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Let's Talk About What They CAN Do

For day 23 of Down syndrome Awareness Month, I wanted to talk about what these individuals can do. While educational and medical advancements have been made, unfortunately, there is still a lot of negative information out there. A quick search about Down syndrome will tell you more about what they can't do.

As you see in today's fact, "Many adults with Down syndrome attend college, have jobs, or marry."

I went searching for stories just like these shortly after E's diagnosis to give me hope for our future. The same future that I very incorrectly assumed would be sad and the opposite of everything I hoped it would be. I can joyfully and confidently tell you, our future is bright. Emmy's future is bright. Down syndrome is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

Now, on to the important stuff. In this blog post, I am going to share just a handful of the stories I have read about individuals with Down syndrome doing great things. I'm so thankful these people have someone that believes in them and will shout their worth.

Meet Madison. She became the first student with DS to graduate with a full high school diploma from the D.C. Public Schools. Her mom had to fight to ensure her daughter had that opportunity.

She Has Down Syndrome But She Just Graduated From High School With a 3.7 GPA

Read here about how individuals with Down syndrome can and do live a life without limits:

Limits for a Special Needs Child With Down Syndrome

And how about Zumba, anyone?!

First Licensed Zumba Instructor with Down Syndrome

Let me tell you about Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop! "Amy married “Mr. Wright” 25 years ago. They’re the proud parents of four children – the two youngest, Bitty & Beau, having Down syndrome – which makes them feel like the luckiest people on the planet. As advocates for the value, inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the Wrights have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place for their children and others living with IDD.  The Wrights opened the original Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, January 2016 in Wilmington, NC." The shop is run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Seriously, so awesome.

Bitty and Beau's Coffee

All of this is made possible by parents and advocates that didn't give up. Read this article from a mom that is fighting for what is right for her son.

Why School Inclusion is Important


Along this journey this phrase has rung true: "I wouldn't change you for the world, but I would change the world for you." Go get 'em, Emmy girl.







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