alittlebitdifferentalotthesame

October is Down Syndrome Awareness and ACCEPTANCE MONTH!!!

Sign reads “OCTOBER IS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH!!”; girl’s shirt reads “CELEBRATING ME.” — **Just a little bit different, a lot the same!! Do you enjoy any of the activities that I do??.**

AI generated pictures are really fun! This one shows my interests and personality! Even if it doesn’t look exactly like me, the unique charm of these images helps you understand my vibe and character in a creative way!

October is officially Down Syndrome Awareness Month, kicking off in 1980 thanks to some awesome folks at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). The whole point? To educate everyone about what it’s like to rock life with Down Syndrome! It’s not just about the challenges; it’s a fabulous confetti party celebrating the unique abilities, strengths, and downright incredible accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. After all, we’re all just “a little bit different, but A LOT the same”—like mismatched socks that somehow manage to be the life of the party!

Down Syndrome Awareness Month isn’t just about spreading knowledge; it’s about busting those age-old myths and stereotypes! We’re here to teach everyone the real scoop about us and sprinkle a little bit of fun along the way!! Picture this: inclusion everywhere—school, work, community—a dream come true for us!! Helping us feel like we totally belong and that we MATTER is also a reason Down Syndrome Awareness Month exists. And hey, that’s why I prefer to call it Down Syndrome ACCEPTANCE month!!

So now that that is done….here’s what I have been up to lately, and the challenges that I have faced.

First an update on the move to my new apartment! The buildings are coming along and I am getting very excited!!!

Construction site featuring green multi-family buildings in progress, with a large dumpster and piles of gravel in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.

A construction site featuring new residential buildings, parked vehicles, and construction equipment under a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.

I know it is not going to happen until 2027, but that isn’t that far away! I am already working on the list of things I would like to have, taking pictures of things I really like, so I can find them again later! I am exploring the area where the apartments are going to be, checking out the walking path, the nearest grocery store, and how long it would take me to walk to work! I am working hard on my cooking skills, learning new recipes, safety awareness, and budgeting for the grocery store!

Some of the challenges I have are because I am short. I am only 4 and a half feet tall!!! Reaching the stove is sometimes hard. I have to have controls on the front of the stove so I can control the burners, and so I can reach without getting burned. I need lower counters so I can reach to do things like cutting up vegetables safely and washing dishes…something I don’t like to do!!

A young person in a red shirt stands at a stove, happily stirring vegetables in a small pot with a wooden spoon.

A plate of pasta with vegetables including broccoli and carrots, topped with a creamy sauce. A fork is placed beside the plate.

Because I struggle with me weight, I am learning a lot about nutrition and eating healthy. Cameron is helping me a lot with that! I am also doing a lot of exercise and drinking a lot of water! I go to Zumba every Monday night with my Auntie Dawn. It is a lot of fun and keeps me moving!! I have all my exercise stuff at the ILC (Independent Learning Center apartment with MARC), so can work out there or at the gym. I love doing exercise videos there with my support staff, and at home in my room.

A person wearing a bright yellow tank top and black shorts, standing in a room with headphones on, facing away from the camera. The background includes a bed with blue bedding, a rug, and a container on the floor.

A person wearing a bright yellow tank top and black shorts, viewed from behind, is standing in a room with a rug and other furniture. They are wearing headphones and appear to be engaged in a workout or stretching activity.

ZUMBA MOVES!

A person with Down syndrome is participating in a dance class, wearing a blue top and maroon pants, standing on a wooden floor surrounded by other dancers in a gym setting. — Monday night ZUMBA class with Auntie Dawn!

Work is going great! I love my job at Brookdale South Windsor.Camero I have so many friends there. When I’m not working, I just really enjoy visiting with the residents. I am still working on finding a job at a daycare or preschool, but I am happy where I am. Delivering packages gives me a chance to see residents I don’t always see downstairs. Helping with Bingo can be challenging at times, because I have to help more than one person and watch many cards at once, but I do my best! It is exciting for me when one of the residents I am working with gets BINGO!!

