Letter to the Editor 3-18-22
Dear Editor,
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on March 21st each year. The day and month were chosen to correspond with 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organize and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome families across Kansas have an extra reason to celebrate this year. March 9th the Kansas Senate voted 40-0 to approve Senate Bill 506 providing for a Down syndrome awareness distinctive license plate. The Bill is now being worked in the House.
This weekend the North Central Kansas Down Syndrome Society (NCKDSS) will start celebrating across the area. Saturday night there will be a Family Family fundraiser benefiting the NCKDSS and the Clifton-Clyde High School special ed program. It will be from 7:00 - 9:00 in Clifton at the Son's of American Legion. The SAL will have a potato bar beginning at 6:00 p.m., so no worries about supper for the night. Sunday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 the NCKDSS will host the annual WDSD celebration at the Salina Kansas Army National Guard (2929 Scanlan Ave). The afternoon is free to the public and will have a dance zone, bounce houses, games, raffle prizes, snacks and great company. Monday, March 21st a Pizza Hut Gives Back fundraiser will be in Concordia from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mention you are supporting the NCKDSS and 15% of your order will be donated to us!
Additionally, we invite everyone in the community to celebrate WDSD Monday by Rockin’ their Socks. The idea of Rock your Socks was born from the chromosomes themselves, which are shaped a bit like socks. By wearing brightly colored socks, printed socks, mismatched socks, or even three socks for three chromosomes you will be supporting Down syndrome and creating awareness. If someone asks you about your socks, tell them about WDSD. Tell them everyone has unique qualities just like the socks. Whether they are the same or different colored socks, a short sock and a tall sock they serve the same purpose, they might just do it in a unique way. Tell them how people with Down syndrome also may not be “typical,” but they’re still awesome, and how they make our world brighter. We encourage anyone that Rocks their Socks to share a photo on the North Central Kansas Down Syndrome Facebook page.
Thank you for helping us spread awareness and promoting acceptance!
Shella Thoman
http://www.nckdss.org
nckdssbuddywalk@yahoo.com