It’s Buddy Walk Season!
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Buddy Walk in New York City is the flagship walk for the National Buddy Walk Program. This event raises awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families. The Buddy Walk is the cornerstone of NDSS awareness and advocacy effort’s and it directly supports federal and state efforts to advocate for the human rights of all people with Down syndrome. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.
This will be the 29th annual Buddy walk where NDSS shows the world the amazing accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome are living productive lives and are living longer. They are more integrated into the fabric of society than ever before. You will see them attending post-secondary education, getting jobs, and getting married.
Every year the Buddy Walk is kicked off with a video presentation on a jumbo screen donated by Clear Channel in the heart of Times Square. NDSS chooses 500 individuals each year to appear in this presentation to highlight the diversity of the Down syndrome community. It reminds the world of the value that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities. The Times Square video is streamed live on Facebook across the country.
You may remember the HCQU June 2023 blog that spoke of Mattel’s new Barbie added to their Fashionista line. NDSS and Mattel worked together to create the first Barbie with Down syndrome. Great news……… exciting news! NDSS and Mattel are thrilled to make the Fashionista Barbie’s part of the 2023 New York City Buddy Walk in Central Park on September 9! Mattel generously donated 2,500 Barbie Fashionista dolls for attendees. The Barbie Fashionistas celebrate diversity.
Be a part of the Buddy Walk, September 10, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Eric Sports Center and October 15, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh. Additionally, you can stream the hour-long presentation in New York on Facebook on September 9, 2023. Learn more at https://give.ndss.org/event/2023-new-york-city-buddy-walk-r/e478474
Advocate, educate and celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome!
