Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This month is an opportunity to spread public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion for all those who have Down Syndrome. People with Down Syndrome continue to show the world that their condition does not define them or limit their abilities. October was first designated as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s and has been recognized every October since. It is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments.

People with Down Syndrome are just like everyone else. They have similar dreams and goals, and they want to have successful careers and families. They can drive, go to work, go to college, go on dates, get married, and contribute to society. Today more than ever, the disability community needs our support, kindness and compassion.

Those with Down Syndrome are very active in sports. When Eunice Kennedy Shriver proposed the first Special Olympics, she was told harmful myths about people with Down syndrome, such as they had “negative buoyancy” and would sink in the water. Shriver made sure to include swimming in the first Games in 1968 to change people’s attitudes.

Since then, athletes with Down syndrome have exceeded in all types of sports, from swimming and gymnastics to basketball and athletics. In recent years, they’ve taken on endurance events, including the triathlon and open water swimming. For more information about the Special Olympics, go to the following website: specialolympics.org.