Empowerment Conference
EVENT DETAILS
CONFERENCE TOPICS
- Dental Care
- Managing Behaviors
- and more
CONFERENCE FEATURES
- Keynote Speaker
- Informative Sessions
- Community Exhibitors
- Meet other DSCBA Families
- Catered Lunch
- *Spanish language interpretation will be provided
Date/Time/Location
- September 12, 2026
- 9 AM to 3 PM
- Jennifer Russell Building
500 St. Mary’s Road
Lafayette, CA 94549
FEES
-
Individuals with Down syndrome (18 years and older) - $25
-
Parents/Caregivers - $50
-
Professionals - $50
Keynote Speaker
Nicole Adler is a speaker, human rights advocate, talk show host, and author who has spent more than a decade inspiring audiences to rethink inclusion, identity, and the power of authentic leadership. A two-time governor-appointed member of the CA State Council on Developmental Disabilities, she has advanced disability rights across California and beyond. In 2024, Nicole made history as the first person with Down syndrome to serve as a Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride.
She is the author of her memoir With Love As Her Compass and the children's book There's Only One Me, which encourages young readers to celebrate kindness, inclusion, and the unique value of every person. As host of The No No Show, Nicole engages changemakers in conversations that inspire a kinder, more inclusive world. Through her storytelling and lived experience, Nicole challenges audiences to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action by using their voice to create lasting change.
Guest Speakers
Dental Care Beyond the Chair
Individuals with Down syndrome often have unique oral health considerations, from a higher risk of gum disease to sensory, communication, and other factors that can make daily care and dental visits more challenging. In this session, we'll explore why oral health deserves special attention, how it connects to overall health and well-being, and practical ways to make oral care feel more manageable at home and during dental visits. We'll also look beyond the traditional dental setting and explore different approaches and options for accessing care when additional support is needed. Attendees will leave with realistic strategies, ideas for preparing for dental visits, and a better understanding of the resources and care options available—with an emphasis on progress over perfection and finding what works for each individual.
Lindsey Vizcay, BSDH, RDHAP, RDH, RDAEF2, is the founder of Home Sweet Hygiene, a portable preventive dental hygiene practice dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, sensory needs, medical complexity, and others who experience barriers to traditional dental care. Through her work in homes, schools, community settings, and residential programs, Lindsey partners with families and caregivers to make oral healthcare more accessible and less overwhelming. She believes every individual deserves an approach that meets them where they are, and that successful dental care doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
Behavior Change in Individuals with Down Syndrome
All behavior communicates something—and while some behaviors may be more challenging, they can significantly affect the independence and community participation of individuals with Down syndrome. These challenges may include difficulty with transitions, staying focused, respecting personal boundaries, or reluctance to engage in activities. This interactive presentation will explore the reasons behind behavior and how to identify the function of specific behaviors. Participants will learn practical tools and strategies to support positive behavior, improve engagement, and create a more inclusive and responsive environment
Katie Frank PhD, OTR/L, has worked as an occupational therapist at the Adult Down Syndrome Center since 2016 and in the field of occupational therapy since 2001. Dr. Frank earned her degree in occupational therapy from Saint Louis University and her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Most of her work has been with individuals with Down syndrome of all ages. Dr. Frank’s experience includes treatment and evaluation as well as facilitating groups for people with Down syndrome, conducting trainings for staff, families, and caregivers, and offering a variety of other educational opportunities across the United States and Internationally. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is the immediate past-President of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA. Additionally, she is a recipient of the Bonnie J Patterson Down Syndrome Excellence Award presented by DSMIG-USA.
Get DS-Connected: Join, Participate, Discover!
Join the DS-Connect team for an exciting exploration of current Down syndrome research and how you can support scientific discoveries through DS-Connect. In this workshop, the team will guide you through the DS-Connect website and its wide range of resources for families including research studies currently recruiting participants with Down syndrome. You’ll also experience a live demonstration of how to create a DS-Connect account and start participating in cutting-edge research!
DS-Connect®: The Down Syndrome Registry is a secure online survey-based tool developed for and by the Down syndrome community. It provides families with access to trusted research studies, events, and resources, while collecting privacy-protected demographic and health information. The information shared helps scientists identify patterns in related health conditions and advance research that informs care, services, and future scientific discovery.
Lyndy Bush is the Administration and Outreach Manager for DS-Connect (but officially works for the Linda Crnic Institute for Down syndrome), which is an NIH-funded initiative to expand Down syndrome research and connect self-advocates and their families to the research community.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Your support helps us educate, connect, and uplift individuals with Down syndrome and their families. With your sponsorship, we can bring in expert speakers, provide resources, and ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Past Conferences
Conference Sponsors
Our Mission
To empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
