BREAKING NEWS: The Down syndrome community in the state of New York experienced a HUGE win…and GiGi’s Playhouse played a crucial role.
Last week, the Down Syndrome Awareness Bill was signed into law, requiring the NYS Department of Health to provide doctors with up-to-date information and resources about Down syndrome. The bill’s goal is to ensure that soon-to-be parents who have just learned of a prenatal diagnosis receive accurate information. It seeks to end the rampant misinformation that continues to surround Down syndrome.
Emily Mondschein, Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo, can speak to that misinformation. Emily had a negative experience with her doctor when she received a prenatal diagnosis when she was pregnant with her son Paul who has Down syndrome.
But Emily’s experience didn’t just make her aware of this misinformation problem; it made her work to solve it.
Emily approached New York Assembly Member Karen McMahon and Senator Robert Ortt about this issue. She then met with the Governor’s team to educate them on it.
But Emily and our Buffalo Playhouse didn’t just act alone; they called on the power and strength of other members of our incredible GiGi’s network to help make this bill a reality. Our Southern Tier, Rochester, and Syracuse Playhouses all played pivotal roles by writing letters to the Governor, highlighting New York’s need for the Down Syndrome Awareness Bill.
This bill not only speaks to the amazing advocacy efforts that are taking place in the Down syndrome community in New York, but also the collective strength of the GiGi’s Playhouse network. Together, our Playhouses are advocating for the Down syndrome community, enacting change, and truly changing the world for the better.
You can learn more about New York’s Down Syndrome Awareness Bill here.