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Media/Press Releases: The brochure & poster for the Buddy Walk can be downloaded below. Poster (8 1/2"x11") Download *This can be printed and passed out at schools, churches, etc. You can view the brochure for the 2010 DSAT Buddy Walk here. Past Buddy Walk news: ----- 2011 Buddy Walk Press Release Download a PDF of the Buddy Walk Press Release. For Immediate Release CONTACT: Grab Your Buddy The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT), a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, invites the public to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October with the 9th annual one-mile Buddy Walk, presented by McDonald’s and Williams on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the track at Union High School. More than 400,000 Americans live with Down syndrome in the United States. It is the most commonly occurring genetic condition and affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 with a goal of bringing together a wide range of concerned individuals to promote awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome on local and national levels. Local affiliates of the National Society have adopted the Buddy Walk within the last 16 years. The Walk has grown from 17 Walks in 1995 to more than 300 nationwide – at least one in each state. The Buddy Walk has three primary goals. First, to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Second, to raise funds for local programs and services as well as national advocacy efforts and third, to enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice. The 2010 DSAT Buddy Walk raised more than $30,000 to support Down syndrome in the Tulsa area and its surrounding communities. Ninety-three percent of all money raised stays at the local level and helps finance scholarships for families to attend local and national seminars, provide new parent packets, educate the medical community through a new program entitled Changing Lives and sponsor special events throughout the year so that individuals with Down syndrome can come together and celebrate. “The DSAT Buddy Walk is a great family event and a wonderful way to raise awareness regarding the abilities of people with Down syndrome,” President of DSAT, Danny Ziriax said. “The support of Tulsa community is strong and continues to grow each year.” On October 16, from 1:30 pm to 4 pm, individuals with Down syndrome invite their “buddies” to walk with them. Buddies can be anyone from friends and family members to teachers, coworkers and politicians. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the 2011 Buddy Walk. Activities include carnival games, inflatables, local mascots, arts & crafts, petting zoo, exhibitors, music and much more. For more information about DSAT, and the 9th annual Buddy Walk, please contact Alana Kennon at (918) 605-9931. Online registration is available at www.dsat.org ----- DSAT Press Release Download a PDF of the DSAT Press Release. For Immediate Release CONTACT: History of DSAT The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT) is a non-profit, parent run organization that exists to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers. This is accomplished by providing support, encouragement, education, current information, and opportunities for socialization and by promoting community recognition of the inherent dignity of all people with developmental disabilities. DSAT’s vision is for individuals with Down syndrome to be accepted as contributing members of the community, be educated in all aspects of life, and to enjoy a safe and as independent life as can be accommodated. The organization provides parents with up to date information on all aspects of Down syndrome through monthly meetings, literature, and by hosting disability conferences and seminars. Often, literature and information is dated and not accurate. DSAT strives to keep parents informed of the latest medical developments and provide resources and encouragement for both parents and children. This same information is also distributed to local hospitals, libraries and community organizations. A monthly newsletter is distributed to more than 300 families and monthly meetings allow parents and other family members to interact and learn more about issues and programs that affect their children. Special events such as annual fishing day, holiday parties, and organized outings to local sporting events are held throughout the year so that individuals with Down syndrome can come together and celebrate. Meetings are held the third Thursday or the month at 7:00 pm at Kirk of the Hills in Tulsa, Ok. Free Childcare is provided. Please check our website at www.dsat.org for topics. The Buddy Walk is DSAT’s largest fundraising event and was established nationally to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome, raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs, and enhance the position of the Down syndrome community.
### ----- October Awareness Month Press Release Download a PDF of the October Awareness Month Press Release. For Immediate Release CONTACT: October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT), the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the Down syndrome community invite the public to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October. In 1991, President George Bush proclaimed October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and invited Americans to observe this month with programs and activities to help promote the greater understanding of Down syndrome. He recognized that progress had been made possible by the vision and hard work of concerned researchers, educators, parents and private volunteer organization and these Americans had helped to affirm the God-given abilities and worth of persons with Down syndrome. “People with Down syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute to their families, friends and communities,” NDSS president Alan P. Brownstein said. “Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides a forum for dispelling stereotypes, providing accurate information, and raising awareness of the potential of individuals with Down syndrome. This October, DSAT will hold the 9th annual one-mile Buddy Walk in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The walk will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the Union Public Schools Central Park (62/Mingo, Tulsa) from 1:30-4 pm. Individuals with Down syndrome invite their “buddies” to walk with them to show their support and to help promote awareness and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United Sates and it affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. Down syndrome occurs when there is an accident in cell development, resulting in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain. It is the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality affecting one in every 695 babies born. People with Down syndrome are more like typically developing individuals than they are different. There is a great diversity within the population in terms of personality, learning styles, intelligence, appearance, compliance, humor, compassion, congeniality, and attitude. Children with Down syndrome look more like their families than they do one another. They have a full complement of emotions and attitudes, are creative and imaginative in play and pranks, and grow up to live independent lives with varying degrees of support and accommodations needed. Down syndrome will not be the most interesting thing about a person.
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