About 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome each year. The month of October is dedicated to spreading awareness and celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome across the country. Down Syndrome Awareness Month is not for celebrating disabilities, it’s for celebrating abilities.
Why is Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
There are many reasons why Down Syndrome Awareness Month is important, but here are three that sum it up pretty well:
- To spread awareness (the obvious one)
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a time that people can learn more about this topic.
- It is inspiring
- This month helps us to remember to celebrate our abilities, and not our disabilities.
- It is encouraging
- Bringing awareness to Down syndrome can help to create more inclusion, understanding, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
What can you do during Down syndrome Awareness Month?
You may be wondering what you can do to help spread awareness this October. Some ideas that you can consider include:
- Buddy Walk
- Families and people with Down Syndrome can contribute to spreading awareness by participating in this year’s Buddy Walk. Find the Buddy Walk closest to you here.
- Volunteer
- Out of all the things you can do during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, volunteering is one of the best and most effective.
- A few good places to volunteer are:
- Gigi’s Playhouse
- At your local affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society
- Random Act of Kindness
- We challenge you to carry out a Random Act of Kindness every day for the entire month of October. Need help coming up with enough acts of kindness? Click here