Friday, August 27, 2010

With great freedom comes great responsibility...

Down Syndrome Indiana would like to sincerely thank John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for not airing the song, “Down Syndrome Girl” from the TV series, “FAMILY GUY” during the Creative Arts Awards on August 21st or during the Emmy Awards on August 29th.

While the withdrawal of the song is in itself is certainly a victory, whenever an issue such as this or Jennifer Anniston’s use of the R –word on Regis and Kelly arises it brings up a much larger issue and that is the issue of our freedom of speech. A common question I am going to hear and have heard many times in response to this issue is “If we as Americans have the right to free speech than don’t we have the right to make and air songs such as this?” Absolutely, the right to free speech gives individuals the right to make and air songs such as this but the answer is that the right to free speech also gives advocates the right to call out lewd or offensive speech and let others know that it portrays a class of people (in this case the largest minority in the country-those with a disability) in a negative and unfair light. To quote Sarah Schleider, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the National Down Syndrome Society, “When people with Down syndrome are inappropriately referenced, it sustains and perpetuates these low expectations and negative stereotypes, and further impedes the acceptance of people with disabilities in schools, the workplace, and the community. Negative and inaccurate public perceptions are the greatest barriers”, to achieving the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome that we as advocates are striving to reach.

I believe deeply in individual freedoms but to quote a character in the movie Spiderman, “With great freedom comes great responsibility”. Again, thank you to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for having the good sense and responsibility not to air the song.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The Sky's the Limit when it comes to Down syndrome!

INDIANAPOLIS – During halftime of their first pre-season game on Sunday, August 15, the
Indianapolis Colts recognized twenty-four outstanding volunteers and philanthropists by having Colts owner Jim Irsay present them with a Golden Horseshoe Award! This is the first year for the Golden Horseshoe Award, which was created by the Colts to raise awareness for local charities and their volunteers and philanthropists who are making a significant impact in our local communities.

Down Syndrome Indiana is proud to be one of the twelve charitable organization’s honored at Sunday’s game. Meet our top volunteer and top philanthropist below:

Angie Cain is a 26 year old with Down syndrome and has volunteered more than 400 hours with Down Syndrome Indiana! Angie participated in the “Our Voice…Our Vision…Our Future” conference that was put on by the Arc of Indiana and the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. While there she shared her voice and opinion on critical issues impacting people with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition, she has represented Down Syndrome Indiana on television encouraging others to attend and support the local Buddy Walk ®.

The dedicated owners and staff of Montgomery Aviation take pride in fund raising for Down Syndrome Indiana each year. For the past three years, Montgomery Aviation has hosted a Fly-in and Fundraiser that have generated more than $36,000 to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana making it the largest single donor to the organization.

In celebration, please join us at the Fly-in and Open House on Saturday, August 21st from 10am to 2pm at the Indianapolis Executive Airport where the sky is truly the limit for individuals with Down syndrome! The airport is located at 11329 East S.R. 32, Zionsville, IN 46077. This event is open to the entire community and admission is free! Join us for aircraft displays, children’s activities, military aircraft, live music and food!

Together Down Syndrome Indiana and Montgomery Aviation celebrate an event where the sky is truly the limit!

For more information call 317-925-7617 or visit www.dsindiana.org.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

DSI Volunteers to receive award from Indy Colts!

During halftime of their first pre-season game on Sunday, August 15, the
Indianapolis Colts will recognize twenty-four outstanding volunteers and philanthropists by
presenting them with the Golden Horseshoe Award. These individuals represent twelve charitable organizations in the Central Indiana community who are working to make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers.

Down Syndrome Indiana is proud to be one of the twelve charitable organization’s honored at this Sunday’s game. Down Syndrome Indiana chose to recognize the following volunteer and philanthropist for the award:

Angie Cain is a 26 year old with Down syndrome and has volunteered more than 400 hours with Down Syndrome Indiana. Angie participated in the “Our Voice…Our Vision…Our Future” conference that was put on by the Arc of Indiana and the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. While there she shared her voice and opinion on critical issues impacting people with developmental disabilities and their families. In addition, she has represented Down Syndrome Indiana on television encouraging others to attend and support the local Buddy Walk ®.

The dedicated owners and staff of Montgomery Aviation take pride in fund raising for Down Syndrome Indiana each year. For the past three years, Montgomery Aviation has hosted a Fly-in and Fundraiser that have generated more than $36,000 to support the mission of Down Syndrome Indiana making it the largest single donor to the organization.

This is the first year for the Golden Horseshoe Award, which was created by the Colts to raise awareness for local charities and their volunteers and philanthropists who are making a significant impact in our community. Down Syndrome Indiana is honored to be among the first organizations to receive this award..... GO COLTS!!!!!!!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Down Syndrome Indiana and Ball State Athletics partner for a winning season!

Down Syndrome Indiana and Ball State Athletics partner for a winning season by joining forces to support local athletics. During the 2010 football season, Down Syndrome Indiana will receive a portion of the proceeds of ticket sales sold through the Down syndrome Indiana office. “ We are very pleased to be working with Down Syndrome Indiana in their efforts to serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Their programs and services touch many lives in the local area and Ball State Athletics is proud to be associated with organizations centered on community outreach. Strategic partnerships like this one are an absolute necessity to achieving mutual success. We look forward to a fruitful relationship with DSI.” Says Matt Wolfert, Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs at Ball State University. In addition, Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana had this to say, “ Down Syndrome Indiana is excited to be partnering with Ball State Athletics. This is not only a great fundraising opportunity for DSI but it is a great opportunity to get our families, our stories and our mission front and center with a new audience!” If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the 2010 Ball State football season, please contact Down syndrome Indiana at 317-925-7617 or email: register@dsindiana.org.