Down Syndrome of Louisville Members Featured in Times Square Video in New York City

individuals with down syndrome in times square

Watch WDRB coverage of this event here.

Phil Mason, Allen Norton, and Mabelle Holmes helped kick off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in annual National Down Syndrome Society video presentation

NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2022) – Local Down Syndrome of Louisville members Phil Mason, Allen Norton and Mabelle Holmes appeared in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 17, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video presentation. The one-hour video of roughly 500 photographs included children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states. These collective images promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in a very visible way.

The photos of Phil, Allen and Mabelle were selected from more than 2,400 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Their photos were shown on two JumboTron screens in the heart of Times Square, thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens were located above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. To view the video presentation, click here.

Twenty-two-year-old Phil is shown smiling, proudly wearing a Down syndrome awareness T-shirt that reads “Just Down Right Awesome.” Seven-year-old Allen is pictured smiling while attending a local Louisville City FC soccer game at Lynn Family Stadium. Three-year-old Mabelle Holmes is seen showing off her artistic skills by coloring with markers.

The Times Square Video presentation was followed by the New York City Buddy Walk® in Central Park. The flagship Buddy Walk has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk Program. Buddy Walk events are held in hundreds of cities across the country, as well as select international locations.

To support Down Syndrome of Louisville locally, join the organization for their 24th Kindness Warrior Walk on Saturday, October 1, at Waterfront Park’s Festival Plaza. Registration for the event is free to members of the Down syndrome community and children under three years old. Outside of this group, registration is $21/person and includes a participation T-shirt, complimentary food options and access to Kids Fun Zone and Vendor Village. To learn more, please visit www.ds-stride.org/kindnesswarriorwalk.

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.

About the National Buddy Walk® Program

Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy Walk near you, visit www.buddywalk.org.

About Down Syndrome of Louisville: Down Syndrome of Louisville provides developmental and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome throughout their entire life span. DSL’s Lifelong Learning Center is the first and only of its kind in the nation. Program excellence earned DSL the prestigious Gold Certificate of Accreditation from Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action. To learn more, visit www.dsoflou.org.

###

Tagged Items:

Similar Articles

Academy Members from Down Syndrome of Louisville Embrace Gardening

The Academy members from Down Syndrome of Louisville have embarked on a gardening journey, showcasing their determination and love for nature. By cultivating their own garden, these individuals have discovered a newfound sense of independence, community, and accomplishment. Gardening has proven to be a therapeutic activity for the Academy members from Down Syndrome of Louisville, […]

Read More

Kindness Warriors Training at Amazon Fosters Inclusivity

Recently, Down Syndrome of Louisville visited Amazon to conduct Kindness Warrior Training for some of their SDF9 leaders. The Kindness Warrior training is a unique and inclusive etiquette program aimed at fostering empathy, respect, and kindness. Kindness Warrior Training: Cultivating Empathy and Inclusion Kindness Warrior Training is an innovative program designed to equip individuals from […]

Read More

Embracing Diversity and Empowering Voices: Actors Theatre’s Commitment to Inclusion

In the pursuit of fostering inclusivity and giving voice to underrepresented communities, Actors Theatre of Louisville has taken a significant step by hiring disabled teaching artists to work with a diverse group of students. Among these exceptional individuals are Madeline Franklin and Megan Mudd, who bring their unique perspectives and talents to the forefront, creating […]

Read More

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with the Lucky Few Tattoo Event

World Down Syndrome Day is a special occasion that brings together communities worldwide to raise awareness, celebrate individuals with Down syndrome, and promote inclusion. At Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL), we wanted to mark this significant day in a unique and meaningful way- and this year marked the first annual Lucky Few Tattoo event. In […]

Read More

With help of DSL Board Member, Danny Slaton, Kentucky Passes Nondiscrimination Organ Transplant Bill (HB238)

May 1st: The Bill is signed and it’s now official! Thank you Governor Andy Beshear, #TeamKentucky, and Danny Slaton for this HUGE step forward! DSL advocated for this legislation to prevent discrimination based solely on disability in the organ transplantation process for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities should they experience discrimination. Governor Beshear said […]

Read More

Grant Gupton and Macy Knights Honorary Captains at Racing

🎉 We are thrilled to share that two of our own, Grant Gupton and Macy Knights from Down Syndrome of Louisville, were recently named honorary captains for Racing Louisville women’s football team! 🏆 As honorary captains, they were featured on the jumbotron and  given the incredible opportunity to attend the team’s training and experience the […]

Read More

Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing at Churchill Downs, 2023 Gallop Gala Friendship Award Winner

Each year our Friendship Award is presented to an organization or individual who has shown an exceptional level of support for DSL. This year’s recipient doesn’t have a family member with Down syndrome. But he has a can-do attitude, a kind personality, and a big heart, especially for our amazing members. He has been unbelievably […]

Read More

Down Syndrome of Louisville Raises $270,822 at 12th Annual Gallop Gala

Photo by Bill Wine Photography   LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Down Syndrome of Louisville’s (DSL) 12th Annual Gallop Gala commenced Friday night at the Galt House Hotel with $270,822 raised to help support the world’s largest and most advanced regional Down syndrome community that serves 24 counties throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana. The funds raised will benefit DSL’s mission […]

Read More

DSL Advocating in Washington, DC

Down Syndrome of Louisville members, Lucas Fortwengler and Chris Payne are attending the 2023 NDSS Advocacy Conference on March 17-19 in Washington DC along with Board Vice-President, Danny Slaton, and Executive Director, Julie Torzewski. They will be learning about all of the legislative priorities on the Down syndrome community on the hill and then advocating […]

Read More

World Down Syndrome Day 2023- Choose Your Own Adventure

Down Syndrome of Louisville Encourages Community to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day  The nonprofit is teaming up with local businesses for a weekend-long celebration. To see the complete calendar of events for DSL’s World Down Syndrome Day celebration, see below. Louisville, Ky. (March 15, 2023) ­– Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) […]

Read More

In loving memory of Katherine Scholtz

It is with the deepest sadness we share with you one of our most beloved members, Katherine Scholtz has passed. Known here at DSL as “KitKat” she was truly magic. She lit up any room she was in, and she knew it! Katherine was We will miss her dearly and feel honored and grateful to […]

Read More

In loving memory of Quade Bischoff

Quade Nathaniel Bischoff gained his angel wings on December 20, 2022. He is now slinging Spider-man webs and flying from place to place, has the loudest microphone possible and is on a huge stage, has all the Ikea paintbrushes available, is tearing off his shirt to show his muscles from time to time and having […]

Read More
Translate our Site »