Dispelling myths of Down syndrome in schools

A local group is dispelling myths about Down syndrome and they’re doing it in our local schools.

The Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect group is expanding and has the funds to do it now. One of the goals is to go into schools, like Skyline High School in Idaho Falls Thursday, and talk to students about the truths of Down syndrome and what it’s like for an individual to deal with the condition on a daily basis.

A couple ways they present that is through a video and some clever motor skills activities for students to try.

KIDK Eyewitness News 3 anchor Todd Kunz talked to one of the mothers about why they are doing this.

“I think a lot of people, when they don’t know about something, they’re scared of it, any disability, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, things like that. And so we want to make an awareness in schools for kids that teach them about Down syndrome and them that really there are more abilities than disabilities and that we all have things that we’re good at or not good at,” said Mary Murray, vice president of Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect.

One of the activities was using an oven mitt on the less-dominant hand and trying to write a quote or speaking with a mouthful of marshmallows and trying not to drool.

This summer will also be the third annual “Friends Don’t Count Chromosomes” Fun Run and Walk. It will be Aug. 26 at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls. Events like the race help make these school presentations possible. Click here for a link to Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect.