Join the WSA

Membership in the WSA provides many benefits to individuals with Williams syndrome, their parents, and medical and educational professionals.

For an association like the WSA, membership is power! Every time we go to a grantmaker, we are asked how many people we serve, and membership is the only true measure we can use. As our membership grows, our ability to secure funding, encourage research, and make a difference in the life of your child grows with it.

Membership will ensure that the information we provide to you and your child's caregivers is of the highest quality. Please don't be one of our silent partners. Let your voice be heard. Become a member of the Williams Syndrome Association today!

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BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Newsletter

The monthly newsletter contains association news, special information on events and other timely information, educational strategies, research and medical treatment updates, strategies for adults with Williams syndrome and much more.

National Convention & Professional Conference

The WSA hosts a convention every two years in locations around the country. The 4-5 day meeting is the largest and most comprehensive meeting on Williams syndrome available. It is attended by families and professionals from throughout the United States and many other countries. The event includes an exhibit fair, more than 50 educational sessions on Williams syndrome, child care for very young children, camps and special day programs for school-age children and teens, programs specifically for adults with WS, opportunities to participate in ongoing research, and evening programs. Speakers at the convention are experts from around the world on Williams syndrome who can help you learn new ways to help your child reach his or her full potential. WSA members enjoy discounted convention fees and scholarships are available.

The WSA also hosts the largest International Professional Conference on Williams syndrome. The special 2-day meeting is held immediately before the Family convention and draws members of the WS Research Community worldwide. Researchers share the latest findings on Williams syndrome and strategize about important "next steps" and collaborations that may lead to new information on WS.

Local Resources

The WSA has Family Support Network (FSN) Volunteers throughout the United States. FSN volunteers help the WSA in a number of valuable ways: connecting personally with local members to answer questions and offer support; gathering and distributing local resource information regarding medical evaluations, educational program availability, camps, recreation programs, and other enrichment opportunities, and hosting local events.

Local Events

In addition to providing local resource information, Regional Chairs (RCs) and volunteers work hard to ensure that a variety of social and educational events are held throughout the country each year. Social events provide families with the opportunity to meet and talk in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, while 1-2 day educational conferences allow families to learn from professionals. Parent to parent networking helps ensure that families do not feel "alone" in their journey with Williams syndrome, and life-long friendships are often forged among both parents and children at these events.

Referral Services

Regional volunteers and the national office work to find experienced professionals in your area who know about a variety of aspects of Williams syndrome and can help you find the "right" professionals to work with your child.

Enrichment Programs

The WSA hosts camps for individuals with Williams syndrome ages 6-18, and partners with other groups to provide camps for adults. The WSA also hosts workshops and vacation opportunities for adults. Scholarships are available for all camps.

Resource Library

The WSA has the largest compilation of articles and information on Williams syndrome and related resources, including, but not limited to:

Up-to-date information for your child's doctors, teachers, and therapists regarding the syndrome and strategies for treatment of its characteristics.
Physical examination protocol for your child's physician.
Growth, weight, and head circumference charts specific to Williams syndrome.
Compiled information from surveys on medical characteristics, successful educational programs, independent living options, and typical employment settings.
Educational pamphlets containing classroom strategies, testing, and evaluation techniques, and the typical cognitive profile.

Social Media Networking

Regional and national Facebook pages and age-related groups provide opportunities for families and professionals from around the world to post questions and comments to each other and receive immediate feedback from others who have "been there," and can provide helpful suggestions, resources, and emotional support.

Webinars

Regularly scheduled webinars are held on a variety of topics of interest to caregivers and professionals. Members of the Williams Syndrome Association's Professional Advisory Board and other known experts in the field provide the latest information to members followed by a facilitated Q & A session.

WS Research & Collaborative Registry

The Collaborative Registry on Williams Syndrome (CReWS) is the largest compilation of redacted (anonymous) medical data on Williams syndrome available to the research community. Families interested in furthering the knowledge of WS for the research community are invited to enter medical data on their child with WS and are in turn informed of research studies in which they may want to participate.

The WSA provides funding annually to promote and support clinical research on Williams syndrome. Studies are chosen for support based on their importance to the WS Community at large.

WSA membership is not just for families. Anyone who is interested in joining can become a member by clicking below.