NCSS

Julie Lago is a woman with dark hair wearing a blazer
New Executive Director at National Center for START Services®
NCSS Welcomes Julie Lago, MSW, LICSW
Julie Lago, MSW, LICSW began her role this month as the new Executive Director of the National Center for START Services® (NCSS) at the Institute on D... Learn More
Three people in professional attire posing for a photo at a conference
NCSS Training Team Highlights Maine Partnership at Summit
In May 2025, the inaugural Innovation Summit: A Path for Maine showcased the impact of Maine’s ongoing partnership with NCSS. Learn More
A screenshot of a coloring book page created by a participant, saying "the stories of each community have many authors."
The Stories of START
Reflecting on the 2025 START National Training Institute
Stories can build communities in the START network and beyond, as we learned at SNTI 2025. Learn More
Graphic saying May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
One in five people in the US experience a mental health issue each year, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Learn More
A young woman with cognitive disability smiles in front of blooming flowers during sunset. The golden hour light enhances the natural beauty of the scene.
Myth Busting: Happiness and People with IDD-MH
NCSS is busting the myth that people with IDD-MH are always happy. Learn More
Graphic with rainbow background and infinity symbol saying Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Means Connecting and Appreciating Gifts and Talents
Writer Kevin Fox shares his thoughts Autism Acceptance Month in April Learn More
Graphic saying International Day of Happiness
Things That Make Us Happy
NCSS conducted a poll to celebrate International Day of Happiness on March 20 Learn More
Graphic saying World Down Syndrome Day with an illustration of several hands reaching upwards
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day
The date (3/21) represents the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome! Learn More
People with developmental disabilities smiling with the words "we're here all year."
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
We join the NACDD in celebrating people with developmental disabilities all year long! Learn More
AN illustration of hands making heart shapes and holding red hearts
Myth Busting: Relationships for People with IDD-MH
This month, as we approach Valentine’s Day, we are busting the myth that people with IDD do not have sexual feelings and do not want to be in intimate... Learn More