Now that Cameron is back at work and doing his online classes, we don’t spend as much time hanging out as we were over the summer. I have other support staff who I work with during the week. Our last outing for the summer was the Dream Ride event at the end of August. It was so much fun, even thought the weather wasn’t very nice. The best part of the day? I got to ride with the same driver I had last year!!!

Two young people smiling for a selfie at an outdoor event, with a grassy field and cars in the background.

A smiling man with a beard and a woman with Down syndrome pose for a selfie in front of a car with a roof rack, wearing casual attire and event badges.

Cameron has been introducing me to some of his favorite places to eat and helping me make healthy choices!

A girl sitting at a restaurant table, smiling while holding a fork. In front of her, there is a bowl of salad topped with shredded carrots and cucumber slices.

Well that’s it for now! Be back soon! I have a lot more to share!!!

Thanks for reading!!

A NOTE FROM MOM:

Yes, I am one of the “Lucky Few” who have been blessed with a child with Down syndrome. I get to experience the joy Chelsea brings to the lives of so many, first hand. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when she is every bit the “typical” young adult…head strong, opinionated, sarcastic (even though she doesn’t understand it coming from others), and with just a little bit of sass and attitude…..just ask her sister..but those moments go along with the territory of being “a little bit different, a lot the same”. I wouldn’t change anything about her, as much as she challenges me at times! She is exactly as she is supposed to be! She is accepted. She is loved beyond words. She is Chelsea.

SUMMER FUN CONTINUED!

July continued to be busy after camp. I went on a family vacation to Rangeley, Maine. We rented a beautiful house near the lake, with my mom, sister, grandparents, aunt and uncle. We used to do this when I was little, so this was a return to something I don’t remember very well!

Going out of my comfort zone was once again part of my day! I went kayaking!! The first time, I was with my mom, and I was afraid to paddle! But I overcame that fear when we went the second time. I was with my Auntie Dawn, and she wouldn’t let me just go for the ride! So I paddled! And I did great! I can’t wait to get a chance to go kayaking again! I think we are going to get one of our own! I don’t have any pictures to share. None of us had our phones on the water! My grandfather took pictures on an old fashioned snap camera, but I haven’t seen them yet.

Going out to find a moose was a highlight of our trip! We saw two the same night! One of them was out in the middle of the road! It didn’t want to move out of the way!

Campfires and making s’mores is always a special part of family vacations. I love the smell of campfires, and I love to eat s’mores! Games were part of the evenings. Yahtzee and Farkle are two of my favorites!

The sunsets were really beautiful and it was relaxing to sit on the porch and watch them.

The best part of being on vacation for two different weeks in July….I GOT PAID!!

Summer Fun!

FIRST, WEEK AT CAMP PALS!!

I have been so busy that I have not had a chance to post all the fun things I have been doing, so I am doing a post to update everyone! ‘

July was super busy!! I spent one week in Boston with the PALS program. I stayed on the Stone Hill College campus with all the other campers. I had a great partner!! Her name is Mary! We had so much fun.

The PALS program always provides me with chances to step out of my comfort zone and overcome fears. This year, it was surfing!! Gnome Surf runs a surfing therapy program for people with different abilities. I watched some of my friends do it first, then decided I was going to try it, even though I was scared! It was fun! It was pretty hard to balance, because I need to work on my core strength. I wish there was a program like this closer so I could do it all the time!

We went into Boston and did a number of activities. The Duck Boat was pretty scary! I didn’t like driving into the water at all! But, I did it and made it out on the other side! After we had lunch at Quincy Market, we played miniature golf at the Putt Putt Boston indoor mini golf place. The Boston Aquarium is an amazing place to visit! My favorite exhibit is the really big sea turtle!!

When on the Stone Hill campus we were very busy doing a lot of activities. We did activities to get to know each other, arts and crafts, sang karaoke, had a dance, and spent a lot of time outside! Its a good thing I had a lot of sunscreen!!

