Measuring the impact of “Dancing for Down Syndrome”

The Down syndrome community of New York City did something that has never been done before. A minuscule fraction of the 4 to 5 thousand families touched by Down syndrome estimated to live in the metropolitan area, shared their experiences of loving someone with Down syndrome on Playhouse supported web pages. Thirtyfive families posted their stories on the internet and emailed them to friends and acquaintances around the world. Neighborhoods were papered with flyers telling stories about the love of these special individuals. Neighbors and colleagues were invited to sponsor these pioneering families to “Dance for Down syndrome” at a celebration hosted by New Song Community Church, in South Harlem on June 14th. There is no way to measure the impact of the hundreds of individuals touched by the personal stories that were shared on the Dancing for Down Syndrome family pages. Many of these stories expressed touchingly intimate details of what it’s like to love someone with Down syndrome and the power of being supported by the Playhouse community. What we can begin to measure is the joy families experienced participating in the Dancing for Down Syndrome celebration. Photos capture experiences like words only dream of doing. And the countless video tags on social media networks by families at the event are testament to pride and exuberance felt by those gathering together to DANCE for Down syndrome. Measuring the sustainability of $35,000 raised by these individual fundraising efforts is as easy as elementary school mathematics. These few families sharing their stories in such a simple way, paid for our community center home and utilities for a full year! No matter how we measure our success, we can be proud that families who come to the Playhouse and experience the impact of our free classes, workshops, lectures, parties and events have taken the lead in supporting a sustainable community center for all New Yorkers touched by Down syndrome. Together we are redefining Down syndrome as a proud and joyful community of families working together; supporting our children and each other so that our loved ones can make a meaningful contribution to this great city. Because of our advocacy as a community, when New Yorkers brag about living in a city rich in diversity and inclusion, the images conjured will include the thousands of beautiful faces with the distinctive features of Down syndrome! We did it! Together. And this is just beginning!

Britt Sady, Executive Director, GiGi’s Playhouse, NYC