As a member of the Down syndrome community, I’m heartbroken and outraged at the same time. As a mother, I’m scared of the world my children are being raised in. As an individual who cares, I’m pissed off that there isn’t more awareness being made focusing on these three kids. Why are these cases not national news? Why don’t they get the same attention as any other murdered child?

For those reasons, I’m going to share the information I’ve found on two of these cases below (you can find information on Kylee Willis here – Adam Hughes’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 19th, 2020. He has been charged with “assault on a child causing death.”) and the link that includes the contact information for those working on each case as well as examples of the letters that you can send if you’d like to reach out and help make a difference.

Discrimination, Advocacy and AwarenessLindsay RobertsonJune 1, 2020Down syndrome, awareness, advocate, discriminationComment

"More Alike Than Different:" What Does it Actually Mean?

There are a lot of different mantras or phrases that come along with the Down syndrome community: "the lucky few," "downright perfect," etc. One of these phrases is "more alike than different."

When Alice was born and someone told me that she will be "more alike than different" and said that she would walk, talk, go to school, etc., it did give me a lot of relief. I was happy that she wouldn't be an outcast.

Advocacy and AwarenessAnn PoirierMay 20, 2020Down syndrome, advocate, awarenessComment

Post-Modern Slavery: Fetal Chromosomal Slavery

The slavery system, today and in its latest advancement, has considered fetuses (future humans) that have an extra chromosome as abnormal and low-rank fetuses (future humans), regarded them worthless, and attempted to commit genocide!

Do you know anything about this genocide? Nowadays, many fetuses, who have an extra chromosome, are killed alive in the mothers’ uteri lest a person with Down syndrome may not be born. This is while research has shown that fetuses having Down syndrome, like all other fetuses, are very likely to feel pain after the 20th week of their fetal lives.

Discrimination, GenocideAnonymousJanuary 27, 2020Genocide, Slavery, Down syndrome, Advocacy, AwarenessComment

Busting the Myths Surrounding ABLE Accounts

Are you still skeptical about opening an ABLE account for your child with Down syndrome? Do you believe that your child’s SSI or Medicaid benefits would be at risk? Are you afraid the government will take the savings if your child passes?

Even though roughly 10 million Americans could benefit from an ABLE account, only 35,000 accounts have been opened since the first program started in 2016.

Financial PlanningCourtney HansenAugust 26, 2019ABLE, finances, Down syndromeComment

Why People First Language Is So Important

What is “People First Language” and what does it mean? People First Language refers to the individual first instead of their diagnosis. For instance, you would say, “Charlie has Down syndrome,” NOT “The Down syndrome kid, Charlie.” People First Language eliminates stereotypes, generalizations and assumptions about individuals, instead making the conversation about that person versus making it about their diagnosis. All people with Down syndrome are not alike, just like all people who have Autism are not alike. They each have their own personalities and characteristics making them, you guessed it, an individual.

When Being "You" is a Form of Activism

You know what’s ice cold these days? The newest trend since goths vs. jocks? Being yourself! The art of self-promotion is palpable; just look on social media. Everyone is selling a version of themselves; the more unique, the more dope. Many people with disabilities also develop and embrace an innate sense of self. My son and many kids and adults I’ve met with an extra chromosome love who they are. They truly are dope! The problem is they’re often not allowed to be themselves and still fit in. The trend doesn’t extend to them.

Advocacy and Awareness, InclusionCourtney HansenAugust 12, 2019Advocacy, Awareness, Activism, Down syndromeComment

Dear Doctor

When we had Alice, all of the doctors in the hospital were incredibly negative with us. They told us that she had Down syndrome in a very depressing way. They did not congratulate us. They told us they were sorry. They acted like it was the end of the world for us. I would have given anything in that moment for one sliver of hope... but the doctors didn't give it.

As I've met and talked to so many other moms of kids with Down syndrome, I realize that 99% of them had the same experience. This is wrong, and it needs to stop.