One in every 600 or so babies born in AZ has Down Syndrome, including my kid Luke- (pictured here with his Grandma & Grandpa- Tom and Norma). We’ll be celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday March 21st to help raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome play vital roles in our lives and communities.

As a dad and the Chairperson for the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, I’ve seen first-hand the community and personal benefits of helping persons with developmental disabilities to be independent and productive and have every opportunity to integrate in all facets of community life including school, health care, the work force, post-secondary education, and social and recreational activities.

You can show your support for World Down Syndrome Day by participating in the Lots of Socks event on March 21st. Help raise awareness by wearing long and colorful socks tomorrow!