Author: Terry Severson, Director, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank of Omaha

Something that recently caught my attention is the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual Buddy Walk. With events held around the country each fall, the Buddy Walk is not only the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States, but the most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Since its inception in 1995, the Buddy Walk has expanded from just 17 events to over 250 events nationwide, promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of the Down syndrome community. 

On September 30^th, the Enable Savings Plan took part in the Omaha Buddy Walk, enjoying a fun-filled day aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Down syndrome community in Nebraska.

Fittingly, the Buddy Walk program coincides with Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Nationally recognized in October, this awareness month is an important reminder of the Down syndrome community’s remarkable strengths and abilities. Perhaps even more importantly, it is an opportunity for all of us to educate, advocate, and promote acceptance and inclusion.

This message of inclusion resonated beautifully in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Times Square Video, shown last month to kick off New York City’s annual Buddy Walk. The video featured photographs highlighting children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome working, playing, and learning alongside friends and family.  Serving as a reminder of the gifts that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities, the video provided a shining example of how we can encourage acceptance on a broader scale.

The Enable Savings Plan is proud to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, sharing in the talents and accomplishments of our account owners with Down syndrome and appreciating the many ways they enrich our lives and communities.

If you have attended a Buddy Walk or want to promote Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we encourage you to post a photo on our Facebook page!