Like many organizations, PALS Programs faced its share of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding momentum after a global pause required resilience, creativity, and a strong community to lean on.
In late March, all of our incredible Program Leads came together in Baltimore, Maryland, for our annual Leadership Summit - a weekend full of connection, inspiration, and bold ideas.
Having a successful career as an individual with Down syndrome is about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the incredible talent and unique perspectives that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. It's a powerful reminder that individuals with disabilities are just as capable, creative, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the twenty first chromosome (3 x 21). This is why the 21st day of the third month of the year, 3/21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.
PALS Magic. This phrase circulates within the PALS community, but what exactly does it mean? It is the transformative work of the PALS community that brings together unique individuals with and without Down syndrome, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, where attitudes are changed, lives are transformed, and we inspire a world of belonging.
As we look forward to Summer 2022, we are excited to bring back the PALS model - week-long programs at our host universities with on-campus activities and trips in the local area. Explore what a day at PALS looks like as Lauren describes her week at Philadelphia in 2019. We can’t wait to see you in 2022!
This past month the PALS staff spent time learning about and discussing cultural appropriation and appreciation. While always relevant, this was a particularly good topic to discuss in advance of Halloween and all the diverse holidays coming up as a way to be more intentional and aware of our biases and perspectives.
While the federal calendar marks the second Monday in October as Christopher Columbus Day, many calendars, possibly even your own, recognize it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to recognize and honor the diverse histories and cultures of the peoples on whose land we are living.
In May 2020 PALS made a public statement on Black Lives Matter. It has been over a year since I posted that blog and it is time to share an update. Our work at PALS to build a more equitable and inclusive organization goes far beyond a public statement, and as we mark some progress we also know we have so far to go.
BY CHRIS LOPES
PALS Participant
We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. PALS participant Chris Lopes responded with the following:
“I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.”
Dear PALS Family,
I’ve been going to PALS since 2017, when I did PALS New Jersey. Since then, I’ve done PALS New York and PALS Holiday two times! My friend, Joey, told me about PALS – it was life changing! I’ve met so many friends, with and without Down syndrome, by going to PALS. At PALS, I can be myself, and I always feel accepted.
One of my favorite PALS activities is PALS Olympics… that magic moment when we are all connected as friends. I also love being myself, dressing up in the fashion show, and of course, karaoke. I really love everything about PALS! My favorite memory was getting to know Carson when we bonded over our favorite TV shows and our favorite songs. We both love DC shows!
I think everyone should be involved with PALS, because when you are there, you are included and have so much fun meeting new friends and making memories. The friendships I’ve made through PALS continue after the program. I love to text, Facetime, or Zoom with my buddies from PALS.
PALS helps show the world that people with Down syndrome deserve to be included and are good friends. I’m so thankful and happy to be able to be a part of PALS.
PALS love,
Chris Lopes ❤️
