Earlier Start Time - Down syndrome advocates to speak at TCU Oct. 29

Fort Worth, TX

10/15/2009

By: Jannika Rask, TCU Office of Communications

In recognition of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Alice S. Neeley Special Education Institute is hosting the event “More Alike than Different” on Oct. 29 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center, 2820 Stadium Drive. The event is free and open to attend, refreshments will be served.

Two speakers from the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) will present their personal stories and support those touched by Down syndrome. Newlyweds Austin Davenport and Christi Hockel are self-advocates for the NDSC, which strives to create equal opportunities for people with Down syndrome by educating the community.

Davenport has served on the board of various organizations including the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. Hockel works to prove that while there are a number of hardships to face, those with Down syndrome can still live joyous and meaningful lives. Each will share personal stories of distress, happiness and information about their lives.

The NDSC is a non-profit organization run by a 22-member board of directors composed of parents and family members of individuals with Down syndrome, self-advocates like Austin and Christi, and other individuals involved with people with Down syndrome. Their mission is to “provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.”

The Alice S. Neeley Special Education Institute, in the TCU College of Education, works with the TCU laboratory schools, Starpoint and KinderFrogs, to create and organize activities, programs and research in special education. It is currently working to provide the best learning environments for TCU students to become valuable leaders in special education, engage students and faculty in research to implement the best practices in special education, and allow participation in community outreach to improve the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities and their families in community-based activities.

Other events hosted by the Alice S. Neeley Institute to recognize the month include a T-shirt sale Oct. 19-23 in the Palko Hall lobby from 9 to 11 a.m. and the Buddy Walk at River Legacy Park at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society.

For more information, contact event coordinator Lauren Guerra, l.a.guerra@tcu.edu or Dr. Nancy Meadows, director of the Alice S. Neeley Special Education Institute at TCU, n.meadows@tcu.edu.