by Padgett Mozingo
This week, many across the United States and throughout the world celebrate those who have
a little something extra. March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, representing the third copy of
the 21 st chromosome of those with Down syndrome.
This is the eighth year our family knows the significance of this day. Our seven-year-old
daughter is an energetic, hard-working little girl who loves playing outside, doing puzzles,
helping with laundry – and she also happens to have Down syndrome.
This year though, after our experiences in securing the inclusive educational opportunities she
and every child deserves, we knew we needed to do something.
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, we’re going to do more: More for our Lila,
more for other children who learn differently, and eventually more for other children who need
added resources or support to reach their full potential.
We’re launching an effort that was born in our hearts the moment we chose to believe our little
girl was more than the myths and misperceptions associated with her diagnosis. Early on, we
decided our Lila was limitless – as long as we loved, supported and challenged her.
She’s certainly risen to the challenges she’s faced, but we’ve found that others around us are
often less likely to see past her diagnosis. The actual systems and services intended to help her
actually limit her.
Services and acceptance for those with disabilities have come so far, even in my lifetime. But
our journey has proven that there is still a great distance to go before all children have access
to quality resources and education, let alone the simple belief that they can have and
accomplish big dreams.
Stories of coffee shops and other ventures that employ those with intellectual disabilities are
making the news these days. Sadly, most of those opportunities and success stories are created
by parents with the desire and resources to make it happen.
Our hope is that when Lila completes school, those stories are no longer news but
commonplace, expected, typical in all communities.
This year, for World Down Syndrome Day, we’re launching Limitless Purpose – a movement
that, for now, calls attention to the fact that there is still much more work to be done to ensure
acceptance and inclusion for every child. Our experiences alone in securing the education Lila is
entitled to by federal law clearly demonstrates that changes are still needed.
The inspiration for this project is our own Limitless Lila – a strong, smart, capable little girl who
can accomplish big things and dream big dreams.
Our own dream as her parents? That she has the opportunity to be included, to learn and grow,
and to become all she is capable of, giving back to her community and the world by sharing her
own story to help others who may need a little more help or more time themselves.
We believe – and have seen through Lila – that ALL children are limitless. And we know that’s a
message – and a purpose – worth sharing. Become a part of Limitless Purpose today! Visit
www.LimitlessPurpose.org to learn how.
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