31 for 21

I have been blogging for about four years now. In my first year my friend Michelle at Big Blueberry Eyes began hosting the 31 for 21 challenge. Although Boo doesn't have Down Syndrome she has a lot of friends that do.  I have participated for the past three years and will do so again this year. 

And this year I am starting on time, so bonus points!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Boo's favorite friend at school, Jillian, has Down Syndrome. Just like Boo, Jillian learned sign-language first. Did you know that most therapies used in treatment for a person with autism or developmental delay were first created to be used for children with Down Syndrome?

Sadly more fiction is out there about Down Syndrome than facts. Last summer a man (for lack of a better word) told a woman that it is immoral to have a child with Down Syndrome. He is wrong, so wrong. I am not promoting pro-life or pro-choice, it is your decision. However I urge, no beg you that if you are pregnant and told your baby might have Down Syndrome to find out the facts, find the support and find information before making a choice you cannot take back.

Here is what Down Syndrome is not:

• Down Syndrome is not contagious
• Although all children with Down Syndrome experience some cognitive delay, having Down Syndrome does not mean the child cannot learn 
• Down Syndrome is not a rare disorder. In fact 1 in about every 700 children are born with Down Syndrome 
• People with Down Syndrome are not always happy. Just like all children they have their moments

Here is what Down Syndrome is:

• People with Down Syndrome have jobs and participate in the Community
• People with Down Syndrome have the capacity to love, to learn and to affect change
• People with Down Syndrome life expectancy has grown to be that of most peers.
• People with Down Syndrome have friends, know love and just like their peers have tempers
• According to NDSS, there are more than 400,000 persons with Down Syndrome living in the US. Chances are if you do not know someone today you will tomorrow.
• Down Syndrome does not discriminate on race, age or income level

Having Down Syndrome is a life sentence, but it can be a beautiful life. 

The purpose of the 31 for 21 challenge is to post every day in October. Each post does not have to be Down Syndrome related. I did focus on that today to kick off the month. Please visit Michelle's post to learn more about participating.

I hope my fellow bloggers join Michelle's Challenge. Because awareness promotes acceptance.

Just what we all want for our children. To be seen just like everyone else.

 

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To learn more about Down Syndrome, please visit the National Down Syndrome Society.