Friday evening will be a time for parents and caregivers to connect with and learn from one another.  Roundtable discussions will focus on those questions participants really want answers to.   

The 2025 IMDSA Research and Retreat Conference includes educational sessions, support sessions, research participation sessions, and plenty of fun activities for community relationship building.

        

Researchers will be available to meet with self-advocates and parents throughout the conference, with an option to schedule personalized appointments to answer your specific questions, listen to your suggestions and experiences related to mosaic or non-mosaic Down syndrome. 

To get more information about the researchers that will be attending the Research and Retreat weekend, visit here. If you are interested in participating in research during the conference, you can indicate your interest by checking the box on the registration form indicating your interest in research participation. 

Approximately two weeks prior to our Research and Retreat Weekend, you will receive an email from IMDSA with details. This email is used to determine when your family will arrive at the conference, which research in which you want to participate, the form of Down syndrome your child has, as well as their age and gender. Once that information is received, another email will be sent to you by the Wednesday evening prior to the event with your research schedule for Saturday and any necessary documents or information needed for the research.

*Please note participation in research is optional and free of charge. *

The Americana Conference Resort

8444 Lundys Lane Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4, Canada

Buffalo Niagra International Airport is the most recommend airport to get to this year's R&R.

 Airport Distance to hotel:

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), 45 minutes

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM), 58 minutes

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), 1 hour 9 minutes

Niagara District Airport, 15 minutes