How to talk to your child about people with disabilities

by Mary-Jane Williams from the Washington Post:
Growing up, I was never really exposed to children who had disabilities. The kids in my elementary school in the 1970s who had Down syndrome, autism or cerebral palsy were in a separate classroom, and we rarely saw them. And while I remember very clearly my parents talking about race, religion and sexuality, we never talked much about disabilities.
Sure, we were told that it wasn’t polite to stare, or ask a lot of questions. But that was the extent of the conversations.
We’ve come a long way. Now, many children with intellectual or developmental disabilities are in the same public school classrooms as their typically developing peers, for part, if not all, of the day. There are entire months set aside for autism and Down syndrome awareness, and plenty of blogs out there about parenting a child with disabilities. It’s become part of the mainstream.
But because we didn’t grow up with a lot of exposure to people with different abilities, many parents today struggle with how to talk to their kids about disabilities, according to Michelle Sie Whitten, the executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

5/7 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala Funding groundbreaking Alzheimer's disease & Down syndrome research at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Renaissance Mayflower Hotel 1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Wednesday, May 7, 2014 6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception 7:15 PM – Dinner, Fashion Show, Live Musical Performance   Global Down Syndrome Foundation Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus Co-Chair 12-term congresswoman representing District of Columbia Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Member of Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure First woman to chair U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador 2014 Ambassador Katherine Felicia Norton and inaugural Ambassador Alex Sessions Live musical performance to be announced soon! Honorary Host Committee* The Honorable John Barrow The Honorable Joe Barton The Honorable Michael F. Bennet The Honorable Roy Blunt The Honorable Sherrod Brown The Honorable Michael C Burgess, M.D. The Honorable Richard Burr The Honorable Dave Camp The Honorable Andre Carson The Honorable Robert P. Casey Jr. The Honorable Howard Coble The Honorable Thad Cochran The Honorable Mike Coffman The Honorable Chris Collins The Honorable Gerald Connolly The Honorable Ander Crenshaw The Honorable Charles Dent The Honorable Diana DeGette The Honorable Lloyd Doggett The Honorable Michael Enzi The Honorable Eni Faleomavaega The Honorable Chaka Fattah The Honorable Jeff Fortenberry The Honorable Cory Gardner The Honorable Bob Goodlatte The Honorable Sam Graves The Honorable Tim Griffin The Honorable Tom Harkin The Honorable Jeb Hensarling The Honorable Michael Honda The Honorable Steny Hoyer The Honorable Johnny Isakson The Honorable Lynn Jenkins The Honorable Ron Kind The Honorable Doug Lamborn The Honorable Rick Larsen The Honorable Tom Latham The Honorable Blaine Luetkemeyer The Honorable Carolyn McCarthy The Honorable Patrick McHenry The Honorable Michael Michaud United States Senator Barbara A. Mikulski The Honorable Jim Moran The Honorable Richard Neal The Honorable Ed Perlmutter The Honorable Jared Polis The Honorable Dave Reichert The Honorable Harry Reid, Majority Leader The Honorable Scott Rigell The Honorable Loretta Sanchez The Honorable John Sarbanes The Honorable Brad Schneider The Honorable Pete Sessions The Honorable Albio Sires The Honorable Adam Smith The Honorable Lamar Smith The Honorable Patrick Tiberi The Honorable Scott Tipton The Honorable Mark Udall The Honorable Fred Upton The Honorable Greg Walden * - List in formation To see photos from the 2013 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala in Washington, DC, go to GlobalDownSyndrome.org Model auditions for the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala are Thursday, February 27 - Register now Also be sure to mark your calendars for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show in Denver - Saturday, October 25, 2014 To learn more about sponsorships, contact Global's Development Team at 303-468-6663 or development@globaldownsyndrome.org

FEB 27: Fashion Show Open Auditions for Models with Down Syndrome for Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala

By Liz Susla from Silver Spring Patch:
Fashionistas with Down syndrome are encouraged to audition for a spot in the fashion show of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s (Global) Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala, a high-style fundraiser with celebrities and members of Congress taking place in D.C. on May 7 that is designed to raise awareness about this chromosomal disorder that affects one in 691 babies. 
Auditions for the gala take place on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School located at 7130 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Auditions are open to individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities who are seven years old and older.
No experience is necessary.  Models are encouraged to wear nice clothes for this fun event.  A practice session will precede the auditions.  A panel of judges will pick the models for the May 7th gala.  Selected models must be able to make several required time commitments, including a clothes fitting and a rehearsal on the day of the gala. To register for the auditions or learn more, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.  Auditioning does not guarantee a spot in the gala.
Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), securing an infinitesimal part of NIH’s annual budget. Global is focused on raising funds and educating the public and leaders about the discrepancy in research funding for the condition, as well as the abilities and achievements of those who happen to have Down syndrome.

