4 Birthday Presents I’d Love to Get as a Mom of a Child With Down Syndrome
Today is my birthday. I’m not sure if it’s the maturity that comes with age or the fact that I’ve learned from my little guy with Down syndrome it’s not all about me, but when I’m asked the question, “What do you want for your birthday?” it’s not material things that come to mind.
In the four and a half years since my son was born, I’ve been motivated to give back, help people along in their special needs journey, and connect people who can help with organizations and people who need help. My hope is that as I continue on this journey, I will make an impact, be an influencer and drive change.
So this year, my answer to “What do you want for your birthday?” is this: about five minutes of your time to ask you to do the following:
1. Visit www.changingthefaceofbeauty.org and learn about inclusive advertising. Then encourage businesses you use to join the campaign. People with disabilities are the largest minority, and as a group, have significant disposable income and are brand-loyal to the companies that embrace those of different abilities.
People with disabilities, people like our loved ones, consume the same food, clothing, toys, and goods that those without disabilities consume, yet they’re often completely left out of advertising. Changing the Face of Beauty seeks to help make sure our loved ones are included in advertising. They believe if it becomes part of the norm to see people of all abilities in advertising, then it will be part of the norm to see people of all abilities included in our workplaces, too.
2. Connect with the organizations helping our loved ones. For me, those organizations are The National Down Syndrome Congress, The Trisomy 21 Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Buddy Walk, The Montgomery County Down Syndrome Interest Group, andThe T21 Club of the Delaware Valley. These organizations can help so much in providing you resources, medical information, support and a sense of belonging...
Get the rest of the list at The Mighty.http://themighty.com/2015/07/4-birthday-presents-id-love-to-get-as-a-mom-of-a-child-with-down-syndrome/#ixzz3fEHderL0
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