World Down Syndrome Day

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and Lakeside is celebrating along with many others worldwide by wearing our favorite and most colorful socks! The goal of this day is to create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome. 

This year’s theme is all about ending stereotypes. Each person with down syndrome is different, just like everyone else! Stereotypes are dangerous because they change the way that people treat us. We urge you to end the stereotypes and never assume you know what someone is capable of.  

We also want to ensure everyone understands what down syndrome is from a medical perspective. Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome. Around 1 in 800 babies will be born with Down Syndrome. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. 

For some other great resources check out: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/wdsd-2024-resource-hub

We’d also like to highlight an amazing local resource through Vermont Family Network and Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group. It’s called Parents First Call and it’s a resource for parents who have received a prenatal or birth diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child. They can provide you with resources, information and opportunities to connect with a parent mentor. 

If you are interested in connecting you can email them at [email protected] or check out their website at https://www.cvdsg.org/parents-first-call 

The Champlain Valley Down Syndrome group has some great community events coming up. You can also find more information about these on their website along with lots of other great resources! 

-Saturday, July 20 Annual North Beach summer picnic and BBQ!

-Sunday, September 29 14th annual Champlain Valley Buddy Walk! 

Parents First Call

For families who receive a new diagnosis of Down syndrome, there is a new group in the area run by the Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Group, and the Vermont Family Network, called Parents First Call.  This is a hotline that parents of a child with a new diagnosis can call to be connected to local parents of children with Down syndrome.  It’s a great way to learn about resources and to get support.

https://www.cvdsg.org/parents-first-call