First Bite #34 – February 12, 2019
The National Down Syndrome Society Advocacy Team and You!!
(.1 ASHA, AOTA, EI CEU) For more info, click here.
Course Description
In this episode, Michelle is joined by the lovely Miss Nicole Patton, Registered Lobbyist with the National Down Syndrome Society, at their Headquarters in Washington, D.C. While Nicole lobbies at a national level, it is more than just a “job” to her, as it comes from a place of love and compassion as she has a sister with special needs. Tune in to this episode and become educated as to what initiatives are currently being advocated for at the national level, how this can impact the patients that we treat in our own small towns, and find out how you can become involved at your local level. Bottom line…all these combined advocacy efforts positively impact the care that we deliver to our patients and Nicole is here to share how!
Objective
By the end of this PodCourse, participants will be able to identify and describe:
- 2 action items for the current legislative agenda for NDSS.
- NDSS stance on utilization of ST and ABA when a patient has a dual diagnosis of DS and ASD.
- The prevalence and impact of Hirschsprung’s Disease and Celiac Disease in individuals who have DS and how NDSS is working to raise awareness.
Co-Presenter
Nicole Patton
Nicole Patton is the Manager of Grassroots Advocacy at the National Down Syndrome Society. She works and assists our NDSS DS-Ambassadors® in their advocacy efforts on the federal, state and local level. She supports the mission of NDSS to be the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome by advocating for policies that positively impact people with Down syndrome across the country. Nicole attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and graduated with a BA in Political Science. Prior to NDSS, she worked for a New York State Senator in Brooklyn, NY and as a Direct Support Professional for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum.
