Tuesday, October 14, 2014

October is Down syndrome Awareness Month!


 Help spread the word that October is Down syndrome Awareness month! Here are some simple ways that you can get the word out:


 

1.     Share a fact a day on social media. Visit the Down syndrome Indiana Facebook page or twitter page for a daily sharable fact. Then share it!
 

2.     Go to the movies. See the movie, Produce, during this year’s annual Heartland Film Festival.

Calvin, a professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate, is struggling with the curveball life has thrown him. He sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teen daughter, when he is awakened by the most unlikely person – a kid with Down syndrome named, Produce. A must see! Click here for more information.


3.     Share information about Down syndrome with educators, providers and the medical community. Down Syndrome Indiana has made it easy for you by creating a simple one page of Frequently Asked Questions. Please click on this link for a downloadable and sharable version of the Frequently Asked Questions.


4.     Still encounter myths and misconceptions about Down syndrome? We have you covered there too.


5.     Have DSI present at your school. We invite you to contact DSI if you are interested in having someone from DSI visit your classroom to present an, "Everybody Counts" session. You can reach our office by emailing info@dsindiana.org.


6.     Schedule a Kids on the Block puppet show. The Kids on the Block Program is a unique way to teach awareness and acceptance of all others with the help of child size puppets. The first puppet troupe of eighth graders was established in 2009.  After extensive training in the effective use of these puppets, the puppet troupe hosts puppet shows and Q&A sessions to teach Pre-K thru 4th grade students the importance of accepting others. In 2013, Down Syndrome Indiana and the Joseph Maley Foundation formed a partnership to include education about Down syndrome awareness in the puppet troupe curriculum. If you are interested in scheduling a performance at your school, please contact Vivian Maley at vmaley@josephmaley.org.
 

7.     Request an Educator Toolkit for your school. Down Syndrome Indiana helps students with Down syndrome get a better education by providing educators with a free mini library upon request. This rich resource is full of books that encourage classroom inclusion and high expectations. If you would like to request a toolkit, please contact Alyssa@dsindiana.org or call 317-925-7617. This wonderful tool is valued at $109 so please only request what you will use. While Supplies Last! More info at: http://www.dsindiana.org/EducatorsToolkit.php.
 

8.     Be in the community. Send DSI your stories about what individuals with Down syndrome are doing in the community. DSI wants to feature those stories. Please send your stories to lisa@dsindiana.org today.