A Little Insight... Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. To promote that awareness and celebrate the abilities of all people who have Down syndrome, here are some facts and figures for you:

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. 1 in every 800 babies is born with Down syndrome.

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased from 25 years in 1983 to over 60 years today.

Most people who have Down syndrome have IQ's that fall in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability. Researchers and educators are still discovering the full educational potential of people who have Down syndrome.

(info courtesy of the National Down Syndrome Society at http://www.ndss.org/)

Buddy Walks, celebrations to promote Down Syndrome awareness, will be held near your area from the end of September through October. Bringing your family to a Buddy Walk is a great way to surround them with people of all abilities and to start a dialogue with them about differences and abilities. To find a Buddy Walk near you, go to http://www.buddywalk.org/.

I am leaving you with my favorite video called Dreams. Just click on the title. When you watch it, imagine my 8 year old daughter in it. The Love Magnet would tell you that she wants to go to college to become a teacher's aide. And swim with dolphins. And compete in Special Olympics. And be on So You Think You Can Dance......