Buddy Walk® Media Kit

Dear Buddy Walk® Organizer / Media Chairperson,

NDSS is excited to share with you the Buddy Walk® Media Kit.

The Buddy Walk® Media Kit includes National and Local Talking Points and Sample Media Alerts and Press Releases.  These materials will make it easy for you to provide media outreach that shares our common vision and voice. 

We encourage you to use the press kits to connect with your local media outlets to inform and educate, and share the beauty of the Buddy Walk® season that we all know and love!

You can click on the links below to access the individual resources within the 2017 Buddy Walk® Media Kit. In addition, these materials can be downloaded from the Buddy Walk® website.

Down Syndrome Fact Sheet Preferred Language GuideBuddy Walk® Fact SheetBuddy Walk® National Talking PointsBuddy Walk® Local Talking PointsBuddy Walk® Sample Media AlertBuddy Walk® Sample Press Release

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Misty Adams, NDSS Buddy Walk® Program Manager at madams@ndss.org or 646-552-6755.

Down Syndrome Fact Sheet Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three,

rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition; one in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, but due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are

now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.

Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.

All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to realize their life aspirations and lead fulfilling lives.

Preferred Language Guide (People First Language)

USE THIS LANGUAGE WHEN REFERRING TO DOWN SYNDROME AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE DOWN SYNDROME:

People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of "a Down syndrome child," it should be "a child with Down syndrome." Also avoid "Down's child" and describing the condition as "Down's," as in, "He has Down's."

Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.

People "have" Down syndrome, they do not "suffer from" it and are not "afflicted by" it.

Down vs. Down's - NDSS uses the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than Down's syndrome. While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down syndrome. This is because an "apostrophe s" connotes ownership or possession. Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it. The AP Stylebook recommends using "Down syndrome," as well.

While it is still clinically acceptable to say "mental retardation," you should use the more socially acceptable "intellectual disability" or "cognitive disability." NDSS strongly condemns the use of the word "retarded" in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.

 

Buddy Walk® Fact Sheet

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

The Buddy Walk® program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 250 across the country and around the world.

Last year alone, more than 330,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk®. They raised nearly $14.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

Since it began in 1995, the Buddy Walk® has not only become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome, but also the world's most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

The Buddy Walk® is nationally ranked in the 30 Top Run/Walk/Ride Endurance Events.

The Buddy Walk® is usually a one-mile walk (some locations vary) in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.

Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk® in your community!

Buddy Walk® events are open to participants of all ages and abilities. Each Walk location has places where you can sit down, relax, and watch the excitement if you choose not to walk. You can also become a member of the cheering section and cheer on the walkers.

Buddy Walk® events are great places to network with families and learn more about support services available.

Registration fees and donation requirements (if applicable) are set at the local level. No one will be turned away from a Buddy Walk® due to inability to pay. Please contact your local Walk with any questions or concerns.

National Talking Points Since its inception in 1979, NDSS has served as the national advocate for the value,

acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk® is an national advocacy and awareness program developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:o To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down

syndromeo To raise funds for local and national programso To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively

influence local and national policy and practice

Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has grown from 17 walks to more over 250 across the country and around the world. More than 330,000 people are expected to participate in the Buddy Walk® this year.

Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised nearly $14.2 million to benefit local and national programs and services.

There are more than 400,000 people with Down syndrome in the United States.

Down syndrome affects people of all races and economic levels. It is the most commonly occurring chromosomal disorder. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome

Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good medical care and positive support from

family, friends and the community at large enable people with Down syndrome to enhance their quality of life and realize their life aspirations.

To find a local Buddy Walk® and learn how to get involved visit www.buddywalk.org.For more information about Down syndrome or the National Down Syndrome Society, contact (800) 221-4602 or visit www.ndss.org.

Local Talking Points

The (location) Buddy Walk® will take place on (date) at (site) at (time).

The first (location) Buddy Walk® took place in (year). Participation has increased from (number) people the first year to more than (number) expected in 201X.

We expect to raise at least ($ amount) this year to benefit local services and national programs.

Key programs and services of (name of group) include:o (programs – e.g. information for new parents of children with Down syndrome, monthly

meetings with speakers, etc.)

(name/s) is/are the (location) Buddy Walk® Co-Chairs. (Add background/experience.)

(If applicable:) The (name of organizing group) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society and was founded in (year) to (mission – e.g. “support parents of children with Down syndrome”).

Sample Media Alert

[LOCAL ORGANIZATION LOGO]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contact: [LOCAL CONTACT NAME][LOCAL CONTACT TITLE]  [LOCAL ORGANIZATION][CONTACT PHONE NUMBER]  [CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS] 

***MEDIA ALERT***

 

National Buddy Walk® Program Promotes Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome in Celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

 

WHAT: The [NAME OF ORGANIZATION] 2021 Buddy Walk® is one of over 250 Buddy Walk® events planned in cities across the country and around the world this fall in and around October in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.

WHEN: [DATE AND TIME OF THE BUDDY WALK]

WHERE: The [NAME OF CITY] Buddy Walk® will be held at [LOCATION]. Please visit www.buddywalk.org or contact [NAME OF CONTACT] at [LOCAL ORGANIZATION] for more information.

WHO: Participants include, but are not limited to, people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters. Anyone, with or without a direct connection to a member of the Down syndrome community, is welcome to attend.

 [MENTION ANY NOTABLE PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE.]

 BACKGROUND: [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOCAL BUDDY WALK HISTORY]

Each year, the National Buddy Walk Program touches thousands of lives. When it began in 1995, there were Walks in 17 cities. This year, there are nearly 250 Buddy Walk® events scheduled, with over 330,000 people expected to participate. Last year alone, Buddy Walk® events raised nearly $14.2 million to benefit local programs and services, and national advocacy initiatives. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome

Sample Press Release

[ORGANIZATION LOGO]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [LOCAL CONTACT NAME]

[LOCAL CONTACT TITLE]

[LOCAL ORGANIZATION]

[CONTACT PHONE NUMBER]

[CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS]

Over 330,000 Americans Across the Country Are Expected to Walk in

Support of Down Syndrome Awareness

[NAME OF ORGANIZATION] Buddy Walk® Encourages Participants to Take Strides Towards Acceptance and Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome

[NAME OF CITY, DATE] – The [NUMBER] Annual [NAME OF CITY] Buddy Walk® will take place at [LOCATION] on [DATE]. More than [NUMBER OF EXPECTED ATTENDEES] people are expected to attend the event, which is one of over 250 Walks across the country this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. "Collectively, the Down syndrome community is stronger and more unified, when we speak with one voice, and as a community, we are breaking down barriers across all levels of government like never before,” said NDSS President Sara Hart Weir. “This is our chance to show the world the amazing accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome – people with Down syndrome are living longer, healthier and productive lives, attending post-secondary education programs, getting married, obtaining gainful employment, and are more integrated into the fabric of society than ever before."The National Buddy Walk® Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year, over $14.2 million dollars was raised by 330,000 Buddy Walk® participants worldwide to benefit national education and advocacy initiatives, as well as

local programs and services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk Program support both local and national programs.

The [NAME OF CITY] Buddy Walk will feature [DESCRIPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES]. Participants will also enjoy [CONTINUED DESCRIPTION IF APPLICABLE]. To learn more, visit www.buddywalk.org, or contact [NAME OF CONTACT] at [NAME OF ORGANIZATION].

Visit www.ndss.org to view more info on Buddy Walks.

[INSERT PARAGRAPH ABOUT LOCAL BUDDY WALK SPONSORS]

[INSERT PARAGRAPH ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION]

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the approximately 400,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.