CDSS Conference 2017 -FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

This post presents the guidelines that the Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton (DSAH) will implement to provide financial support to members  (National Conference Bursary) interested in attending this year’s National Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) Conference in Banff, Alberta.  The conference runs from May 19^th to May 21^st.

Member Qualifications
To qualify for the National Conference Bursary, members must:

• Have a current and in good standing (paid) membership with DSAH and
• Be an active member – “active members” participate in functions of DSAH regularly.

NOTES:

1. Starting 2016, DSAH is providing a “Joint Membership” with CDSS – your fee of $25 remains the same, the only change is that you now have access to all the benefits provided by CDSS as a paid DSAH member.
2. Memberships fees (2017-18) must be paid before approval of the bursary to be eligible for this bursary (normal due date is April 1st).  The membership is valid for the fiscal year in which it was paid.  DSAH’s fiscal year runs from April 1st to March 31st of the following year.
3. If you want to know the status of your membership, whether it is up-to-date or requires renewal, please email Ingrid Muschta at communications@dsah.ca.

National Conference Bursary  – family membership

The Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton will cover the cost of allowable expenses of attending the CDSS National Conference for 5 members (one per family) up to a maximum cost of $1,500 per family.  Members must pay for their own expenses and provide original receipts to be reimbursed for their expenses.

NOTE: Up-front funds can be made available for members who have a legitimate concern or are unable to pay for the expenses themselves.  Please consult with us.

What are Allowable Costs for the National Conference Bursary:

Expenses that could covered under this bursary include:

• Cost of Conference Fee – CDSS EARLY BIRD MEMBER RATE ONLY
• Hotel room for 2 nights – CDSS APPROVED HOTEL RATE ONLY
• Child care costs for a family through the CDSS CONFERENCE PROGRAM ONLY.
• Banquet Fees
• Travel costs

*please note that the bursary may NOT cover your full costs as it is only up to $1,500.00

National Conference Bursary – SELF ADVOCATES BURSARY

A separate SELF ADVOCATE BURSARY is available for members with Down syndrome age 18+ wishing to attend the conference. The Self Advocate Bursary covers the costs of the following allowable expenses for the self-advocate and their support person:

• Cost of Conference Fee – CDSS EARLY BIRD MEMBER RATE ONLY
• Hotel room for 2 nights – CDSS APPROVED HOTEL RATE ONLY
• Banquet Fees

DEADLINE to apply for the National Conference Bursary 2017

To be considered for either of the above bursaries, you must send an email confirming your interest to contactus@dsah.ca no later than March 1, 2017. The first 5 eligible families and the first 5 self advocates and support person who expresses their interest will receive a note back confirming their eligibility for the bursary.  While you are welcome to register at anytime, you are not guaranteed a bursary until you have been notified via email.

Priority will be given to those families who have not attended a National Conference in the last calendar year.  If more than 5 families and 5 self advocates who have  attended a conference in the past year will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified of their eligibility after March 10, 2017.

Some exceptions to the above guidelines may be made to the discretion of the Executive Board.

Please contact Jennifer Crowson at contactus@dsah.ca if you have any concerns.