World Down Syndrome Awareness Day!

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day!

A huge thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate Disability Awareness Month and World Down Syndrome Awareness Day with us during Midwest Fashion week last week! I would especially like to thank our models from Down Syndrome Indiana that participated in the March 17th, “Design for Change” Gala this weekend. They are:

• Mickey Deputy,
• Chloe Hipkiss,
• Christine Ruddy
• Andrea Scott,
• Katie Shaw,
• Tommy Sliva!!

What does being a part of an inclusive event mean to individuals with Down syndrome? Well, I asked Self Advocate Jessica Green and here is what she had to say:

"LAST YEAR I WAS A MODEL FOR THE SHOW AND IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I ENJOY AND LOVE THE CHALLENGE OF TRYING NEW THINGS AND ALWAYS APPRECIATE IT WHEN SOMEONE GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW WHAT I CAN DO.

SINCE I WAS A BABY AND A VERY LITTLE GIRL MY PARENTS HAVE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME TO TRY NEW THINGS, TO NEVER GIVE UP AND JUST DO THE VERY BEST THAT I CAN DO. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH UNTIL YOU TRY.

I GRADUATED FROM NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND THEN WENT ON TO ATTEND MARION UNIVERSITY HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS. I HAVE A JOB AND VOLUNTEER FOR DSI AND THE HAMILTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. I LIVE IN MY OWN APARTMENT, I PAY TAXES, AND VOTE LIKE EVERY OTHER CITIZEN.

I AM PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT I AM ALSO VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE WHO HAVE HELPED AND SUPPORTED ME ALONG THE WAY.”

Well Said Jessica!

Save-the-Date! Beginning next year, the event will take place on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, March 21st! Next year’s committee is forming. If you are interested in serving on the 2013 planning committee, please let Lisa Wells know at lisa@dsindiana.org!