New T21 initiative in Berry aims to inspire change, one chromosome and event at a time

Those with Down syndrome will get the chance to be part of a Superstar Experience. Photos: Supplied.

A new initiative launching in Berry this month aims to empower individuals with Trisomy 21, better known as Down syndrome, by fostering creativity, inclusion and personal growth through a series of unique events.

Coinciding with Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Changing The World … One Chromosome at a Time will feature multisensory experiences, art workshops, runway shows, and a celebrated photographic exhibition, all designed to create change and uplift individuals living with Down syndrome, and their families, in regional and rural NSW.

Celebrate T21 founder Stephanie Rodden, who is mum to son Lincoln who has Trisomy 21, said once the events were hosted in Berry from 11-13 October, some events would be toured to Cessnock and Moss Vale.

“This initiative offers something for everyone – from allied health professionals and carers through to T21 families and individuals. It’s about creative expression, creativity and community building,” Stephanie said.

“We’re wanting people to come along, have a look at the pop-up art gallery, ask questions, but realise that there’s so many more similarities than differences.

“People all over the world, regardless of the chromosomes they’re made of, experience the full range of emotions, and have likes and dislikes too.

“There’s those misconceptions with a variety of disabilities, and we’re trying to break down those barriers and really open it up to the community to share that likeness and that basic human right of being worthy, accepted and wanting friendships and love.”

Celebrate T21 is delivering the events with The Illawarra Music Foundry, with the three days sponsored by Scrapheap Adventure Ride Grants and Down Syndrome Australia.

Stephanie said the festivities would open with a breakfast for medical, allied health and education professionals on the Friday morning, to discuss the delivery of a diagnosis and the importance of being able to connect families right from the beginning.

She said that would be followed by Celebrate T21’s acclaimed photographic exhibition Your Life. Your Way. We’re Here, a pop-up exhibition run over two days highlighting the journey of more than 120 families with a loved one with Down syndrome.

Four events will be held as part of a T21 event in Berry.

It was a major three-day event a year ago and was made up of images from Celebrate T21’s fourth book, launched at the same time.

“Our books are then gifted to families all around the country and allied health medical professionals for when families receive a pre or postnatal diagnosis with Down syndrome,” she said.

She said 6500 books had been gifted.

On Friday, participants can immerse themselves in Mini T21 Rockers, already part of a weekly program in the Illawarra, which brings together music, sensory exploration, and Key Word Sign instruction in lively sessions designed for children with T21 and their families.

Stephanie said a mixed media Sip & Create workshop would blend different styles and media for an enriching and creative experience, led by T21 artist Rachael Young and Illawarra artist Amy Cuneo.

“Rachael was mentored by Amy Cuneo – who also happens to have a child with Down syndrome and is a fabulous local artist – in preparing to deliver a Paint & Sip workshop in May,” she said.

“We said that we’d love for Rachael and Amy to have the opportunity to repeat that in some rural towns.”

Stephanie said the final experience would be Superstar Experience, a one-day production set experience where individuals of all ages with T21 could showcase their talents and personalities in front of the camera, while building their confidence.

She said Illawarra Music Foundry would allow participants to step into a professional production set with video production, makeup artists and hairdressers, with activities based on how to walk the runway and have photos taken.

“It’ll be a really fun day to be expressive and get their creativity on and be all glammed up and have a lot of fun,” she said.

She said all families, regardless of location, were invited to attend the free events, but due to limited places and catering, registrations were essential for all activities, excluding the Saturday exhibition.

Register for Changing The World … One Chromosome At A Time at Berry Uniting Church Main Hall from 11-13 October.