Samantha Stevens takes to the runway

by Steph Hiltz from The Boston Globe:

When Michelle Sie Whitten established the Global Down Syndrome Foundation five years ago, her mission was to give a face to those within the community. And there’s hardly a more glamorous way to move into the spotlight than to don beautiful clothes and take to the catwalk. Of course, including a bevy of famous friends doesn’t hurt either.

“As a philanthropist, I go to a lot of charity events and [notice that] the people that are being served are often invisible,” Whitten said. She went on to create what has become the largest fund-raiser for Down syndrome in the nation, the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.

Video! At the Global Down Syndrome Foundation ‘Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show’

from Extra:
Hollywood’s A-listers teamed with nearly 20 models with Down syndrome at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show,” a high-style fashion show and fundraiser which took place in Denver on Saturday, September 28.

The event featured celebrities including Jamie Foxx, John McGinley and Quincy Jones, who are helping raise money and awareness of the condition.

Take a look!



The gala honored HLN’s Kyra Phillips and businessman/social media phenom Tim Harris, who has Down syndrome. They received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with disabilities, and for raising awareness about the social inequities that still exist.

Supermodel spotlights Down syndrome

by Patrick Gavin from Politico:
Supermodel Beverly Johnson is in town this week to raise awareness of Down syndrome in her role as an international spokeswoman for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and she wants one thing in particular out of Washington: more money.
“It’s one of the least funded disorders,” Johnson told POLITICO. “There’s just a lot of research that needs to be done, and we need dollars to do it.”
Johnson did her part to raise money for the cause at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington on Wednesday, where she appeared at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala & Fashion Show, featuring Sheryl Crow and Quincy Jones. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Chris Van Hollen also were honored with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of individuals with Down syndrome.
In promotional material for the event, the foundation stated “that Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health [NIH], securing only 0.0007 percent of NIH’s 2012 $31 billion budget.”
Johnson, however, is optimistic that Washington can take action on improving the situation.
“We just really want to shine that spotlight and get people to write those checks and to also make Congress aware of the funding that we need for this very serious issue,” Johnson said. “I am very optimistic. I believe in people, and I believe in Congress. … I know that this is something that should be very high on the list and it’s just something that we haven’t made the effort and now we’re making the effort.”
Johnson rose to fame in the 1970s when she became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Vogue. Given her expertise, we had her weigh in on Washington’s reputation as being “Hollywood for ugly people.”
Johnson treated the District kindly.
“I love D.C.,” she said. “You’re gorgeous.”

Fashion show puts spotlight on amazing children

By Kyra Phillips by HLN:

It's a star studded event. The energy is electric. The crowd always goes wild.
There are members of Congress, Senators, famous athletes and television personalities.
But nothing or no one is more beautiful than the models.
Each of them struts down that runway, wearing the fashion designer's most exquisite piece.
They wave to the crowd, flash a smile, blow a kiss, take a bow and even twirl underneath the spotlights.
These models are proud, they are confident... and they have Down syndrome.
I can't even begin to tell you what joy this gala brings me. As the emcee of the "Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show" in Washington, D.C., I am honored to say that this is the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.
I have volunteered with Special Olympics for more than 20 years, I have co-workers and friends with children who have Down syndrome and I never realized that, according to the National Institute of Health, it is the least-funded genetic condition in the United States. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation was formed with the goal to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through advocacy, research, medical care and education. Foundation supporters work to empower governments, educational organizations and communities around the country to affect legislative and social changes so that every person with Down syndrome has an equal chance at a fulfilling life.
As a journalist and as a parent, I need to be an advocate. If you have never been touched by a child who has Downs, let me tell you... their compassion, their love, their ability to see joy within every obstacle will not only humble you, but challenge you to be a better human being.
Check out the video above on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and our fabulous fashion show fundraiser.
I hope you'll support GDSF and share this article to help spread the word.
As Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten said so eloquently:
"I come from a somewhat over-achieving family. I don’t know for sure, but I believe that if my daughter had been born typically, I might have put her and her younger brother on a similar track: focusing more on achievement than quality of life. I honestly believe that having a child who is differently-abled has made me an infinitely better parent – one who is clued into my child’s needs, strengths, motivators, and self-esteem. I enjoy every minute with both of my children! And now I really have patience for all children. What an amazing gift."
An amazing gift indeed.
Love,
Kyra

