Author: Sara Hart Weir and Jadene Ransdell

Sara Hart Weir, MS, is the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society. A Kansas native, Weir's passion of fighting for the human rights of all people with Down syndrome stems from her experience as a peer mentor and friend to a young woman with Down syndrome, Kasey, over two decades ago. As NDSS’ President, Weir oversees the organization’s mission, vision and administration, which is the largest nonprofit in the United States dedicated to advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families. Weir’s philosophy to effective advocacy is “to be at the table” and she works each day to ensure people with Down syndrome earn and are represented at every table where critical decisions are made - whether it’s the White House, the US Congress, the United Nations or in state capitals across the country. _______________________________________________ Jadene S. Ransdell has a B.S. and over 40 years of experience working with families and professionals in areas related to developmental disabilities, including state and local education systems, developmental disabilities programs, and family support programs. Jadene has served as a volunteer on numerous boards, councils and organizations. She is a current member of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices. Jadene lives in Clearwater, Florida with her husband of more than 45 years and has two sons and two grandsons. Jadene’s younger son was born with Down syndrome, Autism and has a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.