First-ever Cleveland Down Syndrome Day set for October 20

CLEVELAND - Oct. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- The Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio (USOD), in conjunction with the City of Cleveland, is celebrating the first-ever Cleveland Down Syndrome Day on Monday, October 20, 2014, at Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue E from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Up Side of Downs has been working for over 30 years to provide support, education and advocacy to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community and currently serves over 900 families.

“There are over 400,000 individuals living with Down syndrome in the United States, and the chromosome disorder occurs in people of all races and economic levels,” said USOD Executive Director Toni Mullee. “Since October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re making a big push to educate the public about Down syndrome, particularly in the City of Cleveland.”

The public is invited to attend the Cleveland Down Syndrome Day celebration which will feature free refreshments and a performance by the St. Ignatius Circus Club.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson will make a special presentation proclaiming October 20, 2014 as Cleveland Down Syndrome Day and encourage citizens to work together to promote respect and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions. Cleveland City Council will also recognize the celebration.

The event will feature a salute to the hard work and progress made by parents, self-advocates, medical professionals, researchers, and educators, including the following special champions:

Eileen DiPadova – Special Education teacher at Marion Sterling School

Karen Cocita – principal of St. Mark Catholic School

Lou Maglio – News anchor, Fox 8

Jay & Lanee Lucarelli – Jay is President of Minute Men Staffing

All individuals with Down syndrome who register and attend will receive a free t-shirt. Registration is required by October 17. Register online at www.usod.org or by contacting Barb Waddle at (216) 447-8763 or barbw@usod.org.

Mullee added, “Despite dramatic increases in lifespan and intellectual ability in the U.S., there is still much work to be done regarding the rights to equality, inclusion, education, medical care, research and support for people with Down syndrome.

ABOUT THE UP SIDE OF DOWNS OF NORTHEAST OHIO
The Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio provides programs and services to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The USOD serves over 900 families caring for a loved one with Down syndrome in the Northeast Region of Ohio. People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. For more information, visit www.usod.org.