Down Syndrome Awareness

We “raise awareness” to combat stereotypes.

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic disorder, but because of our community’s history of institutionalization and seclusion, many people have never met an individual with Down syndrome. We are more alike than different, but they may not know that.

Individuals with Down syndrome can live independently and contribute to their communities using their gifts and talents when given the opportunity, and opportunity begins with awareness.

Current DS ACT Awareness Projects and Resources

Book Donation Program

Each year, DS ACT donates books about Down syndrome to schools, libraries, and community centers. Recipient sites are nominated each fall and books are distributed in March. In 2023, we donated the following titles to more than 45 locations around the state nominated by our membership:

• Nonverbal, by Peggy Moffitt Earnest
• 1% Better: The Chris Nikic Story, by Todd Civin
• My Friend Isabelle, by Eliza Woloson
• You’re All Kinds of Wonderful, by Nancy Tillman
• A Friend Like Anian, by Meeka Caldwell
• The Adventures of Super Captain Braveman, Book 4: Down on Safari!, by Paul Norman and Leah Lodevico

Spread the Word to End the Word

The Spread the Word to End the (r)Word campaign is evolving: Spread the Word: Inclusion

World Down Day Syndrome Toolkit