GDSF's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala in Washington DC!

May 8, 2013 – Save the Date for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s
Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala in Washington, DC!

Join us May 8 to celebrate our models with Down syndrome, 2013 Ambassador Cole McMorris Rodgers, and Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. More details about the event and registration information are coming soon! For more information, contact Jessica Karlsruher at 703-683-7500 or jkarlsruher@epiphanyproductions.com.
Auditions for the models will be Friday, March 15, at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Registration for the auditions is open now!

Gobal Down Syndrome Foundation 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Raises $1.5 Million, Honors Jamie Foxx and Luke Zimmerman

Quincy Jones, Natasha Bedingfield Star at Benefit for Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
from Herald Online:
Over $1.5 million was raised at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel to benefit the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The gala was sold out, with 1,200 people in attendance, including football legends Pat and Annabel Bowlen, and John and Paige Elway.This year, the annual event honored Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” TV star Luke Zimmerman with the 2012 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awards. Quincy Jones, the organization’s International Spokesman, presented the award to Foxx, while Foxx’s sister, DeOndra Dixon, who is the foundation’s 2011 Ambassador, presented the award to Zimmerman.The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show featured the foundation’s 2012 Ambassador, 6-year-old Samantha Marcia Stevens of Massachusetts, as well as 29 other guest models who happen to have Down syndrome. They strutted the runway with celebrity escorts, including actress Virginia Williams, Denver Nuggets star players Andre Iguodala and Danilo Gallinari, and Colorado Rapids forward Conor Casey. Kim Christiansen of 9News was the evening’s emcee.British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield closed out the evening with a concert that featured dancing help from the models during her chart-topping hit “Unwritten.”The event’s live auction raised $210,000, with such exclusive offerings as Hyde Park Jewelers’ Kentucky Derby VIP package, an Indianapolis 500 experience with Buzz Calkins, and a dinner with Denver Broncos icons Pat and Annabel Bowlen, and John and Paige Elway.The money raised at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show provides crucial funding for research, medical care, education and advocacy benefiting people with Down syndrome. Because Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health, the research and care provided by the Linda Crnic Institute at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado rely heavily on private funding.The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.More information about this event and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is available at www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal. The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show - the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome. Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource Project. The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.

About the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is the first medical and research institute with the mission to provide the best clinical care to people with Down syndrome, and to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition. Established in 2008, the Crnic Institute is a partnership between the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, the Crnic Institute includes the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. It partners both locally and globally to provide life-changing research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. The Crnic Institute is made possible by the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, and relies on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising, education, awareness and government advocacy. It is a research and medical-based organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/16/4341081/global-down-syndrome-foundation.html#storylink=cpy

Global Down Syndrome benefit is expanding

by Joanne Davidson from The Denver Post:
Let's take a good thing and make it even better seems to be the catchphrase for the 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. The Oct. 13 benefit for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation has a new location, several great additions to the committee and a new element best described as "timely."

At a cocktail reception held at the Lawrence Covell boutique in Cherry Creek North last week, chairwoman Nancy Sevo announced that special guests will include music icon Quincy Jones; Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx and his sister, foundation ambassador DeOndra Dixon; and actor Luke Zimmerman, whose credits include "Secret Life of the American Teenager."

The goal, she added, is to raise $1.75 million. "I know that's aggressive," Sevo said, but thanks in large part to the efforts of corporate sponsor chair Shane Phillips, $900,000 is already in hand.

