Designer Genes of North Dakota

06/18/2026

The 23rd Annual Walk for Down Syndrome is 100 days away!
Save the Date for September 26, 2026.

We can't wait to celebrate and spread awareness with you this fall.


Registration opens July 1st. Head to our website for all walk updates: www.designergenesnd.com/2026walk

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available! If you are interested in more information, we would love to talk with you.
📧 [email protected]
📞 701-751-2071

06/17/2026

Designer Genes of North Dakota is aware of the recent proposal to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Service (OSERS) to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the US Department of Justice (DOJ). We are monitoring the situation and will share resources and updates as they become available.

Why are disability advocates concerned?
Moving these functions to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice could fragment accountability, create confusion for families, delay complaint resolution, weakens disability-specific expertise, and makes enforcement less accessible.

Steps you can take right now:
Reach out to our North Dakota Representative, John Hoeven, as he serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- [email protected]
- 202-224-2551

Additional North Dakota Representatives to call and email.
- Julie Fedorchak, [email protected], 202-224-2043
- Kevin Cramer, [email protected], 202-225-2611

If you would like additional information and resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. [email protected] or 701-751-2071

06/10/2026

Join us next week for the Emergency Preparedness Training.

Emergencies can happen at any time, and preparation matters for everyone. Join us for an Emergency Preparedness Training focused on helping individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and support staff feel more confident, informed, and ready in the event of an emergency.

We hope you’ll come learn practical tips, ask questions, and help build a safer, more prepared community for all.

Free training and dinner provided!

Register here:
https://forms.gle/GQ1xobK8GmGnR7dSA

Emergencies can happen at any time, and preparation matters for everyone. Join us for an Emergency Preparedness Training focused on helping individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and support staff feel more confident, informed, and ready in the event of an emergency.

We hope you’ll come learn practical tips, ask questions, and help build a safer, more prepared community for all.

Free training and dinner provided!

Register here:
https://forms.gle/GQ1xobK8GmGnR7dSA

06/09/2026

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act focuses on advancing research that will improve health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome, particularly around co-occurring conditions like Alzheimer’s, leukemia, and congenital heart defects.

To learn more, click the link below:
www.globaldownsyndrome.org/historic-bipartisan-advancement-of-the-deondra-dixon-include-project-act/

06/09/2026

There’s nothing better than spending time with community! It was so great to see some families in Minot this past weekend.

We’re looking forward to connecting with families on the western side of the state this weekend in Dickinson. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We can't wait to see everyone there.

06/06/2026

Our mission is to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them to earn, learn, and belong across the lifespan. We see a community that embraces, respects, and supports people of all abilities.

Lifelong support matters, which is why we strive to work with families from prenatal or birth diagnosis throughout the lifespan. Receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome for your baby can bring many emotions and every family’s journey is unique. What we do know is that your loved one has a bright future filled with possibilities and you do not have to navigate this journey alone.

We partner with disability organizations across North Dakota and nation to ensure families receiving a prenatal or birth diagnosis of Down syndrome have access to accurate information, meaningful support, and connections with others who have walked a similar path.

One resource we like to share is the Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet, developed through a collaboration between the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and the National Down Syndrome Society. We like to share this resource with medical professionals and families:
https://bit.ly/4aUSL44

If you have questions, we are here to help and share resources.
📞 701-751-2071
📧 [email protected]

Check out some of the national organizations supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the country:
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💙 National Down Syndrome Congress
💛 National Down Syndrome Society
💙 Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network - DSDN
💛 National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
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Looking for disability related advocates closer to North Dakota, please reach out! There are many!

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and the National Down Syndrome Society have teamed up to publish the third edition of the groundbreaking Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information Pamphlet, available in English, Spanish and Icelandic. The third edition

06/05/2026

Looking forward to seeing our Minot area families TOMORROW. ☀️

Please reach out with any questions
📞 701-751-2071 (unable to receive text)
✉️ [email protected]

Looking forward to seeing our Minot area families this weekend. ☀️

Please reach out with any questions
📞 701-751-2071
✉️ [email protected]

06/05/2026

Heading into the weekend, we wanted to share a little extra love and remind you that YOU BELONG. 🌼💙

Every voice matters. Every person belongs.

What is one word that describes belonging to you? Share it in the comments below!

06/04/2026

The Emergency Preparedness Training is just two weeks away! Register today and join us for an evening of learning, connection, and preparedness.

Emergencies can happen at any time, and preparation matters for everyone. Join us for an Emergency Preparedness Training focused on helping individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and support staff feel more confident, informed, and ready in the event of an emergency.

We hope you’ll come learn practical tips, ask questions, and help build a safer, more prepared community for all.

Free dinner provided!

Register here:
https://forms.gle/GQ1xobK8GmGnR7dSA

Emergencies can happen at any time, and preparation matters for everyone. Join us for an Emergency Preparedness Training focused on helping individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and support staff feel more confident, informed, and ready in the event of an emergency.

We hope you’ll come learn practical tips, ask questions, and help build a safer, more prepared community for all.

Free training and dinner provided!

Register here:
https://forms.gle/GQ1xobK8GmGnR7dSA