“I am amazing”: Celebrating Down syndrome

In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the adult SMART group was involved in various activities, including the watching of a related video (“More Alike Than Different”), listening to the reading of an article entitled “Down Syndrome Awareness Month & What It Means To Me,” and the discussion about a poem found on Pinterest.

The final line of Wendy O’Carroll’s poem entitled “Down Syndrome” reads “Having Down syndrome does however mean one thing for certain: I’M AMAZING!” Upon reading this poem aloud, one S.M.A.R.T participant hugged the poster, saying “That is me!!” This was an unexpected reaction that brought tears to the eyes of the onlookers.

The participants were asked “What makes you special?” Here are some of the responses:

*Being part of a ‘team,’ like Special Olympics Bowling or SMART.

*My friends and my family.

*I’m a star! I am friendly! I love my friends and family…and GiGi’s.

*I’m a special Queen. I’m a good friend.

*[I] work hard.

*It’s my job to make people laugh. I love it!

The participants of the SMART program at GiGi’s Playhouse – Madison are truly special people.