The article discusses World Down Syndrome Day, highlighting federal and local advocacy efforts. A mother and daughter lobbied on Capitol Hill for legislative priorities. Local activities included creating self-portraits at an art studio and encountering resistance in schools. The community grows stronger each year, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of children with Down syndrome.
The benefits of equine therapy are vast. Both children are deepening their respect and compassion for another living creature, as well as building confidence and self-esteem for their bravery and strength.
We cannot segregate children like Hope away and pretend that it’s for their own good. We cannot force these children into a mold, but we must instead build a support system around each of their unique shapes. This was always the intention behind governmental disability protections, but our systems are falling far short of what our loved ones deserve.
Raising Hope has changed the course of my life, and while that shift was just beginning, along came Henry with a special story all his own. There was no time to really think about why we were doing what we were doing or how we were doing what we were doing. We just did what needed to be done…
There is no greater gift you can give this World Down Syndrome Day than to consider whether you have room to shift your perspective on what makes a person valuable and what you or your family can do with this privilege.
Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! We advocate not because we want to, but because we need to. We celebrate because we can. Thank you for celebrating with us this year!
Our dreams are like any other parent’s dreams—we just have to fight a little harder to get there. Thank you for fighting alongside us. For smiling back when our daughter blows you a kiss. For continuing to vote for special needs funding. And for understanding that there is nothing wrong with having Down syndrome.
What was frustrating Hope so much that she was resorting to these physical behaviors? After pinching me she would feel sad and cry and sign “sorry” before giving me a hug, which I of course always accepted but wished I could receive under different circumstances.
We may have no clue where we are headed or what the road will feel like beneath our uncalloused feet, but we go because the only thing worse than hurting trying is the fear of looking back at time wasted.
Hope underwent her sleep study this past August, referred by her developmental pediatrician following recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children […]