Strategies For students
This page is designed for classmates, friends, and siblings of students with Down syndrome. Learning about Down syndrome can help students understand how their peers with Down syndrome or any type of Intellectual Disability might be similar or different from themselves.
For Kids
Sometimes when you meet someone who is different from you, it can be hard to know how to act around them or what to say. Being a good citizen in the classroom starts with treating all students with respect. It is important to learn about what Down syndrome means so that you don't get the wrong ideas about a friend or classmate. While you will learn what makes them different from you, you also might be surprised to see how much you have in common!
Websites just for kids
This website has information just for kids about Down syndrome. It tells you what Down syndrome is, where it comes from, and gives tips on talking with and helping a sibling or classmate who has Down syndrome.
Kids that want to learn more about the science behind Down syndrome, this link is for you. It teaches you about chromosomes and how science and medicine have made it possible for people with Down syndrome to live much longer, healthier lives than ever before.
Now that you know the basics about Down syndrome, here is the story of a girl named Melissa who has Down syndrome and wants to share her story. She talks about her life, the things she loves to do, her future, and how she's a lot like you. She wants people like you to hear her story so that you won't judge her or anyone else with Down syndrome before you get to know them.
For Teens
Middle and high school can be a time where being different is tough because of identity formation and bullying. This makes it even more critical to treat your peers with disabilities with respect. This section provides some more in-depth information on the genetics involved in Down syndrome, as well as information for teens interested in babysitting children with disabilities such as Down syndrome. It also includes a link to the "Spread the Word to End the Word" Campaign, a great way to get involved in creating more accepting environment for your peers with Intellectual Disabilities.
info on genetic Disorders
Here is a website for teens that want to learn more about genes and genetic disorders like Down syndrome.
For teens that Babysit
Babysitting a child with Down syndrome can be challenging if you don't know what to do or how to act. This page give you tips on how to interact with children with Down syndrome in order to make it a fun and rewarding experience.
Spread the word to end the word
Have you heard other teens (or maybe even yourself) say the word "retarded" to mean "stupid" or "dumb?" The phrase "mentally retarded" began as a scientific term for persons with an Intellectual Disability. However, many people have begun to use it in a derogatory a manner, which is insulting to people with intellectual disabilities and their friends and loved ones. This website explains the campaign to end the word. It has helpful information on how to respond when someone uses the r-word and how to take action and get involved in the campaign.
Famous people with down Syndrome
Karen Gaffney
Karen Gaffney is known for her long distance swimming and her work as an advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. She was the first person with Down syndrome to be a part of a relay team to swim the English Channel. In addition, she has swam 9 miles across Lake Tahoe. She has an Associate degree in Science from Portland Community College and is the president of the Karen Gaffney Foundation.
Chris Burke
Chris Burke is an American actor best known for his role on Life Goes On. He has also had appearances on ER and Touched By An Angel.
Lauren Potter
Lauren is an actress best known for her role as Becky Jackson on the TV show Glee.