Ways to Promote Down Syndrome Acceptance

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM). At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re celebrating with 31 Ways in 31 Days, a fun and meaningful challenge designed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and spread acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. 

While Down syndrome acceptance may feel especially timely in October, these 31 actions can be practiced all year long! 

Each of us has the power to help create a more inclusive and accepting world for individuals with Down syndrome. 31 Ways in 31 Days empowers everyone to tap into their inner strength and take meaningful steps toward a more accepting future, no matter the day, month, or season.  

Week 1: Awareness Starts With You 

These 31 days of acceptance are an opportunity to move beyond passive support and truly make a difference in your family, school, and community. Get ready to dive into ways you can get started right now with these tips for week one:

1. Brush Up on the Basics
   Before you can spread Down syndrome acceptance, you need to learn the facts about Down syndrome. Watch a documentary, read a book, or visit our resource page to get started. 
2. Share Your Story
   Use social media to share how Down syndrome has touched your life and spread acceptance. Tag @GiGisPlayhouse so we can amplify your voice! 
3. Look the Part
   Rock your Down syndrome awareness merch! Wear blue and yellow or grab a shirt from our shop to visually spread Down syndrome acceptance. 
4. Get Inspired

Get inspired by advocates and creators in the community. Here are some of our favorite advocates to get you started:

• @erinadvocates
• @anyundik
• @vallitfit
• @pennytovar
• @ashlyncarmela
• @matthewschwabspeaks
• @mermaid_maryborman
• @gigigianni
• @21pineapplesshirtco
• @calebs_crew 

5. Add GiGi’s Journey to Storytime
   This heartwarming adventure features a main character with Down syndrome and promotes inclusion. Order your copy here. 
6. Make Awareness Fun
   Print and share kid-friendly activity books that teach inclusion. Take them to schools, waiting rooms, restaurants – anywhere kids are! 
7. Get #GenerationG Magazine
   Our latest issue is full of inspiring stories and ways to make a difference. Grab your copy here. 

Week 2: Words, Actions, and Advocacy 

While week one is about personal awareness, the second week is all about putting your understanding into action. Your words and decisions have the power to influence others, so let’s focus on becoming an effective advocate for full acceptance and inclusion:

8. Language Matters (Use It Kindly)
   Always say “a person with Down syndrome,” not “a Downs child.” Help educate others in a respectful and informative manner. 
9. Stay Informed
   Stay up-to-date with medical research, inclusive policy changes, and inspiring stories. For one of the best ways to stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter! 
10. End the R-word
    Speak out when you hear the R-word. Help us stop it in schools, workplaces, and online. Grab a shirt to spread the message. 
11. Attend Inclusive Events
    Celebrate inclusion and Down syndrome acceptance with events like the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. 
12. Use Your Platform
    Share our social graphics and facts online. Your voice matters, so post away! 
13. Partner with Libraries and Bookstores
    Ask your local bookstore or library to feature books about Down syndrome, like GiGi’s Journey. 
14. Start a Conversation
    Say hello! Make an effort to meet someone with Down syndrome today, or introduce your kids to new friends at school 

Week 3: Support, Connect, and Educate 

For week three, it’s time to deepen your impact by focusing on tangible support and education. This week is dedicated to connecting with the community, fostering friendships, and actively helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their very best.

15. Support Achievement
    Help individuals with Down syndrome reach their goals. Donate to support our FREE programs here. 
16. Shop Inclusively
    Support businesses that employ individuals with Down syndrome, and bring your friends and family with you! 
17. Make It a Movie Night
    Watch inclusive films like The Peanut Butter Falcon or Champions. Representation matters! 
18. Foster Friendships
    Encourage your children to befriend classmates with Down syndrome. Build inclusive habits early. 
19. Volunteer or Fundraise
    Get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse! Whether you help out at events or fundraise, your time makes a difference. 
20. Talk to Teachers
    Share our Educator Symposium with teachers to help them build inclusive classrooms. 
21. Support Families
    Reach out to families in the Down syndrome community. Listen, support, and be a resource. 

Week 4: Empower and Advocate 

Week four is all about action. We encourage you to gather friends, family, and coworkers and collaborate with your local schools, companies, and communities to advocate on behalf of individuals with Down syndrome!

22. Stop Bullying
    Teach your children to advocate for peers and stand up against bullying in all forms. 
23. Share Your Skills
    Are you a writer, artist, or financial pro? Volunteer to teach or mentor a GiGi’s group with your unique skillset. 
24. Promote Inclusive Education
    Advocate for classrooms where kids of all abilities learn and grow together. 
25. Champion Employment
    Talk to local businesses about hiring individuals with Down syndrome – Down syndrome acceptance starts in our communities. 
26. Plan a Group Volunteer Day
    Get your school, church, or workplace together for a volunteer day at GiGi’s Playhouse! 
27. Fundraise Your Way
    Host a bake sale, car wash, or create an online fundraiser – every dollar helps expand programs and awareness. 
28. Style with Purpose
    Choose a day for your school or office to wear blue and yellow for awareness. Make it fun and visible! 
29. Create Accessible Spaces
    Encourage schools and workplaces to add ramps, clear signage, and accessible design. 
30. Promote Independence
    Help individuals with Down syndrome build life skills and self-confidence. Volunteer with our teen or adult programs! 

Day 31: Be #GenerationG – All Year Long 

As you wrap up your 31 days of acceptance, the final week focuses on long-term empowerment and systemic advocacy. This is your chance to step up as a true champion, influencing the environments, from schools and workplaces to local businesses, to be fully inclusive and accessible for everyone.

31. Live Generously. Be Kind. Stay Accepting.
    Down Syndrome Awareness Month might be over, but the movement doesn’t stop here. Join the #GenerationG human-rights movement, a commitment to being generous, kind, and accepting every day. Join now and invite your friends! 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

Let’s celebrate Down syndrome acceptance with purpose and passion, not just in October, but every day of the year! Follow us on social media, tag your posts with #GenerationG, and join a movement that’s reshaping how the world understands and embraces Down syndrome. 

Together, we can create lasting change. One day, one action, one voice at a time. Let’s do this — 31 Ways in 31 Days, all year long!