Since October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I
thought I would do two important things:
1.
Accept the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge, and
2.
Tell you about the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk
Six years ago, Tricia, from the blog Unringing the Bell, had
an idea for raising awareness during National Down Syndrome Awareness
Month. She challenged bloggers to write
every day for the 31 days of October to draw attention to Trisomy 21.
Since over 12% of Shepherds College students have Down
syndrome, I thought I would accept the challenge and do what I can to make people
aware that not all productive members of society have a mere 46 chromosomes per
cell.
For a list of the other bloggers writing for the 31 for 21
Challenge, please visit Michelle’s blog, Big Blueberry Eyes. Link these blogs
to your Facebook and Twitter pages and help us promote acceptance and inclusion of
people with Down syndrome all over the country.
One way Shepherds College does this every year is by participating
in the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Students, staff
and parents walk the trails through the zoo wearing Down Syndrome Awareness
Month t-shirts to draw attention to the cause and promote inclusion between
friends of every ability. This Sunday,
Shepherds College had a noticeable presence there with 45 people in attendance!
Our students enjoy taking part in the walk. They learn that they
can make a difference, even change the way a society thinks, by the
contribution of their time, energy and care. They also have the opportunity to
witness a community banding together to support people with disabilities – just
like them.
Love, support and acceptance are sweet, sweet things - so
necessary to feel in our lives, and so essential to generously offer to others.
Another important lesson learned at Shepherds College.
Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.
