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Why D.A.D.S. Cares About Policy

Posted by Joe Meares on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012

"Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed." — Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence

Since the Second Continental Congress declared America's independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, the United States government has sought to realize the fundamental principle on which our nation was founded: that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

This principle was formalized in 1788 with the ratification of the Constitution. That document — still the supreme law of the United States — became the foundation of a federal government that allowed the several states to act together as one, while protecting the sovereignty of each individual state.

In creating this balance, the framers of the Constitution hoped to form what they called "a more perfect union" — a government that would serve all people.

ALL people includes individuals with Down syndrome.

D.A.D.S. believes advocacy IS a responsibility which naturally falls on the shoulders of fathers. Understanding “the system” is the first step in making a difference and protecting and advancing the civil and legal rights of our children.

D.A.D.S. National Policy Initiative

I believe this is an accurate statement: “Guys won’t get involved with anything they don’t understand”. As a community, we’ve asked for you to call/write/email/visit your elected representatives and a “script” has been provided. This hasn’t worked to any large degree. I believe this is because we don’t know, or remember, the basics. It’s time to lay a better foundation for a difficult task: advocacy.

Our goal is for each D.A.D.S. groups to have a designated “Policy D.A.D.” to lead the challenge of educating its members. D.A.D.S. National is committed to providing the resources and training to each “Policy D.A.D” so their members can learn together and be prepared when there is a “call to action”.

As D.A.D.S., WE are responsible and working together, we can have an impact on Public Policy and societal attitudes to change and better the systems in which individuals with Down syndrome and families navigate. We believe this begins with monthly conversations; 10-15 minutes at each meeting, discussing and learning (and re-learning) the basic principles of our legislative system. D.A.D.S. National will provide the policy discussion topics.

Public policy priorities are influenced by advocacy. WE are our children’s advocates.

To reach our goal, D.A.D.S. National has a National Policy Advisor and we partner with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Policy Center in Washington DC.

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To this end, the NDSS National Policy Center strives to protect the rights and remove the barriers of all individuals with Down syndrome. The Policy Center:
- Works with Congress and federal agencies to develop and improve laws, regulations and other policies
- Trains and educates parents, self-advocates and others to advocate on the local, state and national levels
- Organizes and participates in coalitions of national disability organizations
- Leads national and statewide Governmental Affairs Committees

The legislative and policy priorities of the NDSS National Policy Center span the life experience of individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood and range in issue from healthcare to asset development. These priorities are:
- Improving Health Outcomes and Quality of Life for People with Down syndrome
- Improving Education Opportunities for People with Down syndrome
- Increasing Opportunities for Adults with Down syndrome
- Creating an Economic Future for Individuals with Down syndrome

Our challenge to each D.A.D.S. group: Designate a “Policy D.A.D.” All this individual needs is a willingness to learn and share what he learns. D.A.D.S National is committed to providing all the needed tools and resources.

Imagine the aggregate increase in knowledge (and comfort level) when Policy becomes a part of the culture of each D.A.D.S. group. It is OUR responsibility!

To find out more about the D.A.D.S. National Policy Initiative, contact our National Policy Advisor, Darin Yoder, or 315 372 9611

In your service,
Joe Meares
Chair, D.A.D.S. National

317 523 5888

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