I Have Down Syndrome. But I’m Still Me!

For Me (Self Advocates)

This section of KCDSG.org is for kids, teens and adults with Down syndrome. “For me” is the place to share your thoughts, stories, favorite links and photos. This is a way to share what is new with you, make new friends, stay in touch with old friends and to make the DSG community even stronger!

We invite you to submit items to be placed on For Me by DSG. Email items to ForMe@kcdsg.org.

What should I send?
• Poems
• Stories
• Photos
• Self-advocacy topics
• Art work
• Favorite links

 Not sure what it means to have Down syndrome?  
Down Syndrome and You is a great booklet made by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society that will help you understand what it means to have Down syndrome.

Checkout the websites below to learn about some amazing people with Down syndrome just like you!

Read a Time Magazine article about the wedding of Sujeet Desai and Carrie Bergeron who both have Down syndrome.

Annie Forts - The Annie Forts "UP" Syndrome Fund, Inc. was created to assist and encourage young people with Down syndrome.

 Chris Burke is one of America's favorite personalities. Through his work he has single-handedly transformed America's image of the mentally and physically handicapped. Chris is also a spokesperson for the National Down Syndrome Society.

 Karen Gaffney received her high school diploma from St. Mary's Academy in Portland, Oregon in 1997. Having completed all of the Oregon State requirements for a regular high school diploma. She completed requirements for an AS degree and a certificate to be a teacher's aide at Portland Community College in March 2001. Read an inspiring story about Karen's latest swim across Lake Tahoe!

 Mia Peterson has a website that provides trainings and services in the areas listed on her website.

 Michael Jurogue Johnson is a full time artist. Art is his job. He paints almost every day and he also works in the cottage industry that has developed from his talent. Michael was born with Down syndrome, but he was also born with a sense of wonder, an ability to appreciate simple things, a good sense of humor, and the determination to communicate with others. Art opened up Michael's world.

 Rachel Roberts has had an overwhelming desire to produce a coloring book with large, easy to color drawings, for children with special needs, such as herself, so they too could begin learning to read the way she did.. with sight words. Rachel was born with Down syndrome, however with her self motivation, encouragement and guidance of her family, some dedicated teachers... and God, she is striving to reach her potential.

 Sujeet Dasai graduated with honors from high school, has been accepted to a music academy, plays violin, piano, clarinet and bass clarinet, has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, rides his jet ski, and much, much more. Oh yeah, he just happens to have Down syndrome.

 Watch a cool video

 Meet a young man named Johnny with Down Syndrome. See the video online.

Read or subscribe to a self advocate e-newsletter

RIOT! is an e-newsletter for self-advocates. Self-advocates are people with disabilities who speak up for themselves and others. Self-advocates speak up with spoken words, sign language, language boards or in ways unique to each person.

Check out the Friendship Network for self-advocates

The Friendship Network is a social networking web site created and hosted by the The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC). The primary goal of the web site is to create opportunities for adults with Down syndrome to communicate and connect with their peers.

Listen Here

Building Her Business

Allison Wright runs her own framing business. She also has Down syndrome. New government programs are now encouraging people with disabilities to work while they continue to receive federal support. In the past, disabled people who earned income were penalized by having their benefits withheld.

Allison and and her dad, Edward, started a micro-business inside Edward's framing company. They got a micro-loan from the government, which Allison used to buy a specialized carving tool. Her next step was to hire her first employee, a business manager.

Allison and company now pitch new clients, fulfill orders, and design new products. Dick Gordon talks with them about the challenges and rewards of their new enterprise.

• Find out more about Edward and Allison's business
• Allison and Clay do work for clients including Stone Line Designs