World Down Syndrome day unofficially began in 2005 but was then recognized by the WHO in 2007, the United Nations in 2011 and eventually became a worldwide day of awareness. Being held on March 21st of every year, it signifies the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.
Read MoreThe word retarded first originated as a medical phrase, “mentally retarded,” from the mid 1890’s which was synonymous for slow or delayed. This term was originally used as a replacement for other derogatory terms at the time like moron or idiot. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that this term took on an entirely different meaning used to insult people.
Read MoreMany of the facts people know about Down syndrome are actually stereotypes, or are “facts” based on observing the impacts of discrimination and mistreatment. Here is a list of facts that you may not know and as we confirm others we will add them here.
Read MoreWhen you research Down syndrome online, you will come across several images that will catch your eye. They all have the same format: a sketch of a baby with Down syndrome surrounded by manifestations of Down syndrome. The format is not the only thing these images have in common. They all contain at least one piece of outdated, and sometimes incorrect, information, as well as a sketch depicting someone with Down syndrome that is offensive to say the least.
Read MoreWe cannot change what Logan’s parents did to him, but we can advocate to get what little justice we can for him now.
Read MoreAs soon as I heard the beginning of Jan’s story, I needed to know the rest. I was fascinated by the idea that she had been on this journey for so long—and especially that she chose to take her son with Down syndrome home in a time when the vast majority of kids born with Down syndrome were taken away shortly after birth and put into institutions.
When I met Jan, I think I asked her about a million questions. I wanted to know all about her journey with her son—how it was to raise him, what he’s like now and what advice she had for me as I started on my own journey raising a child with Down syndrome.
Read MoreAdvocate: (n.) one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal.
When do you begin calling yourself an advocate? Must you apply for a position of power, standing before the courts on another’s behalf? Is there a job description that you must follow? Are there resume build techniques to become an advocate?
Read MoreOctober: known for ghosts and ghouls, pink ribbons and puzzle pieces. More often than not, when people think about October, Halloween, Breast Cancer Awareness and Autism Awareness (in Canada) come to mind. People don’t often realize that October is also Down syndrome awareness month. Before having my daughter, Charlie, I had no idea there was even a whole month dedicated to recognizing Down syndrome. How can I expect those who don’t live within the Down syndrome community to know this when I didn’t? Simple - by Advocating.
Read More
