Stafford student to walk the runway at fashion show

from The Stafford County Sun:
Jose Louis Moreno-Capuzano of Stafford is a model at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Fashion Show on May 7 in Washington, D.C.The show is a fundraiser that features more than 19 models with Down syndrome— including Jose, a first-grader at Margaret Brent Elementary School.He is the son of Jose L. Moreno and Maria G. Campuzano, of Stafford County. He has two brothers, Sahid and Jesus. He is the oldest son, and like his brothers, he was born with Down syndrome.
Jose loves music, playing with his brothers, watching cartoons, playing in the park and attending school, according to organizers.

A Dream for My Daughter With Down Syndrome

by The Stir Bloggers from The Stir:
I've debated posting this letter a million times. Mostly because I know I have readers who will not get this. Some readers won't because they love me and my family and Lily so much...they just don't ever want us to hurt. So to prevent that hurt -- or stop it -- they will say things like, "please just accept Lily for who she is. Just give her time, and trust that she is who God made her to be."
Some readers won't get this letter, because... they simply can't relate. As understanding as they might be, they will never ever know how it feels be the parent of a child with special needs. And believe me when I say, I don't blame them for not being able to relate. I'm in a club that I didn't choose to be in myself, although I wouldn't bargain my way out of it if I could.
I've learned too much, loved too much, grown in ways I didn't know I needed to, discovered little rooms...vast rooms...in my heart that I never knew existed since having Lily. I cannot imagine, and I don'twant to ever imagine, life without Lily; this letter has absolutely nothing to do with a lack of love for her or a desire for her to be someone else. She's my Lily, and I truly believe that quote at the top of my blog...the one that says there was no mistake here. I believe it with all my heart.
But there are some days when I dream....

Down Syndrome children have high IQ, specialist says

DHA chief calls for the need to integrate them into mainstream

from Gulf News:
Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) held a campaign to raise awareness about Down Syndrome at the Al Barsha primary health care centre last week.

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition, which affects physical and mental development. It is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

The event was inaugurated by Eisa Al Maidour, Director-General of the DHA. More than 30 families with children and adults with Down Syndrome took part in the programme.

In the UAE, one out of 319 babies have Down Syndrome. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates the incidence of Down Syndrome to between 1 in 750 live births worldwide.

Al Maidour said it is essential that people are made aware about Down Syndrome. “There is a need to further integrate those affected into society,” he said.

“These awareness initiatives help people understand Down Syndrome better and provide an active platform for people dealing with Down Syndrome to raise their queries.”

Bat Boy With Down Syndrome Hits Home Run On Senior Night (Video)

by Darren Hartwell from NESN:
“Fast” Eddie Gordon will never forget his Senior Night.
Eddie, who was born with Down syndrome, has served as the bat boy for the Timberline High School baseball team in Boise, Idaho, for the past two seasons. On Monday, he finally had the chance to step in the batter’s box.
Penciled into Timberline’s lineup as the leadoff hitter, Eddie drew a large ovation from the crowd and both dugouts, who all started chanting his name as he stepped to the plate. After a few swing attempts, Eddie made contact and took off around the bases.
Eddie could hardly conceal his grin as he crossed home plate and was mobbed by his teammates. Check out the cool moment in the video below, which also features interviews from Eddie and his coach.

"Down Syndrome Awareness" License Plate bill clears state House

by Dave Fields from 3KATC.com:
Lafayette, LA -State legislation that would promote awareness of Down Syndrome with a special license plate has cleared the state House of Representatives and made it through Senate committee, says the representative who initiated the bill.
Rep. Terry Landry, D-Lafayette, said he authored and proposed HB 323 to create a special "Down Syndrome Awareness" prestige license plate of behalf of the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana (DSAA). The non-profit organization's mission, according to its website, "is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community."
Landry said that there are a number of public interests in Acadiana worthy of attention, but emphasized that DSAA is doing great work for families with kids with the syndrome and that public should be made aware of the most pressing needs of the organization.
"We should be aware of Down Syndrome and we should conduct research about it," Landry said.