On World Down Syndrome Day 2025, the powerful CoorDown campaign ‘No Decision Without Us,’ challenges us to reexamine what true allyship means—moving beyond awareness to ensuring people with Down syndrome have an equal voice in decisions that affect not only their lives but our communities as a whole.

I believe one of the best ways we can be allies to people with Down syndrome is to truly honor their value, contributions, dignity, and opinions not only about their own lives and choices but also as contributors and leaders in our communities and the greater world. 

So many times we fall into the trap of convincing ourselves we are inclusive allies because we host events that are sensory friendly, participate in buddy programs, or are welcoming to people with disabilities. But that is not enough, my friends. We must move past passive inclusion to a world filled with authentic belonging AND where we are elevating disabled voices and decision-making to an equal seat at the table.

How am I supporting authentic choice and voice?

I’m glad you asked. 

If you know me well, then you know I have a decent level of anxiety, and you also know that I have a teenage son with Down syndrome who loves to make the BIGGEST and BOLDEST choices. It’s an interesting combination! I always say that I believe the good Lord has a sense of humor.

One example is this fall when he came home and announced he was trying out for the JV wrestling team at his high school, never having tried the sport a day in his life. While this is a choice I never would have made and one I was extremely reluctant about, it ended up being one of the best decisions he’s made. It led to a season of healthy risks, growth, learning, and new friendships. 

Letting go of control is not easy, and to many, it’s scary. I get it. We already discussed my anxiety.

I understand the emotions of loving someone who feels vulnerable. BUT to see only the vulnerable aspects of someone with a disability, I believe, is not to see them as whole. 

As a society we have been conditioned to equate disability with dependency, making it difficult to step back and allow for autonomous decision-making.

Our schedules also thrive on efficiency rather than giving people the time they need.

Sometimes our discomfort with long pauses or uncertainty make us rush to provide answers rather than supporting others in finding their own solutions.

To be someone with empowered voice, autonomy, and self-advocacy skills, it takes time, risk, and having to make mistakes. These are all key components along the journey to supporting autonomy and decision-making. 

But we also must ensure we are providing opportunity.

Getting in the right frame of mind

When considering mindset around this, let us ask ourselves: 

• Am I listening to understand the unique perspective of the individual?
• Am I creating genuine opportunities for choice, or am I offering predetermined options?
• When someone communicates a preference I disagree with, do I respect their choice or try to make them agree with me?
• Am I comfortable with the person taking risks?
• When making decisions that affect someone’s life, is their voice centered in the process?

How can you be an ally and empower choice and voice?

In what ways are you being an ally today, and how can you better create spaces for people with Down syndrome to make decisions for themselves and within their communities in the future?

Can you identify one decision you typically make for someone else and create space for their voice instead? Small changes lead to meaningful transformation.

An inclusive world depends on all voices being heard. This World Down Syndrome Day, commit to being the ally who doesn’t just open doors but ensures everyone has a seat—and a voice—at the table.