Wisconsin Upside Down’s awareness programs educate the community about the lives and needs of people with Down syndrome, working to dispel myths about Down Syndrome. The awareness program kicks off with an annual “BuddyWalk” in September, First Downs for Down syndrome, Dollars for Down syndrome, October Calendar Release Party, November Parent Programs, December Ability Giving, February Birthday Party, February Legislative Visits, March World Down syndrome Day Celebration, Kelly’s Upside Down Ball, and April Educator Forum.
The National Association for Down Syndrome public awareness programs also help to educate the public about Down syndrome. Their trained public speakers talk to schools, businesses, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations throughout the Chicago area. They also sponsor a variety of public awareness campaigns for Down Syndrome Awareness month in October, as well as organizing public awareness events, such as the recent NADS Day at U.S. Cellular Field, in which NADS members and friends attended a White Sox game, during which public service announcements about Down syndrome ran on the Jumbotron and a young man with Down syndrome sang the National anthem.
