What can you do?
There are several campaigns to spread awareness about Down syndrome and all disabilities as well as campaigns to build a community of acceptance and inclusiveness for individuals with disabilities. Here are a few:
Educate yourself about what Down syndrome IS and ISN'T:
Just like you...
The video below does an awesome job of introducing the differences and more importantly, the similarities between individuals with Down syndrome and those who are typically developing.
Just like you...
The video below does an awesome job of introducing the differences and more importantly, the similarities between individuals with Down syndrome and those who are typically developing.
Spread the Word to End the Word: www.r-word.org
This campaign is working to end the use of the word "retard(ed) particularly as a put-down or in casual conversation. Go to the website and pledge to stop using this word and spread the word to others.
Think Beyond the Label:
http://www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com
An organization dedicated to "raising awareness that hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense." They have local resources for each state and a great deal of information about how to hire people with disabilties and all of the advantages.
http://www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com
An organization dedicated to "raising awareness that hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense." They have local resources for each state and a great deal of information about how to hire people with disabilties and all of the advantages.
Best Buddies Maryland: http://www.bestbuddiesmaryland.org
This organization's mission is to "establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
There are several ways to get involved:
Volunteer to be a Best Buddy
Help to establish a jobs program
Become an e-buddy (aka pen pal) with someone with an intellectual disability
Donate to help to keep this valuable program going
Partcipate in the many events held throughout the year. Here is a link to those events held in 2010: http://www.bestbuddiesmaryland.org/site/c.eoJLIWOCIrH/b.5767271/k.ADC9/2010_Events_Archive.htm
Spread the word about Best Buddies through email, your website, etc.
There are several ways to get involved:
Volunteer to be a Best Buddy
Help to establish a jobs program
Become an e-buddy (aka pen pal) with someone with an intellectual disability
Donate to help to keep this valuable program going
Partcipate in the many events held throughout the year. Here is a link to those events held in 2010: http://www.bestbuddiesmaryland.org/site/c.eoJLIWOCIrH/b.5767271/k.ADC9/2010_Events_Archive.htm
Spread the word about Best Buddies through email, your website, etc.
The Center for Life Enrichment: http://www.tcle.org/index.html
This organization helps to support individuals with disabilities to find employment, help with transportation needs, provide socialization opportunities, and provide some therapy services.
Get involved by:
Volunteering with TCLE
Donating money directly or donating clothing to Vintage Values I and II, which are entirely run by the Center for Life Enrichment
Participating in the Annual Golf Tournament that is held by TCLE and the Special Olympics of St. Mary's County
Buying a tree from the Annual Christmas Tree sale
Get involved by:
Volunteering with TCLE
Donating money directly or donating clothing to Vintage Values I and II, which are entirely run by the Center for Life Enrichment
Participating in the Annual Golf Tournament that is held by TCLE and the Special Olympics of St. Mary's County
Buying a tree from the Annual Christmas Tree sale
The Arc of Southern Maryland: http://www.arcsomd.org
This organization works to create a more inclusive community in Southern MD for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilites through social and work programs.
Get involved by:
Volunteering to help with chidlren's activities, help with annual fundraisers, be a companion to someone with a disability, serve on the board.
Becoming a Business Partner - Supported Employment Employer: http://www.arcsomd.org/business_partners.php
Donating money: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=thearc&id=1
Partcipating in fundraising events throughout the year
Donating your car: http://www.arcsomd.org/car.php
Get involved by:
Volunteering to help with chidlren's activities, help with annual fundraisers, be a companion to someone with a disability, serve on the board.
Becoming a Business Partner - Supported Employment Employer: http://www.arcsomd.org/business_partners.php
Donating money: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=thearc&id=1
Partcipating in fundraising events throughout the year
Donating your car: http://www.arcsomd.org/car.php
