World Down syndrome -Tag: Celebrate, educate and advocate on March 21st | News, sports, jobs

The day of the World Down syndrome is just around the corner and I invite you to celebrate with us on March 21st! This special day is devoted to sensitization and celebrating people with Down syndrome – people who rock an additional chromosome! The date itself has meaning, since people with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome and the celebration every year on 24/21.

Why this day is important to me

For my family, World Down Syndrome Day has a special place in our hearts. My daughter was born with Down syndrome and she brings so much joy, love and light into our lives. If you had the opportunity to meet you, you know that your smile and waves can lighten every room.

She loves the same things that all toddlers enjoy. She loves dancing, playing with her friends, spending time outside on the farm outside and keeping us on our toes! Like any other child, she has her own strengths, challenges and dreams. Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity to recognize you and others with Down syndrome for the incredible people you are.

Why do not wear matching socks?

One of the most popular ways to celebrate the day of the World Down syndrome is to wear non -matching, colorful socks. This entertaining and conspicuous tradition is symbolic and karyotype of a person (a visual representation of their chromosomes) often resembles socks. By proudly wearing failed socks, they show support for Down syndrome community and have discussions about inclusion.

This is how you talk to your children about disabilities

The creation of an integrative world begins with the upbringing of the next generation. Here are some sensible ways to talk to their children positive and compassionate with their children about disabilities:

Use a clear, age -appropriate language: children do not need complicated explanations. A simple, honest language helps you to understand differences in a positive way. For example: “Everyone learns in their own way, and that makes them something special!”

Emphasize the skills of restrictions: instead of concentrating on what someone cannot do what they can. For example: instead of saying: “You can't talk very well”, try to say: “She is great in showing how she feels with her hands” or “She is great in using her communication device.”

Model including language: words are important. Use a positive, most personal language. Instead of saying that “a down syndrome -chind” says “a child with down syndrome”.

Encourage empathy, not pity: teach children, to consider people with disabilities as the same than people for whom they are sorry.

Encourage friendships and interaction: children can hesitate to deal with someone who seems “different” simply because they are not sure how to start. Encourage your child to say hello! Invite classmates with disabilities to play.

Gone: children learn a lot by watching adults. Demonstration of friendliness, respect and inclusiveness in your own interaction model for your child, how you can use differences positively.

Read together to build your understanding

Books are a wonderful way to use children in the idea of ​​differences and inclusion. Some great titles are:

-Hannah's Down syndrome -super forces

-47 strings: Tessa's special code

-Eeyes different from mine

-We are different, we are the same

-Everyone belongs

All of these wonderful titles are available in the Traer Public Library.

Join the movement

Let us celebrate the strengths, talents and contributions from people with Down syndrome on March 21. By wearing non -matching socks, sharing positive messages and promoting inclusiveness, we can help create a world in which everyone feels valued and accepted. For my daughter and for many others with Down syndrome, your support means everything. Leave us together and show that everyone belongs. We can't wait to see your crazy socks!

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McKenna Kvidera lives with her husband and two children in rural traer. She proudly describes herself as a “particularly happy” mother when her daughter was born with Down syndrome. She is a board member of the Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association (HADSA).