(SAVANNAH, GA) Breaking Down Barriers: Progress for those with Down syndrome
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition experienced by human beings. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. All people with Down syndrome experience some cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. It is the mission of Down syndrome support groups, such as Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) to ensure that people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.The LDSS currently provides outreach to families in eight local counties. http://www.ldssga.org
Breaking Down Barriers;
Progress for those with Down Syndrome
(SAVANNAH, GA) Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition experienced by human beings. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. The condition can occur in people of all races and economic levels.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development, and thus causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or even prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead normal, healthy lives. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades—from 25 in 1983 to 60 today—approaching that of peers without the condition.
All people with Down syndrome experience some cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.
The Buddy Walk, introduced in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)—a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome—was a major breakthrough in promoting the acceptance and inclusion of all people with the condition.
A nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds for programs that support families touched by Down syndrome, the Buddy Walk enables NDSS affiliates to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome in their community, which has opened many minds and doors for people with Down syndrome.
The Buddy Walk started with just 17 walks in 1995, and increased over the years, totaling more than 260 walks in 2005. This year in 2009 the NDSS expects over 300 Buddy Walks to occur nationally during the month of October, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Savannah’s Buddy Walk Festival (hosted by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society) will be happening October 3rd in Forsyth Park.
Such wide-spread acceptance has been instrumental in allowing people with Down syndrome to lead increasingly normal lives—attending school, working, participating in decisions that affect them, and contributing to society in many wonderful ways.
Most recently, children with Down syndrome have been included in regular academic classrooms throughout schools across the country. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community.
Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and in some cases, receive college degrees.
Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
The opportunities currently available to individuals with Down syndrome have never been greater. However, it is only through the collective efforts of parents, professionals, and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming so widespread. It is the mission of all Down syndrome support groups to ensure that people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS)—an affiliate of the NDSS—is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. The LDSS currently provides outreach to families in eight local counties. Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another. For more information and to register for the 2009 Savannah Buddy Walk, call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit the website at http://www.ldssga.org.
//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: Leigh Donovan PRC: Holly Elliot Date: 09/09/09
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