Awareness Can Build A Family

Project Description:  Yearly, thousands of women are tested to determine if the child they carry has Down syndrome. A positive answer often portrays a bleak future in which their child will impose terrible burdens and dreams die. Many medical professionals have scant knowledge of Down syndrome and are unable to comfort or educate. Their messages tag people with Down syndrome as having no value, implying there is no place for them in our world. The tragic result: an astonishing 90% of pregnancies involving diagnosis of Down syndrome are terminated. In fact, there is much to celebrate. Children with Down syndrome excel in school, participating in sports and graduating. As adults they live independent, rewarding lives. Ask a parent, you will hear of joy, fulfillment. My Members Project, Awareness Can Build a Family, would use public service television, ads, booklets and more to tell that people with Down syndrome are more like all of us than not and are of priceless value. Thanks.

If you are an American Express cardholder, we encourage you to get your vote in and pass this on to help us make the biggest impact in the Down syndrome movement.  On July 17, the top 25 are announced and on July 24, the field is narrowed to the Top 5. Please help the National Down Syndrome Society fund the next big idea for our world!    

Get Involved:

1. Go to www.membersproject.com
2. Register to vote
3. Vote for "Awareness Can Build A Family" (or search for project 07794)
4. Spread the word

NDSS Statement

Retired Supreme Court Justice William Brennan once said that “society’s accumulated myths and fears are as handicapping as are the limitations that flow from the actual impairment.” In recent years, a number of empirical studies as well as increasing anecdotal evidence have demonstrated that negative and inaccurate perceptions of individuals with Down syndrome are embedded in our society. These “myths and fears” perpetuate many of the challenges facing this population, including unemployment and financial insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and social exclusion.  

In a study of public attitudes commissioned by Special Olympics, less than 50% of the general public believes individuals with intellectual disabilities can live independently or with minimal supervision. Only 5% of people with disabilities depicted in media and entertainment are shown performing complex tasks such as reading or doing math. And a recent survey of 7th and 8th graders revealed that only 30% would be willing to invite students with disabilities to their homes or the movies .

But the reality is that every day, more individuals with Down syndrome are participating in mainstream classrooms, taking college courses, living on their own, and seeking employment. As a society, we need to get past our own stereotypes and offer more opportunities and open more doors.  

The National Down Syndrome Society believes that if we can successfully address these core perceptual issues through a national public awareness campaign, society will be more open to extending opportunities; individuals with Down syndrome will find greater support in their communities; the general public will have a deeper acceptance of their value and contributions; and policymakers and other influencers will have a stronger commitment to solving the systemic issues facing the Down syndrome community. And if people with Down syndrome can live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives, all of society will benefit. 

 Just register.  Just vote.  Just pass this on.

Rebecca Switalski

National Buddy Walk Manager