Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! October is a time to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and all they bring to our world. It is also a reminder of the importance of inclusion and the beauty of embracing differences. Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions, affecting one in every 700 births in the United States. With that, many people have known someone with Down Syndrome in their life and how lucky they are! Each person with Down Syndrome adds something special to their families, schools and communities.
Living in rural Iowa, maybe you haven’t yet had that pleasure. It’s my hope that one day you’ll meet an individual with Down Syndrome, maybe even my daughter, so you can experience the joy, love, empathy, resilience, and wisdom that person brings to the world.
My daughter, Addison, is three and has Down Syndrome. If you’ve met her, you’ve probably gotten a wave, a high five, a hug or all three! She loves Ms. Rachel, her cats, books, music, playing outside, swimming, and so many other things your child likely enjoys too…