down syndrome) around the globe for close to a decade via his blog, NoahsDad.com, and social media channels. He is also the President and Founder of Hope Story, a non-profit organization that brings resources, encouragement, and hope to the medical community and new families of children with Down syndrome and he is also the host of the Hope Story Podcast. He is passionate about helping people use their story to make an impact in the live of others. Rick lives in Dallas, TX with is wife, Abbie, and his three sons; Noah, Jaxten, and Koen.
Lynsey Lobdell, M.S., CCC-SLP:
Lynsey is a speech language pathologist who specializes in supporting individuals with complex communication needs and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, early intervention, home health and private practice.
Sarah Mai, OTR/L , MOT, Director of Family Services Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City:
Sarah has practiced as an occupational therapist in the pediatric and adult population, in school and community-based practice, with a concentration in developmental disabilities. She has expertise in program design, daily living skills, fine motor, functional visual skills, sensory processing, behavior, assistive technology, feeding, and home adaptations.
Amy Allison, Chief Operating Officer Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City:
Amy has served on the executive staff at Down Syndrome Guild for 16 years. She has expertise in Down syndrome across the lifespan, adult services, guardianship, transitioning at all ages and stages, advocacy, and program design.
