| The main goal of Down syndrome understanding is to | | | | syndrome children can link up with local programs |
| celebrate the diversity of life and promote the | | | | sponsored in part by NDSS, where they can foster a |
| acceptance of families and individuals with the | | | | love of art, music or sports and gain the necessary |
| condition. Lobbyists ensure that adults with Down | | | | tools to live a relatively independent life. |
| syndrome have equal opportunity access to housing, | | | | In addition to Chris Burke, from "Life Goes On" and |
| schooling and jobs. | | | | "Touched by an Angel," there are many other notable |
| Organizations, like the National Down Syndrome | | | | individuals with this disability who are ambassadors for |
| Society, have helped people with Down syndrome | | | | Down Syndrome Awareness and serve as inspiration |
| fight for their legal rights and lobby for better | | | | for Down syndrome children, adults and families. |
| educational programs. At its core, Down syndrome | | | | Actors include: Stephane Ginnsz (Duo), Max Lewis |
| awareness is about enabling everyone to achieve his | | | | (Notes on a Scandal), Edward Barbanell (The Ringer) |
| or her full potential, despite a disability. | | | | and award winner Paula Sage (AfterLife, BBC |
| The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society | | | | Scotland's River City soap). |
| is "to benefit people with this disability and their families | | | | Additionally, Joey Moss works as a locker room |
| through national leadership in education, research and | | | | attendant for the Edmonton Oilers, Judith Scott works |
| advocacy." They feel that everyone has the right to | | | | as an artist, Miguel Tomasin is the singer for the |
| reach their potential and that people with such a | | | | Argentinian rock band "Reynols" and Karen Gaffney |
| disability should have the opportunity to make choices | | | | works as a swimmer and motivational speaker. There |
| affecting their lives. | | | | are also people with such a disability who are children |
| Part of Down syndrome knowledge is pushing for | | | | of famous people, like Isabella Pujols, the adopted |
| better educational programs to help children with Down | | | | daughter of the St. Louis Cardinal's first basemen, or |
| syndrome achieve their goals. Through the | | | | Johnny Stallings, son of former University of Alabama |
| organization, parents can collect valuable resources | | | | football coach Gene Stallings. |
| and connect with local support groups. Down | | | | |