Happy World Down Syndrome Awareness Day!
Take a closer look at the lives of these twenty-five hard-working, passionate people with Down Syndrome. Nothing will stop them from living their best lives OUT LOUD – in sports, acting, fashion, cooking, comedy, and more.
Discover that having a disability does not define anyone. We all have lots in common, and you can overcome obstacles and live your life OUT LOUD too!
I was so excited to learn about this book. I was even more excited when I found the book for sale while I was at the Annual Family Café – a motivational conference for people with disabilities. I bought a copy and got it signed by Melissa Hart, the author, and Allison Fogarty, a dog treat baker whose story is featured in the book.
Allison Fogarty is one of my favorites. My mom and I like her because she’s an animal lover and a fan of Rachael Ray like us. Allison was even invited by Rachael Ray to cook dog treats together in New York. See the full story in the YouTube video links below:
Allison Fogarty – Rachael Ray video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpsX-auVYJs
How to Make Sweet Potato Dog Treats by Allison Fogarty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kei8_aI_dg
My second favorite person is Jaren Kozak, a voice talent who voices the character CJ from Nickelodeon’s shows The Loud House and The Casagrandes. I suspected that the character CJ has Down Syndrome, but I was never sure until now. I’m happy to learn that a cartoon character with Down Syndrome is voiced by a person with Down Syndrome. That’s good representation right there. See CJ Casagrande’s best family moments in the YouTube link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkgfZvldxPc
Everyone featured in this book is lucky enough to have friends and family who support them. It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they are given a chance to succeed.
I had to read this book a few chapters at a time. So many positive, inspiring stories were too emotionally overwhelming for me.
Additional content at the end of the book includes information about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies International, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Buddy Walk.
My favorite sections were the Quick Facts about Down Syndrome, the timeline of Down Syndrome Discoveries and Developments, and the timeline of The Disability Movement in the U.S.