Turn Down For What NYC Leader, Troy Providenti, Selected to Speak at United Nations World Down Syndrome Day Conference
- Turn Down for What NYC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, Mar. 16, 2026 – Troy Providenti has been selected to speak at the 15th World Down Syndrome Day Conference, hosted by Down Syndrome International at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 23.
The annual conference brings together self-advocates, experts, government representatives and community leaders from around the world to address key human rights issues affecting people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. The 2026 theme, “Together Against Loneliness,” focuses on the disproportionate impact of loneliness on people with intellectual disabilities and calls on leaders to turn the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into meaningful action.
Providenti will present “Blended, Not Isolated: Together Against Loneliness,” using the metaphor of tie dye to illustrate the difference between proximity and belonging.
“When I do the tie dye, I start with separate colors,” Providenti said. “All of the colors on their own are very bright and strong. But when I tie dye them together they become even more beautiful. Community is like my tie dye. It is more beautiful when everyone is together.”
Providenti serves as director of strategic partnerships, chief financial officer in training and overnight program associate director at Turn Down For What NYC. He plays a central role in partnership development, financial decision-making and program design. Adults with Down syndrome represent approximately half of the organization’s leadership team, reflecting its peer-to-peer and friendship-first model.
“Real inclusion means bringing my friends to get together,” Providenti said. “Turn Down For What NYC makes me feel included because they need me to be the best leader I can be because I don’t want my friends to be left out.”
In 2024, Providenti founded Troy’s Tie Dye, a small fashion start-up that designs and sells hand-dyed clothing to raise funds for Turn Down For What NYC. Through his business, he combines creativity, entrepreneurship and community impact.
Claire Kuhn, founder and executive director of Turn Down For What NYC, said Providenti’s selection reflects the importance of self-advocate leadership on the global stage.
“Troy is not just participating in community life, he is shaping it,” Kuhn said. “He demonstrates what happens when people with Down syndrome are trusted with real responsibility and real power. His voice at the United Nations shows that inclusion must mean shared leadership, shared decision-making and shared ownership of our communities.”
The conference will take place at the United Nations Headquarters, 405 East 45th Street, New York, and will also be streamed live worldwide. There is no cost to attend.
About Turn Down For What NYC
Founded in 2022, Turn Down For What NYC empowers adults with Down syndrome to enjoy vibrant social lives. Serving New York City and Philadelphia, the organization hosts monthly pop-ups, special events and an overnight summer weekend known as Adult Camp. Its programs are designed to build independence, foster meaningful friendships and create real community. Adults with Down syndrome serve on the leadership team and help shape organizational decisions, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to peer-to-peer connection and authentic inclusion. For more information, visit www.turndownforwhatnyc.org.
Media Contact
Claire Kuhn
Founder and Executive Director
Turn Down For What NYC
Email: hello@turndownforwhatnyc.org
Phone: (248) 631-9029
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