National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is celebrated each October in the USA and many other countries. Advocates also participate in World Down Syndrome Day activites each March twenty-first, chosen because of the three copies of chromosome twenty-one.

Affiliated parent groups of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) often sponsor Down Syndrome Buddy Walks during the month of October, with a grand celebration at Times Square in New York each year.

Because World Down Syndrome Awareness Day occurs each March 21st, signfying three copies of chromosome 21, the month of March often provides many opportunities to raise awareness and support for people with Down syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and National Down Syndrome Society have sponsored yearly national convention to raise awareness of the latest research, information and support available to teachers, medical professionals, families and individuals with Down syndrome.

A coinciding convention for individuals who have Down syndrome, sibling conferences, clinics and other opportunities are also sponsored by the national advocacy organizations and medical facilities.

There are local, state, and regional conferences, and other presentations that occur throughout the year. Some focus on Down syndrome, others on legal requirements of districts for students qualified for IEPs, and many on inclusive education and support for living, working and learning in the community.

The World Down Syndrome Association Convention is sponsored in different countries throughout the world, with conferences and other events presented featuring the latest medical research, advances in behavior and therapuetic support, advances in best practices for education and person-centered planning.

Families, advocates and individuals with Down syndrome may submit articles, letters to the editor, interview suggestions or other topics to raise awareness of Down syndrome throughout the year. Although many of our efforts celebrate the accomplishments and highest potential of our sons and daughters, we also communicate a great deal by demonstrating our acceptance and enjoyment of those who struggle with greater challenges.

Browsing Books About Children and Adults with Down Syndrome at Amazon.com and/or purchasing Books about Babies, Children and Adults with Down Syndrome at Amazon.com through links from this website, helps support BellaOnline.com's Special Needs Children advocacy efforts.

Literacy Skill Development for Students with Special Learning Needs - A Strength Based Approach

Person Centered Planning

A Brand New Baby with Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51264.asp

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52704.asp

Down Syndrome Awareness
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34845.asp

Down Syndrome and the Acting Gene
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34198.asp

Welcoming Babies with Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32534.asp


Inclusive Education and the Culture of Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art44827.asp

Down Syndrome Research - What's New?
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art50908.asp

Prenatal Diagnosis: Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32686.asp

Bilingual Children with Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51927.asp

Down Syndrome and Diabetes Dual Diagnosis
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32543.asp

Celiac Disease and Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48740.asp

Down Syndrome and Autism Dual Diagnosis
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33178.asp

New Mother - Newly Diagnosed Child
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33557.asp

Down Syndrome - Baby to Adulthood

Children Like Grace - Down Syndrome - Four Generations
http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,2183066,00.html

YouTube Video for March 21 World Down Syndrome Day
Aim High Enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4caDNd7mw