Please Share: Important Talking Points for Advocates leading up to World Down Syndrome Day, 3/21 On March 21st we will be joining others around the world in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Together we will create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome in our schools, community and around the world. The date for World Down Syndrome Day, being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which leads to Down syndrome. Question: What is Down syndrome? Answer: There are trillions of cells in the human body. They are so tiny you can only see them through a microscope. Inside these tiny cells are even tinier parts called chromosomes. Most people have 46 chromosomes in each of their cells. People with Down syndrome have 47, and because of that they may look and learn differently. Question: Do kids with Down syndrome like the same things as other kids? Answer: Yes! When you get to know someone with Down syndrome, you will find that they have unique personalities and interests, just like everyone else! If they want to, they can be on sports teams, make art, play instruments and join clubs at school. They want to have fun and make new friends, like all kids do. Treat them with respect, and accept them for the great talents and gifts they have. Most important, just be a friend. Question: Are students with Down syndrome always placed in segregated special education programs? Answer: Students with Down syndrome are included in regular academic classrooms in schools across the country. For some students, they are integrated into specific courses, while others are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The current trend in education is for students with disabilities to be fully included in the social and educational life of the community. Individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, receive college degrees. Question: Why does my friend with Down syndrome act differently than other kids? Answer: Some students with Down syndrome have difficulty with language and talking. Most kids with Down syndrome want to interact with their peers, get invited to birthday parties, and hang out with friends. Sometimes they don’t know how to get involved, are afraid they won’t be understood, or afraid that they will be told, “No, you can’t hang out with us.” Some kids with Down syndrome may get overwhelmed when too many things are going on at the same time. But this doesn’t mean that you should not try to get them involved. If they’re having trouble playing a game or following along, give them time and extra help, or ask what they would like to do. Hang out together. You will find that you are much more alike than different!
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:43:17 +0000
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