In an effort to reach out to the community, students from the MSU chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children participated in a Special Olympics bowling event Monday at Royal Scot Golf and Bowl of Lansing, MI. Special education junior Samantha Smith is the vice president of MSU’s Student Council for Exceptional Children. Smith and other student volunteers work with the Special Olympics for various events throughout the year, including the bowling events this October.

“I love that (October) celebrates people with Down Syndrome and recognizes their accomplishments and their abilities,” Smith said.

Smith joined SCEC as a freshman and loves being a part of it because she gets to be involved with a community that is passionate about what they believe in and what they do.

Smith has seen both students and adults who are not treated with respect simply because they have Down syndrome.

“There are so many stereotypes and assumptions about this population that need to end. Individuals with Down syndrome are some of the most amazing, fun, loving and intelligent people I have met, and I want others to be able to see that as well,” Smith said.

One of Smith’s favorite memories is when a student with Down syndrome said “I have ‘Up’ syndrome,” because she had such a positive perspective.

“They do not have a disability that should be looked upon in a negative way — it is an ability that should be recognized and celebrated,” Smith said.

Special education senior Jessica Osos is the general program coordinator for CADSA. Spreading awareness is important for her because she grew up living with her uncle, who had Down syndrome. Osos said he was more like a brother to her, and their closeness sparked her passion for spreading Down syndrome awareness.

Osos said CADSA members are putting considerable effort into their October awareness campaign, with billboards and other advertisements around the Capital area, as well as online.

“It reminds people that individuals with Down syndrome are just like anyone else and that they aren’t defined by the disability that they happen to have,” Osos said.

CADSA also participates in Step Up for Down Syndrome, an annual walk involving volunteers around the country. Kerbawy said this walk is important to him and other CADSA members because it calls attention to the services they provide for those with Down syndrome and their families. He said it’s important to raise the bar by making people aware of Down syndrome and what it means.

“This event is a celebration of the individuals with Down syndrome and the families that CADSA serves — it’s always a blast for the whole family,” Osos said.

Kerbawy loves to see everyone together and socializing. He thinks it’s a miracle, raising awareness for Down syndrome while meeting new people.

“That’s my favorite part — interacting with people and making wonderful friends,” Kerbawy said.