Equipping our self-advocates with the knowledge and confidence to navigate life safely is a crucial step toward independence. This weekend, parents of children and adults with Down syndrome participated in an eye-opening workshop on ‘Personal Safety & Sexual Etiquettes,’ led by the remarkable Ms. Sameeksha Sajwan—General Secretary and Resource Person for the Down Syndrome Parents Society, TEDx speaker, and certified expert in personal safety and sexuality education.

The session delved into vital topics such as personal hygiene, understanding safe and unsafe touch, body awareness, and teaching through social stories. Parents actively engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing their personal experiences, which brought depth and connection to the workshop. This was more than just a learning experience—it was a journey of growth, strengthening the bonds between families and fostering mutual support.

Workshops like these are not only necessary for understanding our children but also for learning and evolving alongside them. Addressing sensitive issues, often overlooked in family settings, is essential to promoting the overall well-being of our self-advocates. Together, we are building a more informed, respectful, and empowering community for our loved ones with Down syndrome.