News for Members and Friends
October 16, 2014
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Can there be enough "awareness"?
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We've had a lot of people say to us, "Awareness Month? It's 2014! We don't need awareness month! What we need is Down syndrome inclusion month! Or acceptance month! Or advocacy month!"
 Based on the calls and emails we get here at our National Center, we would say all of the above are still needed pretty desperately.
From the new mom who has just gotten a diagnosis...well, she "knows" what Down syndrome is...but really, she has no idea what it means or what to expect.
Or the grandfather who calls and says his daughter is expecting a baby with Down syndrome, and that "this is the worst thing that has ever happened to our family".
Or the educator who tells the parents of a seven year old, "Those expectations for your child are unrealistic. Don't you understand that he has Down syndrome?"
Or the doctor who counsels his patients to end a pregnancy to avoid the "suffering and heartache".
Yes, all those things still happen in 2014 America. We sure are glad all of these people (and others like them) reached out to us, so we could help them work through their questions and concerns.
There is plenty of room for awareness, acceptance, inclusion and advocacy all year long - not just in October. But you've got to admit it's kind of nice to have a month to hang your hat on...to really get out there and say the words "We're More Alike Than Different".
October is a time for local fundraising walks and photos on the Capitol steps with your elected officials. But EVERY DAY is a great day to truly live the "awareness/acceptance/inclusion/advocacy" message.
 When those who are unfamiliar with Down syndrome see our children out on the soccer field, in the dance recital and in school performances, they are seeing them as capable. When self advocates are seen performing their jobs in coffee shops and grocery stores and hospitals, they are proving to the world that they have abilities and that they contribute to society.
Keep doing what you're doing! Let others see your family doing everyday family things - going to ballgames, movies, picnics, restaurants. Praise their accomplishments, highlight their abilities, talk about the joy your child brings to your family and those whose lives are touched by his. Help the people in your community see your child as a person first, a person with Down syndrome second.
There is a wonderful opportunity for awareness, acceptance, inclusion and advocacy every day when you walk out your front door! But in October? You can be more "aware" that you are doing it.
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What Else Should We Do in October?
 Make this the month you join DS-Connect™, the registry for people with Down syndrome! DS-Connect™ is a voluntary, confidential, online survey tool to collect basic information about people with Down syndrome. This information can help connect people with DS to scientists who study DS; promote research by collecting information that scientists can use; help health professionals improve how they treat people with DS; help scientists develop new treatments that may improve the quality of life for people with DS. This is our opportunity to show the world that funding for research is important! To do that, you have to be counted in the registry. Take part to advance knowledge and research about Down syndrome. Get all the details here!
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Call for Speakers!
 The NDSC is seeking knowledgeable, family-friendly speakers to present 90 minute workshops on topics related to Down syndrome in Phoenix next summer. We look for experts on topics that cover the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome, including health and medical concerns, positive behavior support, education (from pre-school to post-secondary), transition, employment, living options, friendships and social relationships, speech and communication, aging and much more. Presentations should be interactive and hands-on. Both English and Spanish presentations are needed. Workshop speakers who are selected will be responsible for securing their own travel and hotel arrangements at their own expense. Honoraria or speaker fees are not available. This policy has allowed the NDSC to keep registration fees low and make the convention accessible to more people. Workshops are presented Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Your flexibility allows the NDSC to provide a balanced program throughout the weekend. If your workshop is selected and you are also planning to attend the DSMIG Symposium, the NDSC will not schedule you to speak on Friday. Learn more here: http://convention.ndsccenter.org/general-convention/, and please share with those who you think may be interested.
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Celebrate October Along with Homecoming Royalty
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Just a couple of other things...
What else have we been up to? Well, in addition to the work we do every day, NDSC's President, Marilyn Tolbert, took a trip to Puerto Rico, to not only celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Fundaci�n Puertorrique�a S�ndrome Down, but also to present a workshop for parents on early intervention. Dr. Tolbert is the Director and Jean W. Roach Chair of Laboratory Schools at Texas Christian University.
Our Resource Specialists, along with some awesome self advocates, exhibited at the annual education conference of National Society of Genetic Counselors, where they provided loads of free resources about Down syndrome, and helped genetics professionals see that people with Down syndrome are More Alike Than Different!
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| Making a difference. One family at a time. |
National Down Syndrome Congress
30 Mansell Court, Suite 108
Roswell, GA 30076
800-232-6372; 770-604-9500
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Fax: 770-604-9898| Email: info@ndsccenter.org | Website: www.ndsccenter.org Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved. |
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elected Homecoming Kings and Queens! Here are a few that we've heard about -- send us your stories, too!