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 Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Learn More
(October / November 2003)

October has been designated as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division that results in a baby being born with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. One in every 800 - 1,000 live births results in a child with Down syndrome -- approximately 5,000 babies per year in the United States alone.

This duplicate chromosome changes the course of development and causes certain characteristics including low muscle tone, flat facial features, a single deep crease across the center of the palm, and developmental delays. It is important to note that all children with Down syndrome do reach the milestones that other children attain (crawling, walking, talking, etc.), but only at their own pace. It is also important to remember that people with Down syndrome are people first. They may have some of the characteristics generally associated with this condition, but they are overwhelmingly unique and must be treated as individuals.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in New York City generally kicks off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month by holding its annual Buddy Walk in Central Park. The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the NDSS to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. In addition to the walk held in New York City, several other walks are held throughout the country.

Locally, the Seventh Annual Buddy Walk of Buffalo-Niagara was recently held as part of the annual Peach Festival Parade in Lewiston, N.Y. The goal of the event and those like it is to promote education about the condition, and understanding/acceptance of those affected by it. The good news is that the opportunities available to people with Down syndrome have never been greater than they are today. However, it is only through the ongoing efforts of parents, professionals and concerned citizens that acceptance has -- and must continue to -- spread.

The goal of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is to raise public awareness and ensure that all people with Down syndrome are afforded the opportunity to achieve nothing but their full potential in all aspects of life. It is that goal which is especially important to the thousands of parents of children with Down syndrome throughout the country.

For more information on the National Down Syndrome Society or the organization's annual Buddy Walk, check out their websites at:

For additional information on local resources available to parents and/or students, contact the Parent Network of WNY at 332-4170.

This article was written and submitted by one of the Parent Network's Parent Trainers, Jennifer Zolnowski.

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