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October is Down Syndrome Awareness month. My youngest son has Down Syndrome so this is near and dear to my heart. People with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. That makes them extra special! This genetic condition causes intellectual disability, developmental delay, and certain physical traits.
As a Christian, I believe people with Down Syndrome are created in the image of God and are worthy of life and love. (Genesis 1:27) In John 9:3 Jesus says that a man was born with a disability so that the works of God might be displayed in him. Having a child with Down Syndrome makes our lives so rich. Learning to slow down, celebrate small milestones, and make space for others are such valuable lessons.
So how you can be a part of Down Syndrome Awareness month? Meet someone with Down Syndrome and see for yourself that all people are valuable. Perhaps there is someone in your school, church, or neighborhood that has Down Syndrome. Or you could follow a family with a child with Down Syndrome on Instagram. There are so many families that are sharing their lives and you can follow along to see what life is like for a person with Down Syndrome. And lastly, you can encourage others to value and include people with Down Syndrome.
I created some images for social media to share this month or on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21). The images are fully editable using Canva (free). You can change the wording, fonts, colors, images, etc. These Down Syndrome Awareness Month images are available for free!
Here are some of my favorite resources to learn more about Down Syndrome.
Different - A Great Thing to Be
A picture book by Heather Avis
Everyone Belongs
A picture book by Heather Avis
Hannah's Down Syndrome Superpowers
A picture book by Lori Yarborough
The Lucky Few: Finding God's Best in the Most Unlikely of Places
An autobiography by Heather Avis