Help Us Save & Transform Lives!
GLOBAL DC Fly-In: Tuesday, February 9 – Thursday, February 11, 2027
GLOBAL was established, in part, to change the fact that Down syndrome was the least funded genetic condition at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for nearly two decades. Since 2009, GLOBAL has organized annual Congressional Briefings, DC Fly-Ins, and support for Congressional Hearings.
The results have been astounding. With our GLOBAL advocates and Congressional Champions, we led the charge in establishing the first NIH-wide Down syndrome research and medical care program called the INCLUDE Project, which has secured over $523 million since 2018.
Each year, GLOBAL brings people with Down syndrome, family members, researchers, medical professionals and advocates to Washington, DC to meet with Members of Congress and advance policies that support Down syndrome research and medical care.
You do not need to be a policy expert. GLOBAL provides the information, training and support you need to tell your story and advocate effectively.
HISTORIC ADVOCACY UPDATE
Together, we are on the verge of an extraordinary victory for people with Down syndrome
We are on the verge of an extraordinary federal victory. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act just passed unanimously in both the U.S. House and Senate—an exceptional show of bipartisan support. We now must work on the final steps to ensure the legislation becomes law by the end of the year.
With unanimous support in both chambers, we are cautiously optimistic that by the time of our February GLOBAL DC Fly-In, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act will be signed into law. This historic legislation will cement the future of the NIH-wide Down syndrome research and medical care program that is saving and transforming lives.
Our upcoming fly-in will now focus on ensuring that funding for the INCLUDE Project continues and grows while celebrating the historic passage of this life-changing legislation which honors the memory and life of GLOBAL Ambassador and inaugural Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee, DeOndra Dixon. Learn More About DeOndra
What to Expect at the GLOBAL DC Fly-In?
Attend a Congressional Briefing
Attend an official Congressional Briefing with Members of Congress, NIH, Celebrity, and Self-Advocates
Learn About Research & Medical Care
Learn about the latest advances, receive expert-led advocacy training, and receive leave behind materials
Meet with Members of Congress
Join coordinated, pre-scheduled group meetings with your home-state Representatives, Senators and key legislative staff
Connect with Awesome Advocates & Families
Build lifelong friendships with families, clinicians, scientists, and Down syndrome community leaders
GLOBAL Advocacy By the Numbers:
$523M
Funding from NIH
Twenty-five
Briefings & Hearings
4,800
Advocate Participation
180
Member Meetings
Who Should Attend, Schedule & Costs
Who Should Attend?
The GLOBAL DC Fly-In is for:
- People with Down syndrome
- Parents and family members
- Organization leaders
- Scientists
- Medical Professionals
- GLOBAL Members
- GLOBAL supporters
- Anyone committed to advancing Down syndrome research and medical care
No prior advocacy experience required
2027 Fly-In Schedule
Tue, Feb 9 (evening)
- 6:30 PM Training & Welcome Dinner (GLOBAL shirts given)
Wed, February 11 (full day)
- Congressional Briefing
- Capitol Group Photo
- Meetings with Members and key staff
- Dinner & Dance Party
Thu, February 12 (1/2 day)
- Meetings with Members of Congress and key staff
Fees & Responsibilities
Registration Fees
- FREE for GLOBAL Members
- FREE for advocates with DS
- $50 Standard Fee for others
GLOBAL Covers
- Breakfasts & Dinner Wed/Thu
- Lunch – Wed
- Ground transportation to Member meetings and back
- Training materials, Hill coordination and materials
Attendee Covers
- Transportation to DC
- Hotel Accommodations
- Miscellaneous travel costs
GLOBAL DC Fly-In Hotel Information
A Special Rate and Location
Every year GLOBAL commits to hundreds of hotel nights in anticipation of our community joining us in large numbers so we can effectively advocate for Down syndrome research and medical care funding.
This year we are pleased to share that we are collaborating with the YOTEL Washington DC to provide a discounted rate of $209/night including breakfast and not including taxes and fees. With taxes and fees the cost per night is $243/night. The GLOBAL discounted rate is available from Monday 2/8 until Friday 2/12 in case attendees want to arrive a day earlier or leave a day later to site see or have time to relax.
The YOTEL discount is an excellent rate for the DC area and the location is a 5-10 minute drive to Senate and House Offices and a 5-10 minute walk to the U.S. Capitol. In addition, YOTEL is able to accommodate us for both the Tuesday 2/9 Training Dinner and the Wednesday 2/10 Dinner & Dance so it is all one-stop convenience.
Please do book your hotel room as soon as possible as it is first come first serve and we expect this to be our most well-attended GLOBAL DC Fly-In yet!
YOTEL Washington DC
415 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 200001
(202) 638-1616
https://www.yotel.com/
Erin Suelmann
Executive Director of the Gateway Down Syndrome Association
Everyone Can Contribute!
Share Your Powerful Story
When families, self-advocates, scientists and medical professionals speak with one voice, Congress listens.
GLOBAL’s priorities are: (1) Sustain and increase NIH Down syndrome research and medical care funding, (2) Pass the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, and (3) Improve Down syndrome research and medical care through additional federal and state policy.
If you are unable to join us at our GLOBAL DC Fly-In you make a difference by sharing your powerful story as to why funding for Down syndrome research and medical care is important to you or your family member.
