Can we just get this one out of the way? It’s uncomfortable for me, it’s probably uncomfortable for you, but it’s advocacy with minimal effort and on a Friday night after Homecoming Week, it’s what you get.
Here is a cute picture to distract you from the awkwardness of this post:
In all seriousness, I would urge you to carefully consider which charities you choose when sending in donations. Some groups spend a lot of money on staff and publications and little on the cause itself. Others promote ideas that do much more harm than good (Autism Speaks, I’m calling you out). We have our own favorite Down syndrome charities and groups (listed below) that support our own viewpoint and mission for Tessa. There are others, but these are the ones that we feel best support inclusion and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome:
National Groups:
National Down Syndrome Society – http://www.ndss.org/About-NDSS/Mission-Vision/
National Down Syndrome Congress – http://www.ndsccenter.org/mission-and-history
The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network – http://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/
Local to Illinois/Chicagoland:
National Association for Down Syndrome: http://www.nads.org/about-us/
UPS for DownS: http://www.upsfordowns.org
One more for those who are into medical research and treatment (I’m still undecided):
The LuMind Foundation – http://www.lumindfoundation.org/
Happy Donating! 🙂
Yo soy La Lay 
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