Sevo also reminded the 200 guests that the event is moving to the Sheraton Denver Downtown and that a new silent auction category has been added. "It's Time" will be a collection of vintage, designer and other new or lovingly cared-for watches and clocks. Have a donation? Call Martha Cronen, 303-468-6667.

The event is also welcoming support from Annabel Bowlen, wife of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, and several of the women who had volunteered with her on behalf of Beacon Youth and Family Center's Cherish the Children Guild. Beacon Center, which had provided mental health services for 42 years, closed in March 2011.

Bowlen is chairing Be Beautiful Be Yourself's live auction. Other former Beacon supporters with leadership roles include Kay Burke (silent auction); Debra McKenney (tickets); Judi Wolf (program and talent); Nicole Gampp (gift bags) and Judianne Atencio (public relations). Former guild members Marilyn Spinner, Lydell Peterson and Edna Chang-Grant also are on the committee and Quinn Washington is coordinating participation by young professionals.

Guests at the kickoff also enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from Catering by Design, informal modeling and a runway segment that had children with Down syndrome appearing in clothes from Little Me's and professional models showing fall styles by designers carried by Lawrence Covell: Brunello Cucinelli, Jean Paul Knott, Chris Benz and Caruso.

Sevo said that in keeping with tradition, there will be a fashion show at Be Beautiful Be Yourself. The stars will be children with Down syndrome escorted by professional athletes and the visiting celebrities. What's different is that unlike in the three previous years, there is no fashion sponsor for the adult models. They will be wearing their own clothes.

Also attending the kickoff were Cookie Gold with daughter and son-in-law Ricki and David Rest; Susan Karsh; Cindy Farber; Sunny Brownstein; Maureen Cannon; Josh Hanfling; Michael and Shereen Pollak; Arlene Hirschfeld; Ellen Wiss; Rosie Painter; Lyn Schaffer; David and Kasia MacLeod; Betsy Martin and fiance Kevin Marr; and Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Tickets, starting at $500, can be purchased by calling Diana Moore, 303-468-6663.

Read more: Davidson: Global Down Syndrome benefit is expanding - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_21429919/global-down-syndrome-benefit-is-expanding#ixzz259AxAx63

Inspired: a review of the NDSC convention weekend

from Particularly Perfect by Amy Kosmalski:

Inspired.

Tonight I feel inspired.

I have been inspired by hundreds of beautiful people.  People like Kayla...all of whom are rocking designer genes.  Amazing people of all shapes, sizes, abilities, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities...all of whom came together from July 19-21 for the largest annual Down syndrome "family reunion".

I walk through my daily life appreciating Down syndrome.  Appreciating it for the miracle of my girl, for she truly is amazing and my greatest inspiration.  But...while I appreciate Down syndrome, it is also something I rarely think about these days.  While it used to way heavy on my mind and my heart, now it is simply a part of our lives.  Because it is a part of our lives, I consider myself an expert at DS-dar...Down syndrome radar.  I can usually tell from behind if someone has Down syndrome.  I enjoy so much seeing people with Down syndrome shopping, playing, dancing...just being...but it is rare.  Well, not on this weekend.  This weekend it felt amazing to walk into a restaurant and making my way past every single table, noticing someone with Down syndrome enjoying a meal with their family.  Eating, laughing and sharing stories together...just living their lives.  I felt home.

We spent the weekend in our nations capitol, Washington, D.C.  Rich with history...and we made a little bit of history ourselves.  Thursday we made history when over 160 self-advocates {people with Down syndrome} took to the Hill to advocate for a better future for themselves.  Asking of their congressmen and senators to support the ABLE Act and increase NIH funding.  It was truly a sight to see!  While on the Hill, we met with Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Congressman Carney's staff members.

Now...I admit...no one should ever let a pregnant woman lose in a Senators office.  Especially a pregnant woman that is passionate about a brighter future for her child.  While I have immense hope for the future of the ABLE Act and the utmost respect for Senator Carper's staff, squashing a Momma's dreams = not cool.  As this one staffer began to compare the ABLE Act to elderly people and Medicare, I lost my cool.  Trying to compare my six-year-old daughter's inability to save for her future to someone at the end of their years spending down their money instead of having to use it to pay a nursing home is ridiculous...and I told her so.  Filled with tears, I issued my warning that I was pregnant, hormonal and emotional.  But seriously...she was trying to compare a person that has lived a full life, purchased a home, been able to put their children through college, own cars, etc...to my daughter who can't have more than $2,000 in assets without losing her medical benefits.  It was just a ridiculous point and one I refused to listen to...and I think she got that message loud and clear.  Ah...to use the pregnancy excuse...it's fantastic...

