Darius Rucker (aka Hootie of Hootie and the Blowfish) Does Good!

This is just one of those times when a video is worth a million words....

Understanding Proprioception and Vestibular Function

Two great videos explaining the behaviors that people with proprioception and vestibular function issues can sometimes display. These may be helpful to share with people who are getting to know your child....or just don't seem to 'get' your child....

Proprioception:

Vestibular Function:

First Runner With Down Syndrome Finishes NYC Marathon

This is such a great story....but there are two special side notes that are even more uplifting than completing a marathon (his SECOND marathon, no less!).
1. He did it because he and another friend who were both non-runners decided to try something new!
2. Participating in a community activity with a friend (which is something that any 'typical' person would do with a friend) has had a profoundly positive impact on this young man's entire life!

It just warms my heart....and gives me hope for the future!  Gotta love the Best Buddies Program!!!

Watch the video here

Overcomers

It's very coincidental that DIS just posted this video on YouTube....with the song 'Overcomers' as the soundtrack:

And then today, this blog post titled "Those with Down Syndrome Are Overcomers" was written/posted by Helen Middlebrook.  Helen has been an online inspiration for many years...and what she writes is just so true!

For years, I've been trying to get Deborah to swim. Deborah has Down syndrome, which has compromised her coordination. Since she was little I've looked for any physical activity that makes her use arms and legs together, in order to develop her neurological pathways.

Swimming is one of the best activities for this. It demands the use of arms and legs, without the nagging requirement that a child can walk.

Deborah has always liked to "go swimming." She just doesn't like the water. Any time we go into a pool, she wraps her legs around me like a Velcro chimpanzee. I have to peel her off of me before we can even attempt getting her to move in the water.

A few months ago, I heard about a visiting swimming teacher, John Ruffu (www.swim2johnguam.com), who guarantees he can teach a child how to swim in just 10 minutes a day for 10 days.

Although he's taught nearly 4,000 individuals, and many children with special needs, I thought Deborah might be the kid who would let me cash in on the money-back guarantee. I signed her up.

I'm not getting my money back.

Within minutes of getting in the pool with John, Deborah swam! It was a miracle!

Of course, nearly everything in life is miraculous: Birth. Crawling. Creeping. Walking. Talking. Swimming. It's just these skills happen so easily for most people, we forget how amazing they are.

But when you have a child with Down syndrome, you don't forget. Every day is a reminder of how precious the "normal" things in life are.

I didn't think about developmental milestones much until Deborah came into my life. I didn't think about the complexity of picking up a Cheerio until I had to teach her how to do it.

I didn't think about all the things that must be in place in the brain and body to take that amazing first step until her body failed to put those things in place on its own.

Deborah has taught me how amazing life is, and how amazing kids with Down syndrome are. They are overcomers from the womb.

A Baby Gift...Fit for a Prince!

I don't know what I like better....

the painting 

or the story!

 (you will have to read it to see what this has to do with Down syndrome!)

Single Injection Reverses Down Syndrome in Newborn Mice

No matter how you feel about the implications of this research...it's still pretty amazing!

Make sure you also read the full article here...it gives more detail and information!

Ft Lauderdale Brothers...a TN college student...and a lady who loves to dance!

Three great stories about adults with Down syndrome making their mark on the world!

First: A very heartwarming story about two brothers working in a kitchen...and it doesn't belong to their mom!

Second: another young man...making history at Lee University!

Third:  Get out the tissues for the next story about a California woman who loves to dance!

(Sorry, I couldn't get a picture, but make sure you click the link to watch the video!)

Why Are You Looking At Me.....

I just learned of a new book by a mom of a young woman with Down syndrome:

                                  "Why are You Looking At Me?: I Just Have Down Syndrome"

It's a wonderfully simply story, with great illustrations that is as direct as the title.  I think this would be a great book to read to a class that has never had any interaction with someone with Down syndrome.  It only touches on some of the physical markers of Down syndrome that people may notice at first glance, but quickly turns to emphasize the similarities of people with Down syndrome to people without Down syndrome.

Dimes to Dollars for Down syndrome!

Down in the Southland is holding a Dimes to Dollars for Down Syndrome contest among local area schools!  

The purpose of the contest is to promote inclusion, acceptance and education for children with Down syndrome.  The money raised goes toward our Annual Walk for Down in the Southland.  Simply approach your school with information from our packet and set up a day (or up to a whole week!) where children participate in fun events (such as silly hat day, penny wars, dress down day, etc.) by bringing in any amount from a Dime to Dollars.

This year, the winning school will receive $1000!   

We have all sorts of helpful information and tools to help you make Dimes to Dollars for Down Syndrome an fun and successful event in your child's school!

 Email info @ DowninTheSouthland. org for an application and complete information packet.

CONTEST APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 8/31/2013!  DON'T DELAY!!

A Girl and Her Goat....

This is such an awesome story on so many levels....the support and inclusion demonstrated by her community is inspiring! Midway Dispatch: Big Sky High grad with Down syndrome feels the love at FFA/4-H auction

Ashley DeRamus...a name to know and remember

Here's a wonderful story about a young advocate with her own clothing line...and a video....and she's still young! Won't it be exciting to see what she does next?!?!

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Welcome to the new Down in the Southland blog!  This will be one way to keep up with the latest events and people in Down in the Southland.
Our posting schedule will follow the news of the day concerning Down syndrome, or something fun and interesting going on within Down in the Southland.
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