Event Calendar

***Please note that this presentation is being held in Mammel Hall, located near Aksarben Village, on UNO's Pacific Street campus. You will need to print out an ePermit, that will be emailed to you when available, in order to park on campus. Please display the ePermit in your dash when parking in the campus parking lots.***

The Down Syndrome Education Series (DSES) is a monthly educational seminar for families of children with Down syndrome, designed to connect parents with information that will positively impact the education and well-being of their child.

Facilitating Social Inclusion – Self-Advocate Rachel Mast, of Olathe, KS, says “I Love My Life!” Rachel, an extremely socially active young lady whose interests outside of school include dance, theater and church activities has had the opportunity to be fully included in these activities with the support of friends. Rachel’s discussion focuses on how important her friends are to her as well as what it is that her friends can do to make it easier for her to be included. Rachel even shares some tips from her own friends. Rachel was also instrumental in helping pass the Federal ABLE Act and Kansas ABLE Act. Her presentation includes information on her self-advocacy efforts. Rachel’s mother, Jawanda Barnett Mast, NDSS Manager of Grassroots Advocacy and host of the disability blog www.thesassysoutherngal.com, will be sharing about Making Your Voice Heard Through NDSS Grassroots Advocacy and discussing how your voice can be used to advocate across settings.

Speaker Bio - Rachel Nicole Mast

Rachel is 17 and will be a junior at Olathe South High School in Kansas. Rachel is a member of the Student Council, volleyball manager and is on the Honor Roll. In addition to school activities, Rachel participates in dance, Christian Youth Theater, Inclusion Connections and Blue Valley Baptist Church Student Choir and activities. In 2013 she was recognized by the City of Olathe with the Youth Community Access Award. She is an NDSS Ambassador.

Rachel is one of three students with Down syndrome featured in a video called “Just Like You – Down Syndrome” an educational video in schools, hospitals, civic groups, and more and around the globe.

Rachel was born in Memphis, TN and moved to Kansas when she was in the 3rd grade. Rachel loves dancing, acting and hanging out with her friends. Rachel’s presentation is “I Love My Life!”

Speaker Bio – Jawanda B. Mast

Jawanda Barnett Mast, NDSS Manager of Grassroots Advocacy including management of the NDSS DS-Ambassador program. Jawanda is mom to 17-year-old Rachel who happens to have Down syndrome. Since Rachel’s birth, Jawanda has become an advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Formerly, she was Executive Director, Buddy Walk Chair and Board President of the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South. She is a graduate of the Tennessee Partners in Policymaking Institute. Jawanda also serves on the Kansas Emergency Safety Intervention Task Force. Professionally, Jawanda has spent 30+ years working in community education and volunteer management through various non-profit organizations. She has BS and MS degrees in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Arkansas. Jawanda, her husband Jonathan and Rachel live in Olathe, KS.

***Childcare is not provided. With the exception of infants, we request that you refrain from bringing children to this event.