Flower City Down Syndrome Network

06/07/2026

To every person living with Down syndrome: you are valued, respected, and deeply loved. Your life has meaning. Your contributions matter. The joy, friendship, and perspective you bring enrich our families, workplaces, schools, and communities every day.

In response, we wanted to share a letter written by our late self-advocate board member, Lori. Lori, who lived with Down syndrome, wrote these words to parents receiving a new diagnosis. Her message reflects the wisdom, warmth, and optimism she carried throughout her life.

As Lori wrote, “It didn’t stop me, and it won’t stop your child.”

Lori touched countless hearts, and we miss her tremendously. We hope her words offer encouragement, understanding, and hope to anyone beginning this journey. 💙💛

06/04/2026

Great video ladies!! 💛💙

05/29/2026

Pathfinder Village for ages 16 - 21. 💙💛

Classroom instruction that supports lifelong growth.

05/17/2026

Congratulations Natalie and class!

Rochester, N.Y. — Eight students in Nazareth University's LifePrep@Naz program participated in a Completion ceremony on Thursday.The inclusive, college-based ex

05/16/2026

Come visit us at McAvoy Park from 11:00 am - 2:00 PM. Corner of Winton Rs and Empire Blvd.

05/13/2026

🛑

Stop Using the R Word

John and Mark are going up to Capitol Hill tomorrow with the National Down Syndrome Society to ask Congress to stop using the R word. The term "re****ed" appears in dozens of laws and regulations. The Words Matter Bill would change the use of the term mental retardaiton to intellectual disability.

Words matter. John says, "When I hear that word, it makes me depressed and angry. It hurts."

John will tell Senators and members of Congress to end the use of the R word. Too many people are using it on TV, in movies, and on social media. Congress needs to show some leadership and end the U.S. Government's use.

John is standing up for the rights of people with differing abilities. Listen to John. Follow John's lead.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible woman raising children, you are champions of acceptance and love. Your strength and advocacy turn everyday moments into extraordinary victories. 💛💙

05/09/2026

🥰💙💛🥰

05/09/2026

Let’s give it up for Caitlin’s teachers Jenna Murgillo and Jackie Kelley-Howard!! Thank you for making such a difference. 💛💙

BRIGHT SPOT: Caitlin, a student with the Flower City Down Syndrome Network, nominated her co-teachers Jenna Murgillo and Jackie Kelley-Howard for the nonprofit's annual award for National Teacher Appreciation Week.

https://13wham.com/features/bright-spot/bright-spot-dedicated-educators-national-teacher-appreciation-week-flower-city-down-syndrome-network

05/09/2026

Congratulations Brockport Fred W. Hill Elementary School co-teachers Jenna Murgillo and Jackie Kelley-Howard! We appreciate you being such amazing teachers for Caitlin. 💙💛

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