NDSC Conference, July 2010

In July, thanks to generous grants from the Lower Colorado River Authority United Charities employee-directed giving and from the First Baptist Church of Woodworth, Woodworth, LA, 11 Ranchers with Down syndrome and four staff members who work with them were able to attend the Annual Convention of the National Down Syndrome Congress held on the premises of Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Founders Judy and Jerry Horton also attended with the group.

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Ranchers spent Friday, July 16 at the Hollywood Studio Park at Disney World. The Ranch also sponsored a trip to Fiesta Texas the same day for those who did not make the trip to Florida, so all Ranchers got a special treat that day.

Friday evening Ranchers registered for the Youth and Adults Conference while staff members attended the opening sessions of the Parents and Professionals Conference. Both groups spent Saturday and part of Sunday attending sessions. Some of the Ranchers attended the dance Saturday night and participated in the talent show Sunday morning.

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Ranchers attended workshops on relationships, dance, recreation, independence, golf skills, and many other topics. They were unanimous in their enthusiasm at reuniting with friends from prior conventions and in having a place to be with other young people with similar interests and challenges.

Staff spread out to attend as many workshops as possible, and connected with researchers, educators, and transition specialists.

Judy Horton first attended the NDSC Annual Meeting held in San Antonio five weeks after the Hortons' daughter Kelly was born in 1984.

Next year the conference will be held close to home, in San Antonio. The Ranch will host a booth and Ranchers and staff alike will work with conference organizers to ensure that everyone gets a huge Texas welcome!

A Recent Post from Judy's Blog

En-Courage-ment and the National Down Syndrome Congress, July 20, 2010

With my recent postings on our trip to Florida with 11 residents to the National Down Syndrome Congress, some may be wondering about our enthusiasm for future conventions. I can only reiterate that Disney World is a great place to vacation, but far from an ideal place to have a convention. Last word on the subject.

The convention itself was excellent, as usual, and yes, we'll be back as often as we can manage. But as to why it's so important, let me tell a story.   Read the full article >>

New Research Directions:
Down Syndrome in the 21st Century

October 23, 2008

We were honored to host Dr. William C. Mobley of the Stanford Center for Research and Treatment of Down Syndrome. He came all the way to Austin to tell us about amazing developments in the effort to discover effective treatments for to help people with Down Syndrome live long and healthy lives.

In particular, Dr. Mobley's team is researching ways to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease in older adults with Downs, in whom the rates are far higher than in the typical population. Dr. Mobley and his team are at the forefront of neurological and genetic research in the world. It was an honor to host more than 200 of our friends to hear him talk about their progress.

You can read all about Dr. Mobley and this wonderful evening here, or visit our Resources page for links to Dr. Mobley and his research.

Note: External links open in a separate window.

MyFox Houston (Fox 26 News) 2/4/09: Down Home Ranch Services Special Needs Adults

High Plains Observer, 10/16/08: DHR Earns National Recognition for Wildfire Preparedness

News 8 Austin, 6/16/08: Historic Log Cabin Finds a New Home