At the end of each PALS camp experience, all the campers have to write letters that get sent to parents of babies with Down syndrome. We send these letters to new families to give them hope and to encourage them that having a baby with Down syndrome is a good thing!!

Dear Family,

My name is Chelsea Bailey. I have Down Syndrome. I love my life! Congratulations on your new baby. This baby will bring you so much love and joy……….

The PALS program is funded by donations to the program. All the partners at each camp are volunteers. I am including a link if you would like to donate! You can dedicate your donation if you want to! Thank you for supporting something that is so important to me and so many others who have Down syndrome!

Being a part of this program has helped me become as confident and independent as I am. It has helped me overcome fears, go out of my comfort zone, gain confidence in who I am. It gives me a chance to make new friends, a lot of them who I will see next summer at PALS!

image000000 (11)~4 — **FRIENDSHIP AND HUGS**

BYE PALS BOSTON!! UNTIL NEXT YEAR!! It’s been an incredible journey through this vibrant city filled with rich history and unforgettable moments. From exploring the city on the Duck Boat, to savoring the delicious tastes of Quincy Market, each experience has been a cherished memory. As we part ways, let’s hold onto the laughter and friendships we’ve built, eagerly anticipating our next adventure together in this amazing place. Until next year, Boston!

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you are having fun this 4th of July with family and friends! I had a cookout with my mom and my sister, with hot dogs and cheeseburgers, homemade potato salad, and corn on the cob. It was delicious! I am hoping to see some fireworks later tonight, but if not, I will get to see some when I come home from camp next week. Do you like fireworks? I do now, but I didn’t used to. I hated the big bombs! Now I just really like all the colors and the music that is played during the display. I don’t like the bugs!!!!

Colorful fireworks exploding in the night sky above a city river with illuminated buildings and a crowd watching — A vibrant fireworks show lights up the night sky over a city riverfront

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KoXt9pZLGM

Discovering the Joy of a Fitness Lifestyle

Daily writing prompt

What’s one habit that has improved your life the most?

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I’ve embraced my new role as a gym enthusiast, enthusiastically working out more often and enjoying the company of my new friend, Cameron! This positive change will help me shed some extra pounds, which fills me with joy and allows me to confidently wear clothes I like or I’ve always wanted. I’ve committed to making this fitness journey a part of my lifestyle, and I’m excited to explore swimming and basketball as well. Swimming is like a delightful escape where I feel like a mermaid, while basketball keeps me active and gives me the chance to bond with friends through some friendly competition. It’s amazing how fulfilling this journey can be, proving that fitness can truly be enjoyable and rewarding!

Swirling cosmic streams in orange, pink, and blue with scattered bright stars — A vibrant swirl of colorful cosmic streams with sparkling stars

Fun Adventures at Lake Compounce and Healthy Choices

Last week was really busy, but a lot of fun! I worked my regular hours, but on Thursday I went to Lake Compounce with the mom and some other friends from the respite group. It was a really nice day. My mom and I spent our time in the water….Lazy River, the wave pool, and then the Merry go round. I don’t like the roller coasters and the other rides. I am very afraid of heights!! The water in the Lazy River was kind of cold, especially when it came down on my head from the big pipe!! There was a lot of water! My mom had to paddle us to the side so we didn’t go under them all. I wasn’t a big fan!!

The wave pool was fun, but a little scary at first. There were some very big waves coming at you! I stayed in the area where the waves weren’t so big, and my mom stood behind me. She said it was good for me to practice my balance and work on my core strength. I was just having fun!

On Friday, I met a new friend/support staff. His name is Cameron. I really like him. We had so much fun together. He is very into being healthy and being active, so he took me to the gym! We did some weight lifting. He taught me the right way to do some exercises with the machines. It was hard, but not too hard! I am looking forward to doing more!

