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Archive for May, 2011

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Jane Lynch and Lauren Potter take part in a PSA to “Spread the Word to End the Word”

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Jane Lynch and Lauren Potter participated in a PSA to help “Spread the Word to End the Word (R-word).”

The 30 second PSA shows an African-American man, a Latina woman, a Chinese-American woman, a homosexual man, and a Jewish-American man saying, “It’s not acceptable to call me [insert derogatory slang].”

At the end of the PSA, Becky (Lauren Potter) says, “It’s not acceptable to call me or call yourself or your friends retarded” and Sue (Jane Lynch) says, “The R-word is the same as every minority slur. Treat it that way and don’t use it.”

The article/PSA link is below.  This PSA contains mature language.  As pointed out by the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign, this is the same language that kids use everyday in school, so why shouldn’t it be used to address the problem – by specifically pointing it out.

Read article/View PSA

Volunteers help to promote DSAOC’s mission

Monday, May 16th, 2011

The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC) would like to thank Sandra and Sean McElwee for thier valuable volunteer time and professional representation of DSAOC at Saddleback Church’s Community Forum, held on Saturday, May 14.

With such a small staff, DSAOC relies heavily upon families and supporters to help promote the organization’s mission at community events like this one, that we were thrilled to be invited to participate in at Saddleback.

If you know of a community event in your area that you feel DSAOC needs to be represented, and you are willing to host our table (we provide all materials) or if you would like to volunteer for community events like this and host our table, please contact Kristin Abbas at kabbas@dsaoc.org.

Join DSAOC at Chapman University’s “Community Voices” Screenings on May 12

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Folio Theatre, 283 N. Cypress St. Orange CA 92866

DSAOC is excited to partner with Chapman University and their “Community Voices” program to bring the documentary, “Hold My Hand” to our community. 

 “Hold My Hand” is a film about a 20 year old woman named Eliza who has Down syndrome.  Eliza has been raised under the principle of inclusion during her life; in school and in the community.  Naturally, she wanted to follow what her peers and brothers were doing, which included college. 

In this short documentary you will hear Eliza in her own words as she tries to comprehend all that is going on around her, including rejection.

Join other families for a viewing of six films being shown in partnership with local organizations, one of which is DSAOC for “Hold My Hand”.  The screening starts at 7pm, doors open at 6:45 p.m.  This is a FREE community event.

Community Voices Screening information

In Honor of Mother’s Day…

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

My Great Story: Mother’s Day Section

Throughout the month of April, everyone was invited to share stories with NDSS about the moms in their lives.  The “My Great Story – Mother’s Day” section has been devoted to telling stories about mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, aunts, cousins or friends who have sons or daughters with Down syndrome.

Congratulations to self-advocate Jennifer Hinds from Orange County, whose story received the most votes in the Mother’s Day section!

View Jennifer’s Mother’s Day story in NDSS’ Newsletter – story in section 11