The day resumed - meeting with Senator Coons staff.

That meeting went great.  Kayla and I skipped out on the Carney meeting as I wanted to ensure she rested before her big event...The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Fashion Show Preview and Gala.

As we walked into the Seewall Belmont House, Scott Grimes (from ER) was on the stage and immediately stepped down to warmly welcome Kayla.  Next she was joined by Bob Guiney (from the Bachelor) and the guitarist of their band, Jay.  She thought she was pretty big time...hanging "back stage" {actually in the basement}...

Notice the toilet paper in the background...now that's rock and roll!


During our backstage time we were able to spend time with the Hennefer family.  Brad Hennefer {B-Rad as his friends call him} is an inspiration.  He is the first person with Down syndrome to earn two varsity letters in high school...one in basketball and the other in golf.  Yes, Brad is an amazing athlete but he is also much more than that, Brad is an incredible young man that has the most wonderful personality.

After a few practice runs, the models were ready to work it...and did they ever work it...

All of the models rocked their smiles, confidence, swagger and amazing clothes...including their designer genes.  All of the models had Down syndrome.

Kayla with Rep. Perlmutter {her escort} and Michelle Whitten, Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Guiney & Grimes took to the stage...and so did Kayla.  No one was gonna keep her back...

and they were just wonderful to her.  Soon all of the models were on the stage together again...dancing, singing and having the time of their lives.  Seeing my girl's confidence was quite possibly one of the most amazing moments I have ever experienced.  She lit up like nothing I have ever seen.  She was right where she belongs...in the spotlight.

Thank you, Bob and Scott, for being so wonderful and kind...

Working the "red carpet"...

Paparazzi...

The post fashion show interview...she kinda loves the camera...a lot! 
This is Kayla's new friend, DeOndra Dixon...Jamie Foxx's sister.  She is beautiful and kind and smart...Kayla loved her!
Abby Perlmutter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...Kayla is her biggest fan!
Abby's mom {don't they look alike}...and Trish Morris of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation...

We are so fortunate to meet some of the most amazing people...all because Kayla has an extra chromosome...and perhaps because she is so darn cute...

Onto the NDSC National Convention...

Blogger sharing session run by fellow blogger Bethany Balsis.  It was a great place to chat with other bloggers and place faces with the words that I read and that inspire me daily.  It is amazing to know that others recognize me and also draw inspiration from my words.

These are Bethany's girls...Nika and Payton.  Nika is their little Russian cutie...I so admire this family.  Having a child with Down syndrome and adopting another...just goes to show you that life with a child with Down syndrome is so amazing there are people that want to multiply the amazingness...You can check out Bethany's blog here.

As the weekend started, we were able to steal some time with our favorite little guy, JJ...my future son-in-law.  Seriously...can you get enough of him?  I can't...
There was much to learn...and my brain is still reeling.  This was our fourth convention and I am amazed at how much I learn each time.  Kayla is amazing and patiently sits through sessions...playing on her iPad, coloring, and reading.  In between sessions...different story.  She was on a mission...she was handing out her "business cards" like it was her job...I am fairly certain that everyone that attended left with a Princess Kayla card...whether they wanted one or not.

And while there was much to learn and many amazing people to meet...let's be real...it was all about the dance...Just Dance {round 1}...obviously my girl was beyond ecstatic...and there were hundreds of other faces just like this one on that dance floor....

Onto the most popular night of the convention...the awards dinner and Just Dance...

Just in case you didn't get enough the first time...here he is again...

This is one of my favorite family's in the world...so glad our kids brought us together...

Rick's parents came to DC to support us...and we appreciated it more than they will know.  I also know this was hard for them.  They don't see Down syndrome when they see Kayla.  They don't see everything we have done and have to do to keep her progressing with her peers.  They see Kayla, a perfect six-year-old little girl.  And she is just that...perfect.  Regardless of her abilities, she will always be perfect...but for them to come to see all of Kayla's friends, I know that was difficult for them.  Seeing and hearing the stories was, I am sure, an eye-opening experience...

Above all...seeing this girl smile...nothing is more perfect.  The joy that exudes her body when she is with her Daddy is priceless...

And I loved meeting friends I feel like I have known forever...

This is my new friend, Sawyer...
She's ridiculously cute...
Her mom recognized Kayla from my blog and told me what an inspiration Kayla is to her.  Tears.  Really. When I write, I do it for Kayla {well...and for me, too}.  I do it to remember all of the amazing things that we do together.  But to realize I am touching people is just incredible.  To Sawyer's mommy and daddy...your princess is beautiful and amazing.  Keep faith that she can do anything and by the time she is Kayla's age, she will be doing far more than Kayla.  That's how it works...learning from those that went before you.  She is going to change the world...just you wait and see!

This is my other new friend, Jenny...

She is a teacher.  Yes, you read that right...a teacher.  She is one of a few teachers in a class for kids with Down syndrome.  Amazing.  Inspirational.  Thank you, Jenny, for showing me what is possible for Kayla's future.  Just like you, Kayla is going to do amazing things!  Keep rockin' that extra chromosome and keep proving to the world that people with Down syndrome are making a difference!

And this diva here...tell me you don't love her smile...
Well...she attends college and lives on her own.  She had a roommate but moved out because she was tired of having to "take care" of her roommate.  I'm serious...that's what she said!  The most impressive part?  She has a 3.8 GPA.  How many of us could say we had a 3.8 GPA in college?  I know I wish I could...

And this may seem a bit stalker-ish...but I'm ok with that...

This is quite possibly one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen.  Ever.  Down syndrome aside.  Her poise and confidence was unbelievable.  I had the opportunity to chat with her younger sister and this beauty in blue is just 19 years old.  I may make enemies in the Down syndrome community right now but I have to say it...I know beauty is much more than what you see on the outside...but carrying yourself appropriately is half of the battle.  Making Kayla appear more like "typical" kids has always been a goal.  The more we separate our kids, the harder it will be for them to "appear" the same.  This girl is my inspiration.  She is dressed like she is 19...accessorized like she is 19...hair and makeup is done like she is 19.  Perhaps that is why she carries herself with such amazing confidence.  Whatever the case, this girl is stunning inside and out...and she knows it...and that is what is important!

The amazing people with Down syndrome at this convention were endless...here is just one more...
This is Tim.  Owner of Tim's Place.

Tim serves up breakfast, lunch and hugs.  He keeps count of those hugs, too.  But he serves much more than that...he serves up inspiration for people with Down syndrome and a side of awareness for everyone in the community.  Thank you, Tim, for dreaming big and proving to the world that people with Down syndrome don't have to settle for anything less than they dream.

Sure...these are all "success stories"...but don't we all strive to be successful...to be happy?  That's what I want for Kayla...and nothing less.  Whatever that will look like for her is just fine by me, but she will be successful.  I know there are parents that may not believe their kids can be one of these success stories, but I just don't understand why you wouldn't hope and dream for your child to reach their greatest potential.  What Kayla can and will achieve in this world is up to her and I am excited for her future.  I will be right there, right behind her...encouraging, supporting and loving her all the while...

Ok...enough of all of that...Just Dance...

As the convention drew to a close, I was witness to one of the most amazing sights ever...
Over 300 self advocates and their brothers and sisters took to the stage and performed Firework.  As they finished and the crowd took to their feet, the self advocates chanted "one more time...one more time...".  And so, we were treated to the show again.  Seeing these self advocates and their siblings come together as a group...tears...hot, happy tears.  It doesn't help that I am pregnant and emotional...

We left the weekend filled with knowledge, new friends, and the most incredible memories.  But above all, I left inspired.  To all of my new friends with Down syndrome, thank you.  Thank you for inspiring me.  Each of you are making an incredible footprint on this world.  Each of you are proving that an extra chromosome is nothing more than just that.  It doesn't define anyone with Down syndrome...and it will never define Kayla.  Her greatness will simply be defined by who she is as a person and by everything that she can do...not what she can't.