What Down syndrome resources and support does NDSS offer?

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is a US-based nonprofit whose stated mission is "to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive." Its website, ndss.org, functions as a hub for three kinds of things: information about Down syndrome, direct support channels (including a toll-free helpline), and ways to participate — from advocacy and policy updates to community events and fundraising. If you are a parent, self-advocate, educator, or supporter looking for a starting point, the site's navigation and footer point you to each of these areas.

Information and resources

The site's main navigation includes a Resources section, which is the place to look for general information about Down syndrome. The footer also lists About Down Syndrome as a separate entry, so background and explanatory material is reachable from any page rather than buried.

For current news and organizational positions, the site maintains a Newsroom with a Policy subsection. Recent items shown on the homepage include:

• An NDSS Statement on Texas v. Kennedy (policy)
• "Assume I Can: A Celebration of Artists With Down Syndrome" (press release)
• An announcement that the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk® will highlight 500+ faces in Times Square (press release)
• "National Down Syndrome Society Launches MinDSet Down Syndrome" (social media)

If you need to know where NDSS stands on an issue or what it has announced recently, the Newsroom and Policy pages are the relevant entry points.

Direct support: the NDSS Helpline

The most concrete support channel listed on the site is the NDSS Helpline:

The site does not describe what the helpline covers or whether any language services are available, so treat it as a general information line and confirm specifics when you call.

Community events and ways to get involved

NDSS runs and promotes participation-based events rather than only publishing information:

• NDSS NYC Buddy Walk® — listed as a homepage heading, with a related press release about highlighting 500+ faces in Times Square.
• Join Team NDSS in Paris — charity marathon entries, with applications open for:
  • Hoka Semi De Paris Half Marathon — March 7, 2027
  • Schneider Electric De Paris Full Marathon — April 11, 2027
• Turn Everyday Purchases into Impact — a partnership with Upside, described as a free cash back app rewarding purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, where earned cash back can be donated to NDSS.

These are participation routes: fundraising, awareness events, and athletic charity entries. Dates and application details are stated on the site; anything about cost, fundraising minimums, or eligibility is not given in the material available here, so check the individual event pages before applying.

Other sections worth knowing

The footer and navigation also point to Work for NDSS, Shop NDSS Gear, Financials, and Privacy Policy, plus social accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok. The Financials page is where to look if you want to review the organization's finances before donating.

How to choose where to start

• Looking for general information about Down syndrome → Resources / About Down Syndrome.
• Need to talk to someone → NDSS Helpline, 800-221-4602, weekdays 9 AM–5 PM ET.
• Tracking advocacy or organizational positions → Newsroom → Policy.
• Want to participate or fundraise → Buddy Walk®, Team NDSS marathon entries, or the Upside donation partnership.
• Evaluating the organization before giving → Financials and the Newsroom.