Down Syndrome Acceptance 19 of 21: Advocacy
"Advocacy involves actions taken by concerned citizens to demonstrate their support for an issue. In the case of Down syndrome advocacy, these issues are usually related to healthcare and research, education, economic self-sufficiency and employment and integration into the community." "As the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion...
Down Syndrome Acceptance 18 of 21: Karen Gaffney
"From the moment she was born, Karen Gaffney began an incredible journey that continues today. She is the President of a non-profit organization dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, the workplace and the community for people with developmental disabilities. She is doing this by creating...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–17 of 21
"Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today." (source: NDSS) "Improved medical care is helping many more people with Down syndrome to live longer and healthier lives. Improved teaching techniques and therapies are also helping many children...
Down Syndrome Acceptance 16 of 21: Connections
As parents of children with Down syndrome, the connections we make in the Down syndrome community are priceless. We hope you have a network of other parents with whom you've connected. In central Indiana, both GiGi's Indy and Down Syndrome Indiana can serve as valuable resources. NDSS provides a list of...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–15 of 21
Did you know... There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), translocation and mosaicism. Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction): Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–14 of 21
People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. Businesses employ adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions – in banks, corporations, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices and restaurants. They work in...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–13 of 21
Megan Bomgaars is an entrepreneur and self-advocate who also stars in the Emmy award winning A&E television series, Born This Way. She gained a lot of attention after composing the video, "Don't Limit Me" for teachers at her school.
Down Syndrome Acceptance–12 of 21
When you are the parent of a child with Down syndrome, you often celebrate milestones and accomplishments with the enthusiasm that some celebrate their team winning the Superbowl. This is evident by the responses I received after asking a group of local parents to finish the following sentence. You know you're...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–11 of 21
MYTH: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships leading to marriage. TRUTH: People with Down syndrome socialize and have meaningful friendships. Some choose to date, maintain ongoing relationships and marry. (source: NDSS) The film "Monica and David" is an award-winning documentary that follows the wedding and...
Down Syndrome Acceptance–10 of 21
Words matter. People first language emphasizes the person first and not the disability. It describes what a person has and not who a person is. Instead of saying "a disabled person", say, "a person with a disability". Instead of saying, "a Down syndrome man" or " a Downs kid," say,...
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month–9 of 21
When you're looking for support or a connection on the web, where to do you go? NDSS provides us with the following list of on-line resources: D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) www.dadsnational.org Support for fathers of children and adults with Down syndrome Down Syndrome Blogs www.downsyndromeblogs.org A clearinghouse of blogs...