ArtStream and the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC) are thrilled to share in an award for “Best Teen/Adult Program” from the 11th Annual Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) Leadership Conference, held in Cincinnatti, Ohio in February 2017.

The award honors “Positively Speaking,” a workshop series that is a partnership between ArtStream and DSNMC.  ArtStream Co-Founder and Teaching Artist Nicolette Stearns leads the semi-monthly workshops and develops curriculum in partnership with Ricki Sabia of DSNMC, who provides vital perspective on participant needs and the effectiveness of lessons.

We are truly honored to receive this award and share this with our ArtStream partners.
– Dawn Piper, Executive Director, DSNMC

Nicolette and Ricki were presented with the award and flowers at a “Positively Speaking” workshop on March 12, 2017.

Congratulations to Nicolette, Ricki, and all of our friends at DSNMC – this award is a celebration of a successful partnership!

Lessons from “Positively Speaking” are used in many ArtStream classrooms, and can be found in Nicolette’s book, ArtStream for Life: A Social Skills and Communication Handbook for Self-Advocates, soon to be available for mass distribution.

About The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County (DSNMC)

DSNMC is a charitable 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization based outside of Washington, DC.   The mission of DSNMC is to empower and support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community through education, information, public awareness and advocacy.  We envision a community where all people with Down syndrome can achieve their full potential, and where individuals with Down syndrome and their families are welcomed with fairness, enthusiasm and encouragement in the community.

About Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA)

Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) is a national trade association and membership organization that serves local and regional Down syndrome affiliates and their leaders. Its mission is to help its members develop their organizational capacity which it does through collaboration, resource sharing, and networking. DSAIA’s winter leadership conference is the hallmark annual event attended by the Down syndrome community’s top leaders and influencers from around the world.