D.C. Fly-In 2026
Thank You 2026 D.C. Fly-In Sponsors!
PWSA | USA's 2026 D.C. Fly-In Application is NOW AVAILABLE!
Download the application at the buttons below (available in English and Spanish).
Soar to new advocacy heights in Washington, D.C. May 4-6, 2026. During PWSA | USA’s 3rd Biennial D.C. Fly-In, we will learn about policy affecting the PWS community, hear from policy makers, and continue our advocacy efforts by coming together on May 6th for a “Day on the Hill!”
Important: Space is limited to 150 PWS advocates for this year’s Fly-In. In past years, applications have closed within one to two days due to high demand. We strongly encourage you to submit your completed application to advocacy@pwsausa.org as soon as possible!
Important Note About the Fillable Application: Please note that the fillable fields in this application are not compatible with mobile devices. Applicants will need to complete the form using a computer or desktop. Alternatively, applicants can print the application, complete it by hand, sign it, and then scan or photograph the completed pages to submit via email. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to advocacy@pwsausa.org.
2026 D.C. Fly-In Important Information
Please Read Before Applying
Attendees will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference will be given to:
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Applicants who have not previously attended a PWSA | USA in-person event.
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Applicants who are active members of PWSA | USA’s Advocacy Committee.
As this is a grant-funded event, full participation is required. All attendees are expected to be actively engaged and to participate in all scheduled sessions and activities throughout the D.C. Fly-In. By completing and signing the application, you agree to participate fully in all components of the event. Failure to do so may result in being ineligible for future volunteer or advocacy opportunities where PWSA | USA provides financial assistance.
By signing and submitting the application, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
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Airfare:
Participants are responsible for securing their own airfare and for making their own travel arrangements.
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Hotel Accommodations:
PWSA | USA has secured a block of rooms for D.C. Fly-In participants at:
Yours Truly DC Hotel
1143 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-775-0800
Nightly rate: $319 (tax not included)
Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel/lodging accommodation. While the Yours Truly DC Hotel is our designated event hotel, attendees are welcome to stay wherever they prefer.
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Approval and Registration:
Upon approval of your D.C. Fly-In application, participants will receive an email with additional registration details and instructions.
D.C. Fly-In Travel Scholarships
PWSA | USA offers a limited number of travel scholarships to support participation in the 2026 D.C. Fly-In. Scholarships are funded through grants and donor contributions and are intended solely to offset a portion of eligible travel-related expenses for approved Fly-In participants.
Scholarship Award Limits
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Individual Applicant: Up to $500
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Family Applicant: Up to $1,000 total per family
Scholarship funds are provided as reimbursement support only. PWSA | USA does not arrange, book, prepay, or directly cover any travel or lodging expenses.
Required Terms and Conditions
By submitting this application and accepting a Travel Scholarship, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following conditions:
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Scholarship awards will be distributed by check and must be collected in person at official event check-in upon arrival in Washington, D.C.
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Scholarship checks will not be mailed, distributed in advance, or issued after the conclusion of the Fly-In.
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Scholarship recipients are required to attend and fully participate in all scheduled D.C. Fly-In sessions, meetings, and advocacy activities, including mandatory training and the Day on the Hill.
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This is a grant-funded program. Full participation is a condition of funding. Failure to meet participation requirements may result in forfeiture of the scholarship and may impact eligibility for future PWSA | USA programs that provide financial assistance.
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PWSA | USA reserves the right to verify attendance and participation.
La versión en español de la solicitud de beca de viaje para el programa D.C. Fly-In estará disponible próximamente.
Interested in Sponsoring the 2026 D.C. Fly-In?
Between May 4-6, 2026, our 3rd Biennial D.C. Fly-In will unite advocates, families, and rare-disease leaders to meet directly with Members of Congress and federal agencies. Following the success of our 2024 event, with 139 advocates from 31 states and 131 Congressional meetings, the 2026 Fly-In will expand in both scale and impact.
Your sponsorship makes this vital work possible. It helps families who might never otherwise travel to D.C. share their stories, educate policymakers, and drive progress in research, newborn screening, and treatment access.
Together, we can amplify the PWS community’s voice and turn advocacy into action. We would love to connect and discuss how your company can join us in making a national impact.
Explore PWSA | USA's 2024 D.C. Fly-In Recap Below
2024 D.C. Fly-In Mini Documentary
We were fortunate to have PWSA | USA’s 2024 D.C. Fly-In event captured in a unique and authentic way. Please enjoy this mini-documentary of our time on Capitol Hill, where nearly 150 parents, caregivers, siblings, family members, and individuals living with PWS came together to advocate for our community’s needs. We are sincerely grateful to those who stepped in front of the camera lens to share their story. Together, we are driving change and making a lasting impact for those affected by PWS. Thanks to Soleno Therapeutics for sponsoring the production of these videos. Produced by Believe Limited: The Patient People.
2024 D.C. Fly-In Hill Day Asks
2024 D.C. Fly-In: By the Numbers
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.