DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium

Save the date! The 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium provides an interdisciplinary forum for sharing of knowledge and experiences related to the clinical care of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan, clinical research related to Down syndrome, and the development of Down syndrome clinics. Next year's symposium will be held July 23-25 in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Signia. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Down syndrome experts from around the world to share ideas, ask questions, participate in meaningful discussions and network.

Friday, July 17, is the deadline to register online for the 2026 Annual Symposium. Registration will also be available onsite in Orlando.

Register Today!

Registration

Click here to register on our partner, UW Madison's website. DSMIG-USA members are entitled to member rates, so check your email inbox for details. There is also a group discount for attendees from the same organization. Registration pricing is listed below:

After May 31, 2026

DSMIG-USA members: $375
Non-members: $475
Students/trainees: $199

On-Site/Day-of Registration Fee:

$475 (for everyone)

Thursday Workgroups:

$30 each

Schedule

Friday, July 24, 2026 - ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN TIMES

8:00am - 8:10am	Welcome and Announcements
8:15am - 9:15am	Evaluation and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Trisomy 21
9:20am - 10:20am	Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment in Down syndrome: Translating Current Research into Clinical Practice and Creating Momentum Towards Broader Awareness
10:20am - 10:30am	Break
10:30am - 11:15am	Nutritional Implications of GLP-1 Agonist-Supported Weight Loss in Down syndrome
11:15am - 12:15pm	Medical and Surgical Management of Obesity in Down syndrome
12:15pm - 1:15pm	Lunch
1:20pm - 1:25pm	NDSC Update
1:30pm - 2:30pm	Long-Term Outcomes for Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Repair and Down syndrome
2:35pm - 3:20pm	Lightning Round: International Summit on Physical Fitness in Down syndrome: Summary & Recommendations Vaccine Safety and Efficacy in Individuals with Down syndrome
3:20pm - 3:30pm	Break
3:30pm - 4:00pm	NIH Update: Community-Engaged Research to Advance Clinical Care Across the Lifespan
4:05pm - 4:35pm	T21 Online Clinic: An Interdisciplinary Virtual Model Expanding Access to Comprehensive Care Across the Lifespan
4:40pm - 5:40pm	Practice Changing Articles: Update in the Medical Literature
5:40pm - 5:45pm	Closing Announcements

Additional Activities

Thursday, July 23, 2026
Some work group activities are accredited for continuing education credit. For credit information, please visit UW's website.

11:00am - 12:50pm
Adolescent/Adult Workgroup

This workgroup will provide an update on the Adult Healthcare Projects currently underway (medical literature reviews, MH/Regression, dementia screening, weight-lifestyle management, and CME activities). Group discussion, Q&A are planned.

1:10pm - 3:00pm
DS-ASD Workgroup

This workgroup will include discussions on what has been learned about DS-ASD in the past year, how to apply that learning to improving the quality of care for individuals with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, and what needs to be learned in the next year to advance our understanding of how best to serve the needs of these individuals and their families. A summary and updates regarding ongoing projects will be given in addition to applicable information for use within a clinical setting.

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Down Syndrome Project ECHO: Behavioral Challenges

This session will consist of a modified (for Symposium format) Project ECHO session. The case will be of a person with Down syndrome with behavioral changes and challenges. The case will be presented from a multidisciplinary perspective to promote a multidisciplinary discussion. A brief summary of the discussion will be provided at the end of the session.

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Member Meeting

Join your peers as we gather to celebrate the important programs that impacted DSMIG-USA since last year's meeting. Reports will be shared from committees, workgroups, and officers.

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Welcome Reception

Don't miss the chance to connect and engage with DSMIG members! Enjoy an evening of delicious hors d'oeuvres and refreshing drinks as you reconnect with fellow attendees in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Poster viewing will also happen during this year's welcome reception.

Workgroup/Committee Meetings

The following DSMIG-USA Workgroups and Committees will be holding meetings at the Annual Symposium. For more details on committees and how to get involved, click here.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Medical Curriculum Workgroup | 11:00am - 12:00pm

Dietician Workgroup | 11:00am - 12:00pm

Therapy Workgroup | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Clinic Support Committee | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Handouts

Find handouts from the 2026 Annual Symposium using the link below:

VIEW 2026 HANDOUTS

Poster Presentations

Posters will be available to view in-person at the Annual Symposium in Orlando. You can also find PDF copies and video presentations for 2026 posters using the link below:

VIEW 2026 POSTERS

Scholarships

The goal of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA) Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance for recipients to attend the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. The number of scholarships awarded each year will depend on available funding. This year, DSMIG-USA is once again offering scholarships in 2 categories: Rising Star and Financial Need. For a full explanation of available scholarships and criteria, click the link below. Any application for the Rising Star Scholarship is automatically considered for the Financial Need Scholarship as well. Scholarship applications are currently closed.

LEARN MORE

Scholarship Donations

DSMIG-USA is committed to supporting healthcare professionals who serve individuals with Down syndrome. One of the ways that we do this is by offering health professionals the opportunity to connect with peers to improve their practices and care. Please consider a donation to DSMIG-USA to help support the Annual Symposium Scholarship Program and provide financial assistance to those who will experience undue expense to participate in the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium.

DONATE TODAY

Annual Symposium Support Opportunities

Your support matters to DSMIG-USA! Organizations that support the DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium highlight their support for the optimal health care and wellness of individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan. Your support will help us achieve our goals to:

Educate professionals and trainees on the latest research and comprehensive care regarding Down syndrome
Facilitate a network of health professionals caring for individuals with Down syndrome
Support the development of Down syndrome clinics
Identify and disseminate the best practices of care.

Support Opportunities

Hotel

Signia by Hilton Orlando is the host site for the 2026 DSMIG-USA Annual Symposium. An Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, this newly renovated resort will offer you an elevated experience for your time at the Symposium. You will be welcomed by a brand new lobby, elevated guest rooms, signature dining, and close proximity the best shopping and entertainment that Orlando has to offer.

Visa Requirements

Do I need a Visa?
Most conference participants outside of the US will travel on a B-1 (Business Visitor) or B-2 (Tourism/Visitor) visa, or may qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). We strongly recommend that all international attendees:

Review visa requirements early
Apply as soon as possible due to potential processing delay

Official U.S. visa information is available from the U.S. Department of State.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. for short stays without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization prior to travel.

Invitation Letter
If you require a formal Letter of Invitation for visa purposes, please contact [email protected].

Official Resources