A Down Syndrome Awareness and Educational Campaign
DON'T LIMIT ME
Don't Limit Me is a campaign with a focus on Down Syndrome Awareness and Education. It serves as a platform to educate people their existence and how should we deal and help them. Down Syndrome, which is also called Trisonomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of the chromosome 21. Basically, it causes growth delays, characteristic facial features and mild to moderate intellectual disability.
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Down Syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. Older women have higher chances of conceiving babies with Down Syndrome. All children are special. People born with Down Syndrome are most of the time happy. They have this drive to help other people and make them smile.
However, we cannot set aside the fact that we are living in a cruel world sometimes. There are people who treat them as someone with a contagious disease. Their discrimination is something that the world should condemn. That is where Don't Limit Me Campaign enters. This has been established to create a better understanding that these individuals play also a vital role in the society. They can be role models too. They're very positive in life and they don't give up easily.
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People like them are now having bigger opportunities to create a platform to lift up not just themselves but those who need lifting up as well. The society may have depicted that these people have limits and they can't do the things normal people do. That idea is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. You don't put limit to other people's abilities. It doesn't mean that if you can't do it, then that person cannot do it either. These people actually excel in different fields - may it be on dancing, public speech, arts and crafts and even modeling.
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My late brother was diagnosed with Down Syndrome the minute he was born. Unfortunately he suddenly passed away when he was six years old. That is why we have this strong drive to establish a campaign to make people be aware of their existence and how should we value them. They may see a different outlook in life, more positive than ours. Like us, they have a purpose in this world. After all, they give the best hugs.
Moreover, a School Learning Resource Room was established for the Down Syndrome Students of the Special Education Center in Bacolod City, Philippines. Different private and public sectors as well as individuals in the community took part in the launching of the said project. Students with Down Syndrome with their families and teachers were invited to participate in the program. Entertainment, Photo Booths, Face Painting Activity, Vitamins and Supplements giving and Food were provided as well.
FAST FACTS
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development.
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1 in every 800 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the Philippines.
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80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
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47 is the number of chromosomes an individual with Down Syndrome has.
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55 is the average number of life expectancy of an individual with Down Syndrome.
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Down Syndrome is also known as Trisonomy 21
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Colored socks are used as a symbol for Down Syndrome, representing the chromosomes.
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Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.
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People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions.
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People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
Love your child as you would any other. Focus first on the fact that this is your child, and then on the special need.
Children with Down syndrome often are affectionate and joyous. Learn from them how to enjoy life.
Don't underestimate your child's potential. Don't set any upper limits, and you may be surprised.
Play with your child.
Get therapy -- speech, occupational, physical and educational -- as soon as possible.
Make sure your child's school follows her IEP (Individualized Educational Program). This means staying on top of the situation and becoming a strong advocate for your child.
Check that the educational material challenges your child, and that the process of doing the work and taking the tests is adapted to your child's learning style. For example, one child who couldn't comprehend the difference between true and false could choose the correct answer when the question was worded differently.
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WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
The World Down Syndrome Day 2018 was held at Gate 5, Creek Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was spearheaded by All 4 Down Syndrome Dubai with its Sponsor, Noor Bank.
Children with Down Syndrome as well as their family and friends all gathered for the event and the walk. The walk is held annually for the celebration.
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All organizations and advocacy pertaining to Down Syndrome has one goal: to create noise and spread awareness that people like them are no accidents.
We are very much alike than different. Everyone should be treated with equality and we must not limit one's capabilities.
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Integrate your child into the community as much as possible.
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Create positive experiences for your child in many different environments and with many different people.
Say your child's name often, especially when you are giving praise.
When professionals come to your home to work with your child, learn as much as you can from them. Find out about other resources that would be helpful and ways you can implement some of the things they do to challenge your child.
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Create an environment that suits your child's needs and abilities. Encourage movement and exploration.
​Accept that your child will develop at her own speed and in her own way.
Understand that you may have to repeat an activity many times before she can do it well.
Focus on helping your child to be "the best he can be." Avoid comparing your child with others.
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Recognize your child's strengths, as well as his limitations
