Amora’s Mission

04/07/2026

Free swim lessons for children with special needs at Pensacola YMCA.

https://www.ymcanwfl.org/diverse-abilities-swim-lessons?fbclid=IwZnRzaARBLLJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeMdK_YXgkXDsh2mAdLPztRO-6fb-jvNoGPonbrpJeXkQxi3goiBZvi3ZCI24_aem_d0J9uL85nvrqtY68kqE2sQ

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03/23/2026

A family in our local Down syndrome community just had their 3-month-old undergo heart surgery.

I’ve created a meal train to help support them during this time. With a toddler at home as well, I know they’ll be especially busy and could really use the extra help. They are hoping to be discharged today, following an echo and the Dr reviews the results.

If you feel led to support their family, it would be so appreciated 💛

SM

A Meal Train page is active for The Opitz Family. MealTrain.com simplifies the process of giving and receiving meals and more.

03/21/2026

Tomorrow is the big day!

A few local Mama's have worked hard to make this happen so put on your crazy socks and get ready for some crazy fun!

Drop a "crazy" in the comments if you're joining!

02/27/2026

Panhandle families in the Down syndrome community, want to connect with more families? This FREE event is for you! 🥳

So much fun for everyone attending! Petting zoo, shaved ice, food, & more!

Planning to attend? Drop a 💙 in the comments! 🥳

11/15/2025

Can anyone else relate? 😂💙💛

10/31/2025

Kid Rock said it. Jesse Watters laughed. We need to speak up.
On national television, Kid Rock used the R-word (re**rd) to describe his Halloween costume. Jesse Watters didn’t stop him, instead, he laughed.

That word isn’t a joke. It’s a slur.
-It demeans people like my son John, who has Down syndrome.
-It demeans my colleagues who have differing abilities.
-It reinforces harmful stereotypes.
-It sets back the decades of work so many have done to promote inclusion and respect.

And the laughter? That makes it worse. Because when public figures laugh at hate, they make it acceptable.

As a father, as a business owner, and as someone whose company employs people with differing abilities every day, I can’t stay silent.

We must speak out.
We must reject the R-word.
We must replace it with something far more powerful: Respect.

The Special Olympics said it best: "Words like 're**rded' and 're**rd' have a long, painful history of being used to belittle and dehumanize."

So here’s my ask to you:
-Don’t use the word.
-Speak up when others do.
-Join me in creating a world where people of all abilities are valued.

Words matter. Laughter matters. Let’s use both to lift people up, not tear them down.

10/30/2025

Did you know that dual diagnosis is common? 41% of respondents to the 2025 Down Syndrome Community Survey reported a dual diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down Syndrome Regression Disorder.

Learn more insights from the community survey: https://buff.ly/jWzVOmL

10/30/2025

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition often characterized by the loss of previously acquired social, cognitive, language, and daily living skills.

Due to overlap in symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness, autism or early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease . If you suspect your loved one might have DSRD, it's important to seek medical attention early and have a doctor rule out other possible diagnoses.

Learn more about DSRD symptoms and treatment options in our new Aging Resource: https://buff.ly/1Y0zfw5

ID: A young woman with Down syndrome wearing a black shirt and glasses. A blue box on the right side of the image has white text that reads: DSRD is often misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness, autism, or early-onset Alzheimer's.

10/29/2025

Did you know??
Before the 1960s, people with Down syndrome were often called ‘Mongolism,’ based on outdated and inaccurate beliefs. The term was eventually replaced with ‘Down syndrome’ to focus on the condition itself and promote respect and understanding.

10/29/2025

📖Join us tomorrow morning at 11am for a spooky good story time, craft and independent play! Perfect Blend and the Gulf Coast Able Academy proudly present “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.”

10/28/2025

Many people with Down syndrome attend college through inclusive programs that let them take classes, live on campus, and build job skills.