Gabby Garza is a woman with Down syndrome who took her love of jewelry making to a new level. With her business, Three 21 Jewelry, Gabby shows the world that Down syndrome does not hold people back from success.
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Many 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.
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Parents often think they can shutdown an IEP meeting by refusing to sign the actual IEP. In most states, failure to sign means nothing. In the worst case scenario, an IEP immediately takes effect if you DON’T sign. Your signature doesn’t hold as much weight as you might think. And you can ALWAYS revoke your signature… it’s not a permanent thing.
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When 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 They all contain at least one piece of outdated, and sometimes incorrect, information, as well as a sketch depicting someone with Down syndrome that is offensive to say the least.
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We cannot change what Logan’s parents did to him, but we can advocate to get what little justice we can for him now.
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Madison’s younger sister, Charlotte “Charlie,” is fascinated by Madison’s American Girl doll. She wants one for herself. Madison has asked me time and time again why American Girl has dolls in wheelchairs or with arm crutches but they don’t have the option to buy a doll with Down syndrome. “I don’t know,” I’ve told her. “Maybe they just haven’t met the right person with the right story,” I’ve said. This isn’t true but I don’t have the heart to tell her that the company doesn’t see the value in adding a doll that looks like her sister just yet.
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We want everyone to know that they are not alone in their efforts to save Down syndrome- we are here with you, and we are doing this together. That is why we always want to be open about our actions and ideas. In this article, we have outlined our biggest goals for 2019.
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As the year ends, we think about all our organization is appreciative for and our relationship with our ambassadors, our community of advocates and our followers are just a few. Your continued support has made Save Down Syndrome successful and we would like to extend our sincere thanks. We are grateful for each and every one of you.
From Save Down Syndrome and our Ambassadors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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As 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.
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Hamilton County School District in Tennessee wanted to place Luka for half his day in a self-contained classroom in a school outside of his neighborhood. “The segregated class follows no state curriculum or standards. There’s no homework or grades. No accountability,” Luka’s mother Deborah Duncan explains. Knowing Luka would not receive a Free and Appropriate Education in the Least Restrictive Environment if he stayed, Deborah moved her son to a Montessori school where he continues to attend today.
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Advocate: (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?
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If you ask any parent of a child with Down syndrome what their child’s biggest delay is, the answer most often is speech. Expressive language seems to be a near-universal issue for kids with Down syndrome, and their understanding of language far outstrips their ability to express their wants, needs and emotions by the time they are two.
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ICELAND HAS BECOME A TRIGGER WORD IN THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY.
It began last August when CBS News “On Assignment” reported the birth rates of people with Down syndrome diminishing to nearly zero in Iceland. The headline read: “’What kind of society do you want to live in?’: Inside the country where Down syndrome is disappearing” the short version is this quote:
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October: 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.
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When you have a child with Down syndrome, one thing that worries you everyday is their adulthood and future. The best thing we can do for our children’s future is making their finances secure. No matter how much or how little support they need in their adulthood, no matter who their caregiver is, having money in their name will make their life easier, open doors, and create opportunities.
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When should you start early intervention? Just like that extra chromosome, it’s different for every child. Studies show early intervention does make a difference. The evaluator will come to your home to observe your child and will then make recommendations. The recommendations will include what type of therapy they need at the moment and how often, if at all.
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Lauren Costabile, along with her brother Paul, produced a video called "More Alike Than Different" in celebration of World Down Syndrome day 2015. They asked both typically developing children and kids rocking an extra chromosome the same questions and recorded their answers for everyone to see.
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Ellie is a sassy, spunky, and very smart soon-to-be 3-year-old who loves preschool. Looking at this thriving preschooler you may be shocked to know that just months ago she and her family were fighting for her life.
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Banning words is like burning books. I do not believe it should be done, but I believe we need to stop taking the guarantee of this freedom for granted, and begin taking on our responsibility to respect our fellow citizens.
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Oh sweet friend, first off CONGRATULATIONS!
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