Spreading Awareness on World Down Syndrome Day

We celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on March 21. This day holds importance to our community as it signifies the triplication of the 21st chromosome. It’s an opportunity to spread awareness and acceptance to the amazing individuals with Down syndrome living in our Colorado communities on this day and every day.

Let’s hear how one of our Playhouse families, The Kennedys, mark this extra special occasion.  They’ve been living in Colorado for nearly a decade, and love exploring the beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and spending their time outside. Morgan shares below why World Down Syndrome Day has brought their family hope, appreciation, and excitement for the future.

The Kennedy Family

Tell us a little bit about yourself/ your family.

I’m Morgan, a Military wife, stay-at-home mom to four little ones, and an amateur photographer who loves cooking and baking. My husband Ian and I have been married for 11 years, and we’re proud parents of Sawyer (8), Quinn (5), Harper (2), and our newest addition, August (10 months). Ian and I are from Jacksonville, Florida but have lived in Colorado for seven years. 

What are a few of Sawyers’s favorite things? What makes him unique? 

Sawyer is bright, independent, silly, utterly handsome, and has a smile that will melt all your worries away. It’s so fun to see his interests change as he grows, loving dinosaurs and anything space as a toddler and now eager to color, write stories, and practice his spelling words as an 8-year-old. Sawyer has always loved reading and will happily sit with a pile of books and read for hours. He also enjoys playing basketball and disc golf with dad, playing hide and seek with his two sisters, and riding around our neighborhood on his bike. This summer, he’s looking forward to swimming lessons and learning how to paddleboard! 

What does World Down Syndrome Day mean to you? 

To be transparent, I’ve had mixed emotions as Sawyer’s mom when celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, and those emotions have evolved greatly over the past eight years during this journey. I’ve hesitated “celebrating” Down syndrome when at times, that meant showcasing something that made Sawyer’s life more difficult than others. And while that’s true, Sawyer does struggle at times; I’ve learned that WDSD can be a day to celebrate just how hard Sawyer works and celebrate him, his friends, and those in our community that supports individuals with Down syndrome. Who doesn’t love an extra day of celebration? We wake up on 3/21 hopeful of today, excited for the future, and so appreciative of the little boy who opened the door into this amazing community. I’m thankful the world recognizes everything individuals with Down syndrome bring to the table, and on WDSD, I’m so grateful to witness this firsthand. 

How has inclusion impacted your family? 

When Sawyer started preschool at three years old, I remember being terrified of this next chapter. Like every mom who’s about to experience that very first day of school, I kept repeating to myself, “How do I do this?”. I was so nervous about handing him off to his teacher and a group of same-aged peers, both typical learning and with different needs. Then, about two weeks into the school year, I was gathering his lunch box and backpack from our car when I heard a little voice call out, “Sawyer!” and then another, “Sawyer! Hey! Sawyer, wait for me!”. Two little friends had spotted us and lit up when they approached him. Sawyer smiled at his friends, and I knew we had found an amazing school that truly understood inclusion. 

Sawyer took his first steps at five years old the following school year. His entire classroom cheered for him, and you could feel how proud Sawyer was and how proud of all his friends were. Now, Sawyer is a first-grader in public school, fully included in his classroom. He learns beside his peers with the same expectations for classroom assignments and homework. His friends encourage and support him. He eats lunch with his class, and I often hear that his teacher has to facilitate who plays with Sawyer at recess since everybody wants a turn.

Inclusion is so important for everyone. Our world is so diverse, so colorful, and everyone, EVERYONE, benefits when we choose to include everybody. While inclusion has always been something I strongly advocate for, I’m so grateful for the families that came before me and laid the foundation to include our kids. 

Sawyer and his sister, Quinn

Why do you feel it’s important to share Down syndrome with Sawyer’s peers? 

Children are little sponges of their environment: they’re taking everything in, learning about that world around them, and noticing it all. So while I want Sawyer to be treated as the typical child he is, I also appreciate the curiosity of his peers and teaching everyone in his classroom — students, aids, and staff alike, that the conversation around disability is welcomed. It’s perfectly okay to talk about it and to ask questions. 

I have sought the opportunity to speak to Sawyer’s class to explain what Down syndrome is: How Sawyer is unique in a few ways, but like everyone else in so, so, so many ways. Fostering this conversation helps his peers better understand Sawyer as a friend and classmate. But, more importantly, it’s something they’ll take with them outside the classroom and into their everyday lives. 

Let’s teach our kids that disability isn’t a word we need to whisper, and if you’re curious about something, it’s so okay to ask! Knowledge is power, and as Sawyer’s mom, I’ll take any chance I get to shout his worth and help the world see how amazing he is and the value he brings to our community. 

In the past, how have you spread awareness and acceptance on WDSD? 

Like I’ve mentioned, I love going into my son’s school and spending awareness and acceptance! Sometimes, that can be reading a book to his class (and inviting other classrooms to join us). One of my favorites is “Not Your Typical Dragon,” passing out a fun treat like rainbow goldfish and explaining how we’re all different in our ways, and then opening up the conversation and answering questions. We also love rocking our crazy socks! Last year, Sawyer and his sisters brought cupcakes to local fire departments with a short and sweet “Happy World Down Syndrome Day” postcard attached. 

Are there tips and tricks you would recommend based on your experiences? 

Be prepared for tough questions if you choose to speak to your child’s class. In Kindergarten, one little girl quickly raised her hand and asked, “Why does Sawyer talk like a baby sometimes? I can’t understand him.” To be honest, it caught me off guard, and as a mom, I wanted to hug my son and reply, “He doesn’t! He’s been in speech therapy for years!” Instead, I replied, “What a great question! Did you know you have muscles even in your mouth? Low muscle tone makes things like running, jumping, swimming, and even speaking a little bit harder for Sawyer. If you’re having a hard time understanding Sawyer, ask him to slow down and repeat himself or ask your teacher for help!” Anticipate very honest questions from kids.

One of the best things about the Down syndrome community is the robust amount of resources. Some of my favorites include Gigi’s Playhouse, the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, Ruby’s Rainbow, Hope Story, and parent blogs like Kelle Hampton’s “Enjoying the Small Things.”

Anything else you would like us to know or to share? 

Sawyer is truly an incredible kid. While a part of him, his extra chromosome doesn’t define or limit him. He’s a bright, overachieving student, he’s a loving son and great big brother, and he’s a valued member of our community. Down syndrome presents its challenges at times, but we’re constantly finding ways to support and overcome those challenges. Sawyer and his friends bring so much light and joy to this world; I’m so thankful to be a part of this community. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!