with Down syndrome
and those who
support them
Join MDSC and NDSS for an evening of celebration in the DCU Grand Ballroom, featuring self-advocate performances, a keynote address, our Brighter Futures Video Montage, MDSC’s Annual Awards presentation, and an after dinner self-advocate dance party.
We will celebrate the promise and potential of our community by highlighting the voices and talents of self-advocates who will take center stage for special performances and our 2026 Self Advocate Keynote address by Matthew Schwab. Plus, we will unveil our Brighter Futures Video Montage, featuring submitted photos that capture the joy, achievement, and connections that define our community.
Of course, our Awards Dinner is also when we present MDSC’s Annual Awards to honor those individuals who have made a significant impact on the Down syndrome community.
We hope you will join us at our national conference Awards Dinner for an evening of celebration and building brighter futures together!
Matthew Schwab
Advocate, Public Speaker, Actor
Read Bio
Matthew Schwab is a 28-year-old North Carolina native whose life is defined by passion, purpose, and progress. He and his fiancé share a home and are joyfully planning their wedding for September 2026, a milestone on Matthew’s journey toward independent living. He graduated from High School in June 2017 with an Occupational Course of Study diploma and in May 2019, he completed Project Search, an internship-based educational program, at Wake Technical Community College. His professional path is as dynamic as his personality—he’s an actor, a public speaker, and a dedicated host at Townhall Grill in Chapel Hill.
Matthew’s commitment to advocacy shines through his leadership roles. He serves on the Board of Directors for GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center, and First in Families of NC, championing inclusion and empowerment for individuals with Down syndrome. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, diving into books, movies, and TV shows. He and his fiancé share a love for Wii gaming and have been taking ballroom dance lessons together for five years. A passionate advocate for Down syndrome, Matthew delivered a TEDx talk in 2019 on the importance of inclusive employment. As a leader in the disability community, he continues to use his voice to challenge perceptions and inspire change, with a mission to reshape how the world sees Down syndrome—one conversation, performance, and interaction at a time.