Down Syndrome Awareness Month – Providing the Runway for Acceptance

Guest blogger: GiGi’s Playhouse, Inc.

We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, we sense that all eyes are on us. For most of us this is a fleeting feeling, but for people with Down syndrome and their loved ones, it’s often a daily reality.

Most individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their face. Because of this, they’re often met with a mixed reception when they enter public spaces: awkward glances, long stares, conspicuous whispers, or even being pointed out and laughed at. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and at GiGi Playhouse Detroit, we are shining a light on the challenges that members of the Down syndrome community still face. These challenges are universal, but for many folks with Down syndrome, they’re intensified.

Loneliness is a perfect example. It’s something we’ve all experienced. Despite being more connected than ever, people in the U.S. are also more isolated and depressed than previous generations. While loneliness is a widespread problem, it’s intensified for individuals with disabilities.

A WHOPPING 61% of disabled people report that they’re chronically lonely!

Since their diagnosis is easily visible, individuals with Down syndrome bear the brunt of this social isolation.

It’s a problem. But like all problems, there’s a solution:

Inclusion Through Action.

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re on a mission to change how the world views Down syndrome and generate more acceptance and inclusion for all! But acceptance doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Before society at large can fully appreciate individuals with Down syndrome, people need a baseline understanding of this chromosomal phenomenon and those who rock it!

That’s why Down Syndrome Awareness Month is so vital.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, we believe awareness is the first step in creating a more inclusive world. But while awareness is extremely important, it by itself is not enough to generate a sense of belonging. Beyond cursory knowledge, people need meaningful exposure to individuals with Down syndrome, their challenges, their achievements, their everyday realities. Exposure leads to understanding, and understanding leads to empathy. This is how we will create a kinder and more inclusive world.

Because so many members of society aren’t used to seeing individuals with Down syndrome in public, they often feel awkward during these encounters and don’t know how to interact. This separation creates a barrier that causes folks with disabilities to feel isolated from the rest of the world.

GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit provides the exposure, respectfully, that eliminates this barrier! In addition to offering programs at no cost to families, we give all of metro Detroit the opportunity to have meaningful interactions with individuals with Down syndrome, and have resources for the general public and school tools as well!

Our three big events each year, The Lucky Have a Few gala, the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge, and our upcoming Halloween Dance Party are perfect examples of bringing people with and without Down syndrome together to raise awareness, build relationships, and normalize both differences AND similarities. Everyone has a great time and walks away with a full heart.

Through our programs for all ages, such as Open Play, Teen Tastic, and Fantastic Friends, GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit provides a safe environment where individuals with disabilities and the neurotypical population can enjoy activities together. Additionally, with countless volunteer opportunities, our doors are always open to anyone who wants to get involved.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is one step in dismantling the barrier between disabled folks and the general population. This October, we are challenging everyone do whatever you can within your sphere of influence to increase exposure, foster empathy, and ultimately help us spread acceptance for the entire Down syndrome community!

Want to help us change the world???

Participate in our 31 Ways in 31 Days Challenge! For all 31 days of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re offering daily challenges to help you get out of your comfort zone, spread awareness about Down syndrome, facilitate understanding, and help create a more ACCEPTING world! Learn more here!

Also – we are ALWAYS looking for more volunteers and there are innumerable ways to get involved. Find out more at our next Volunteer Orientation from 7 – 8 PM TONIGHT! (Tuesday, October 1st, 2024). You can register here!