DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — PROVIDING THE RUNWAY FOR ACCEPTANCE!

We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality.

Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their face. Because of this, individuals with Down syndrome are often met with a mixed reception when they enter public spaces: awkward glances, long stares, or even being pointed at and laughed at.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and at GiGi Playhouse Rockford, we’re shining a light on the challenges that members of the Down syndrome community still face. These challenges are universal, but for members of the Down syndrome community, they’re intensified.

Loneliness is a perfect example. It’s a problem we all face. Despite being more connected than ever, people are more isolated and depressed. While loneliness is a widespread problem, it’s intensified for individuals with disabilities — a WHOPPING 61 percent of people with disabilities 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 Rockford, we’re on a mission to change how the world views Down syndrome and create a more accepting and inclusive world for all! But acceptance doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Before society can accept individuals with Down syndrome, people need a baseline awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.

That’s why Down Syndrome Awareness Month is so vital. At the Rockford Playhouse, we believe awareness is the first step necessary in creating a more accepting world. The world cannot accept the Down syndrome community until everyone is aware of the challenges they face. But while awareness is extremely important, it by itself is not enough to create acceptance. Beyond cursory knowledge, people need meaningful exposure to individuals with Down syndrome. Exposure leads to understanding. It’s only through genuine understanding that we can create a more inclusive and accepting world.

Because so many members of society are not used to seeing individuals with Down syndrome, they often feel awkward when they encounter people with Down syndrome in public and don’t know how to interact. This separation creates a barrier that causes individuals with Down syndrome to feel isolated from the rest of the world.

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford provides the exposure that eliminates this barrier! In addition to FREE programming, we give the entire Greater Rockford area the opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to individuals with Down syndrome.  Our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC 5K), our “No Bull” Golf Outing, and our “i have a voice” Gala are just a few of the ways we work to build awareness and bridge the gap between our participants and the neurotypical population.

Through awareness and exposure, we can facilitate understanding and ultimately create a more accepting world! Down Syndrome Awareness Month is the first building block in dismantling this barrier, undoing the divide, and uniting individuals with Down syndrome with the rest of the world!

This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re challenging everyone to go beyond merely spreading awareness. In addition to amplifying Down syndrome, GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford is asking everyone to challenge themselves to increase exposure, facilitate understanding, and ultimately help us spread acceptance for the entire Down syndrome community!

Want to help us spread acceptance?  Consider volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford) to form a new connection, create inclusion, and help foster a more accepting world! Just click the following link to get started: https://gigisplayhouse.org/rockford/volunteer

ALSO…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!