Saturday, April 5, 2025
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest | 7025 Northland Drive Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
This Statewide Learning Conference is for parents, grandparents, siblings and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome.
The Self-Advocate Retreat, which runs in conjunction with the conference, is for teens and adults with Down syndrome. You must be a high school freshman or older to attend the retreat.
Conference Fees
Statewide Conference Fees
(Breakfast & Lunch included)
- $125 Early Bird Registration through February 28th
- $150 Registration - March 1st - March 24th
- $200 Late Registration - March 25th - April 4th, subject to availability
- $250 Onsite Registration - subject to availability
Self-Advocate Retreat Fees
(Breakfast & Lunch included)
- $85 Early Bird Registration available through February 28th
- $110 Registration - March 1st - March 24th
- No Late or Onsite Registration available
The self-advocate retreat is open to individuals with Down syndrome 9th grade and older.
*There will be plenty volunteers at the event, however if your loved one with Ds needs a PCA or support to attend an event like this, we’d love to have them. Just let us know and we will make accommodations for the PCA/support person to attend.
Hotel Information
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest | 7025 Northland Drive North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428
- $134 per night, subject to availability
- Book by March 10th
Statewide Learning Conference Schedule At-A-Glance
- 8:00am: Registration & Breakfast
- 9:00am: Breakout Session 1
- 10:00am: Breakout Session 2
- 11:00am: Breakout Session 3
- 12:00pm: Lunch & Keynote Program
- 1:15pm: Breakout Session 4
- 2:15pm: Breakout Session 5
- 3:15pm: Breakout Session 6 & Minnesota's Got Talent: Self-Advocate Talent Show
- 4:30pm: If you would like to continue to network or visit, we will be gathering in the bar/restaurant.
Self-Advocate Spring Gala
Free Registration CLICK HERE to register
Registration is required, to speed up the line to check-in. A designated caregiver is required to check-in and check-out each attendee.
We are so excited to continue the well attended Self-Advocate Gala! If you'll be joining us, you can expect a night of desserts, dancing, friends and fun!
- When: Friday, April 4th 7:00 - 9:00pm
- Where: Fireside Room at the Minneapolis Marriot Northwest, 7025 Northland Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
- Who: Individuals with Down syndrome high school age through adult
- What to Wear: Cocktail Attire Suggested! This is your chance to dress up if you want!
Additional details: The event will have desserts and refreshments. Attendees should plan on eating before the event. This event is for self-advocates only. There will be plenty volunteers at the event, however if your loved one with Ds needs a PCA or support to attend an event like this, we’d love to have them. Just let us know and we will make accommodations for the PCA/support person to attend.
Parents & Caregivers, The Wadsworth Restaurant and Bar is in the hotel about 200 ft. from the event. We encourage you to meet up, have a bite to eat or a drink together.
Self-Advocate Retreat Schedule At-A-Glance
- 8:00am: Registration & Breakfast (Combined with Caregiver Conference)
- 8:45pm: SA Retreat Check in, Lower Level
- 9:00am: Welcome + Session 1
- 10:05am: Session 2
- 11:10am: Session 3
- 12:00pm: Lunch
- 1:00pm: Session 4
- 2:05pm: Session 5
- 2:55pm: Transition Upstairs to Ballroom
- 3:15pm: Minnesota's Got Talent SA Talent Show
- 4:30pm: Parents/Caregivers pick up in Ballroomd
Scholarship & Financial Support
The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is dedicated to our promise to provide high quality, affordable programming and services for ALL individuals and families with Down syndrome regardless of income. Most programs are free or highly subsidized for all. Our new sliding-fee program provides additional assistance by providing a standard reduction for those programs that do have fees.
The scale is based on published Federal Poverty Guidelines and is as follows:
- Households at or below 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines are fully scholarshipped (100%) discount.
- Households between 200 – 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines receive a 50% discount.
- Households between 250 – 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines receive a 25% discount.
To register using sliding scale for the 2024 Statewide Learning Conference, please complete this form. We will respond back you with additional information.
Documentation is not required but may be requested if verification is necessary.
Documentation and invoices can also be provided if submitting for assistance or a waiver through another organization.
Fees should not be a barrier to programming for any family. If you do not qualify for the sliding fee scale, but still need assistance to access programming we will work with you. Please email ashleyazar@dsamn.orgfor more information.