Down syndrome Association MN – Classroom Kits

In 2020, I partnered with DSAMN on their classroom kit program. In 2021, I am doing the same and they are poised to reach over 20,000 kids in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day!

What is World Down Syndrome Day? It is a global awareness day when self-advocates and their families, friends, coworkers, and supporters organize and participate in activities to raise awareness, advocate for rights, and promote inclusion and well being of all people with Down syndrome.

World Down Syndrome Day occurs on the 21st day of the third month (3.21) each year, selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome. It has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. And bonus this year, it is 3.21 (March 2021) all month long!

DSAMN’s World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kit initiative started in 2019. Each kit contains two books donated in a student’s name to permanently keep in the classroom, as well as a packet of grade specific activities, lessons, stickers, and swag for students and teachers.

In the program’s inaugural year, they reached 3,600 students across Minnesota. In 2020, they reached more than 11,000 students in over 450 classrooms across Minnesota, as well as in neighboring communities in Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas.

The classroom kits teach students about Down syndrome, but more importantly, they include lessons on diversity, inclusion, kindness, and acceptance. Kits are FREE to teachers in Minnesota and surrounding communities. The kits are designed for students Pre-k through 5th grade. Learn more about the DSAMN Classroom Kit program. If you would like to contribute so that this program can continue for years to come, considering making a donation to DSAMN. Additionally, you can learn more about DSAMN’s advocacy work related to COVID-19.

“I am me, and that is all I need to be. Yo soy yo, y eso es todo lo que necesito ser.”