Ashley DeRamus To Make Appearance at National Down Syndrome Congress Convention

Hoover, Ala. (July 3, 2014) Advocate for the awareness of Down syndrome and other special needs children and adults, Ashley DeRamus of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation is scheduled to make an honorary appearance at the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 11 at 3:30 p.m. 

Each year, thousands of people from around the world come together to attend the NDSC, National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. Founded in 1973, the NDSC is the country’s oldest national organization for those living with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals that help them and work with them.  At the convention, information, advancement and support is shared with attendees, creating a national climate of recognition and valued sentiment for people with Down syndrome. This year, the 42nd Annual NDSC Convention will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the JW Marriott from July 11 through July 13.

Through the experience of living with Down syndrome, Ashley DeRamus’ advocacy proves that those born with Down syndrome have ability and not disability. Through her many years of work and dedication, Ashley has been featured as a speaker at the United Nations and was named one of the six most inspirational entrepreneurs with Down syndrome in the world by Disney. Ashley, along with her mother Connie DeRamus, launched a clothing line tailored to fit women with Down syndrome, Ashley by Design. Ashley is also featured in a music video with Grammy Award winning Gospel Music artist Jason Crabb, titled “Love is Stronger.”

At the NDSC on July 11 at 3:30 p.m., Ashley will be showcased and honored at the film festival. The short video showing the making of and the story behind-the-scenes of the “Love is Stronger” music video will be played to all the delegates from the United States and around the globe. Ashley’s clothing line, Ashley by Design, will also be on display for the entire convention. Ashley will surely impact this year’s NDSC, as the music video, clothing line, and her enthusiasm will educate and enlighten the hearts of many.

For more information on the Ashley DeRamus Foundation, visit:

http://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org or https://www.facebook.com/ashley.deramus .

For more information on Ashley by Design or to shop, visit http://ashleybydesign.com .

For more information on the National Down Syndrome Congress and the Convention, visit http://www.ndsccenter.org .

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About Ashley DeRamus Foundation

The Ashley DeRamus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement, and quality life-style of children and adults with Down syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, the goal is to increase awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions that are made. You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adream.gk@gmail.com.

For Publicity Contact – AG Publicity – info@agpublicity.com - 615-545-5315

USA TODAY HOSTS PREMIERE FOR JASON CRABB'S 'LOVE IS STRONGER' VIDEO

USATODAY.COM HOSTS ONLINE PREMIERE FOR JASON CRABB'S 'LOVE IS STRONGER' VIDEO October 1st

Directed by Roman White, Grammy Award Winner Highlights Special Needs and Military Families in Emotion Filled Video

Vocalist Preparing Fall Tour With Michael W. Smith

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO!

Jack Morgan, Ashley DeRamus, Jason Crabb, Director Roman White on the set of the video for "Love Is Stronger" in Birmingham, AL

(NASHVILLE, TN) – USA TODAY hosted an exclusive video premiere of the emotional video to Jason Crabb's 'Love Is Stronger,' the title track from his latest release. The video highlights special needs and military families in a storyline starring Ashley DeRamus, a young woman living with Down syndrome and Jack Morgan, a military veteran. The video can be found by clicking here: www.USATODAY.com

Filmed in Brimingham, AL at five different locations, the video has struck a poignant chord with viewers across the country. "When Roman White brought the story line to me, I knew this video was going to be an emotional one," said Jason Crabb. "We partnered with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to depict individuals living with Down Syndrome as normal, everyday people who go through things, such as their Dad going to war. I am so thankful that Ashley and Jack agreed to do this video. I know it will bless many people with the message that yes, life is tough, but LOVE is always stronger!"

Ashley DeRamus and Jason Crabb met over ten years ago at a concert and developed a strong friendship. When the idea came for this music video, Jason knew he wanted to partner with Ashley and her foundation to bring awareness to Down Syndrome.

Ashley comments: "I've always said: Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do show them what you can do. That is why I am so happy to have been able to have this opportunity to partner with Jason and Roman and include my down syndrome and special needs friends. It has been a dream of mine to act, and now I can cross that off my bucket list thanks to Jason!"

Ashley's latest accomplishment as an actress comes on the heels of a very busy calendar. She was recently asked to speak at the United Nations and was just named as one of the "Top 6 Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome Changing The World" by Disney's Babble.com. Clearly, Ashley is a very determined and ambitious young woman.

When the script called for the part of a wounded military member, Jason asked his Facebook friends to find someone for him. Jack Morgan, a military veteran, was submitted by a friend and the rest, as they say, is history.

To learn more about Ashley DeRamus and her foundation for Down Syndrome awareness, visit www.AshleyDeRamusFoundation.org

Jason is preparing to join legendary CCM artist Michael W. Smith for a select number of appearances during the final leg of Smith's 'All Around The World' tour in October.

To keep up with Jason and all that is going on, stay tuned online to www.JasonCrabb.com, Facebook.com/JasonCrabbMusic, and Twitter.com/JasonCrabbMusic.

