World Down Syndrome Day 2015 : a celebration

This little post will be short and sweet as I believe pictures speak louder than words.  This brief slide show is in honor of individuals with Down syndrome as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day this upcoming March 21, 2015, but is also really for my daughter Ellie Marie.

Growing up, I knew a tiny bit about Down syndrome as my Aunt Peggy had Ds.  Now, having my own child with Down syndrome, I am learning new things every day - as a mother in general as well as by navigating the special needs world.  Our children are unique individuals who will become contributing members of society.  Make no doubt about it.  While today we promote Down syndrome awareness, I have learned through this whole parenting thing, that while Ellie rocks an extra chromosome, the syndrome is not who she is nor does it define her.  Ellie is Ellie and as a society, we need to be see the value of and accept all individuals of all abilities in their awesome uniqueness.




For those who just learned that your baby may have Down syndrome . . .



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Changing the Face of Beauty and #IMREADY

Something big is on the horizon for 2015.  In November, this beautiful little peanut appeared in Target's catalog.  So many people are talking about how lovely this little girl, Izzy Bradley, is playing with that large B toy.  What if more retailers were to feature children with different abilities?  

Changing the Face of Beauty is a campaign aiming to recruit 15 major retailers to feature people with disabilities in their advertising during the year of 2015.  YOU can be a part of this!  

How? Go to the Changing the Face of Beauty's Facebook page to share a picture of your loved one and tag with #IMREADY #changingthefaceofbeauty.  You can share your picture or the Changing the Face of Beauty campaign on other modes of social media--Instagram, Twitter, Google + or  on your personal Facebook page.  Be sure to tag some major retailers that matter to you in your post.

This campaign is already working for in an ABC News article, Infantino Toys states " "We are committed to using models that reflect the same diversity you see on a playground. Check out our Facebook page to see our cutie cover model, who is rocking her extra chromosome." 

infantino's Facebook cover.  She is quite the cutie patootie 

Continue to spread the word so that more retailers like Target and Infantino "reflect the same diversity that you see on a playground" !

I don't know about you, but Ellie says "Hey Kohl's and Gymboree, #IMREADY for change.  We want YOU to include models with disabilities in 2015.  We want YOU to be part of the #15in2015 . 15 retailers including models with disabilities in 2015.  We know you see us.  Represent us."



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