ABOUT JASON CRABB
Jason Crabb is one of the most highly respected, versatile and talented artists to ever grace a stage. His soulful, heartfelt vocals have made him a critics’ pick and a fan favorite on stages ranging from “The Grand Ole Opry” and the Brooklyn Tabernacle to arena platforms. Crabb is the reigning GMA Dove Awards’ Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year and currently holds seventeen Dove Awards. With a string of number one hits and chart-topping singles, a tour schedule of over 150 dates annually, and ongoing high-profile TV appearances, this vocal powerhouse’s talent is topped only by his genuine personality and concern for others. Love Is Stronger, his latest release, arrived onto the musical landscape with critical acclaim. Produced by musical heavyweights - Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin,) Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Wayne Haun (Celine Dion) - the 11-track project features Jason at his very best and garnered attention from Entertainment Tonight, The Associated Press, FOX News, AOL Music, The Boot, CCM Magazine, New Release Tuesday and more. Jason lives with his wife Shellye, and daughters Emma and Ashleigh just outside of Nashville, TN.

Ashley Deramus Delivers First Speech To 550 Students

Purvis, MS (April 30, 2013) Ashley Deramus doesn't let a little thing like Down Syndrome stop her from doing what she has been destined to do, bring awareness to special needs kids.

One her way to a big concert date Ashley stopped to address over 550 students at Purvis High School in Purvis, MS. It was Ashley's first time to ever give a speech in public and she wanted to give honor to her mentor Claudene Christian.

Claudene was a mate on the ship “HMS Bounty” which capsized and sank in the middle of hurricane Sandy. Claudene and the Captain of the ship, Robin Walbridge both lost their lives in the terrible storm.

Ashley spoke about her experiences on the Bounty with Claudene. The crew of the Bounty often took special needs and underprivileged kids on short voyages to teach them some of life’s lessons. Ashley was able to take a couple of those cruises and that is where Claudene and Ashley made such a deep connection.

Ashley's story touched the hearts of many of those high school students so greatly that they gave her a standing ovation. She was also requested to sing the Jason Crabb song “Love Is Stronger”.

All of this happened as she was on her way to the Singing In The Sun concert series where Ashley led the Pledge Of Allegiance on Thursday evening the 18th of April, opening the show for Jason Crabb. Over 5,000 people were at the concert which was promoted by Abraham Productions. The Ashley Deramus Foundation had a booth at the event and raised over $1,000 for the foundation which is dedicated to individuals with Down Syndrome & special needs.

You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adreamgk@gmail.com .

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make. You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adreamgk@gmail.com

HMS Bounty Article in Outside Magazine

Ashley Deramus on HMS Bounty

Media Statement
In light of the recent story in Outside Magazine about the HMS Bounty, Ashley and I would like to take this opportunity to honor the memory of crew members Claudine Christian and Captain Robin. These two brave individuals were both mentors and heroes in Ashley’s world.
In 2012, we received the rare honor of sailing transit on the HMS Bounty, which is where Ashley fell in love with sailing and was given the opportunity to be a part of the crew. This experience helped build her confidence and social skills. Under the supervision of Claudine, Ashley carried out her assigned duties. These included checking the engine room and painting.
Ashley’s time with Captain Robin helped develop a deep friendship and admiration for each other. By seeing how Ashley’s self confidence, independence and ability to accept responsibility grew, Captain Robin decided he wanted to give other young people the same opportunity. His dream was to arrange for the Bounty to host a group of young individuals with Down syndrome on some of the transits during the 2013 Great Lakes Tour.
I have never seen Ashley’s confidence in what she is capable to do and her potential rise as much as it did with her time spent on the HMS Bounty. I thank Captain Robin and Claudine for their love, support, and the impact they made in Ashley’s life. They will always be a treasure in both of our hearts and memory.
Connie Deramus
Executive Director
Ashley’s by Design “Up about downs”
You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or dreamgk@gmail.com. Read more about Ashley Deramus and her Foundation at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-DeRamus-Foundation or http://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org/ .

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make.

Ashley Deramus Pledge Tour Continues

Hoover, AL (January 17, 2013) Ashley Deramus, who has Down Syndrome, has the goal of leading the Pledge of Allegiance in all fifty states. Through this effort she is sharing her love for her country, her patriotism, and the right of all people to be informed active citizens.

Ashley was privileged to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Rose Bowl Parade and was enthusiastically joined by the spectators in the crowd. At the viewing of the floats the next day, a small group joined her again to participate in The Pledge.
After leaving California Ashley was fortunate to have a helicopter tour of The Grand Canyon, where she led The Pledge of Allegiance in Arizona on the floor of The Grand Canyon surrounded by the grandeur of the beauty of God's creation.

Stopping briefly at a Nevada rest area where she and Buster, her traveling yellow lab, posed for a picture with Buster donning his patriotic bandana and Ashley a sparkly red hat to set the mood, while truckers watched with tears in their eyes.
Then she was off to Aspen, Colorado. Ashley had the great honor of leading The Pledge of Allegiance at the opening luncheon for the annual Winterskol festival.

Ashley is on her way to achieving her goal of leading the Pledge of Allegiance in all fifty states, and by accomplishing that, bringing much needed attention to Down Syndrome and other Special Needs children and adults. She is able to do this through the help of the Ashley Deramus Foundation, which was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome.

Find out more about Ashley and the Ashley Deramus Foundation at http://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org, or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-DeRamus-Foundation. You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or afreamgk@gmail.com

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make.