Then we went to Target. Because I struggle with my weight and snacking sometimes when I am home, he introduced me to some healthier snacks I could try. They were “Shameless Gummies”, and they were so good!! We shared the whole bag, except for some that I saved for my mom to try. I asked my mom to order some for me to take to camp next week, along with my veggie sticks. I am going to do my best to eat healthy and exercising, and lose some weight.

After our shopping trip, we got lunch at Chipotle. Cameron helped me make good choices of what to put in my rice bowl. I ate half, and took the rest home for later. I was proud of myself.

Next came mini-golfing and riding the Go-Karts! So much fun!! I almost had an accident when it was time to park the g0-kart…lol..I was going too fast! I can’t wait to go again though!

I really had so much fun with Cameron. I am excited to work with him more, and learn more things about making healthy choices and learning more exercises. We have plans to go to the gym more, go swimming, and maybe hiking. But first…..CAMP!!!

I head to PALS in Boston on Sunday!!

A NOTE FROM MOM:

Finding support staff that are trustworthy and who have a heart for working with people with different abilities, is not the easiest job! We have been thru a couple, and we feel very blessed to find Cameron! He is a very impressive young man, currently working as a paraprofessional, and going to school to become a special education teacher! Thank you to his mom, Regina, for thinking that Chelsea and Cameron would make a good team. We are so excited to have him as part of Chelsea’s “village”.

Working with DDS and the state to get support hours, never mind finding the right person to fill them, is a challenge in itself. Support hours are based on the person’s LON…or Level of Need. Chelsea’s LON is a one…which is a blessing and a curse. She is extremely capable of becoming a very independent young woman, but she needs help to get there. With a LON of one, she doesn’t qualify for very many hours of support. She currently is getting a total of 24 hours of community/residential/in home support and 5 hours of job support, each week….and we have had to fight for them all. Some of her hours are self-hired, which is where Cameron comes in, the rest are agency supported, currently by MARC. When I was working for the school system and getting out of work at 2:00 every day, weekends off, summers off, etc. it was easy for me to provide Chelsea with what she needed. Now that she is a young adult, and I work as a memory Care program manager at an assisted living community, my availability is limited…so help is needed. We are thankful for the hours of support Chelsea does have, but just wish that the Commissioner and all who had a part in determining how much funding is allowed, would look at the system again, ask parents for their input, and maybe make some changes.

My Mom

Daily writing prompt

Who are you most inspired by?

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Simple….my mom

She is my biggest supporter and advocate. She has helped me be strong advocate for myself. She has taught me to stand up for myself. She teaches me not to make excuses. She tells me I can do anything I want to do if I put my mind to it. She encourages me to face my fears and overcome them. She has taught me that having Down syndrome is not a bad thing! I am very blessed!

I love my mom.

“A Quarter of a Century Old”!

Today is my 25th birthday! Everyone keeps telling me I am a Quarter of a century Old…and I didn’t know what that meant! Now I do! It’s like one quarter in a $1.00.

I had to work on my birthday, but everyone sang Happy Birthday to me after Bingo. It made me really happy! I love my job.

I had to go for my physical this morning..on my birthday! but then went grocery shopping with my sister. After work, I went to a DDS picnic in the park. They had cupcakes for me there! My family is going to celebrate my birthday of Friday. I think maybe at Red Lobster.

When my grandparents were here, I went shopping with my Nana, my Auntie Dawn, Courtney, and my mom. I went shopping for some new clothes to take to camp in July when I go to PALS . I am very excited about going. I LOVE Boston!

Here’s a snapshot of my first 25 years!!

Born on Father’s Day 2001. I was born 5 weeks early, weighed 5lbs!

21st birthday at Stafford Motor Speedway…I love Twisted Tea!

A NOTE FROM MOM

There has been a lot of talk in social media lately about the value of a child who has Down syndrome. I think it is pretty clear from the collection of photos above, that Chelsea’s life has value. She is not a mistake.She is not a glitch. She is a beautiful, precious gift from God. I have been asked to write a book about the way she engages with the residents of the senior assisted living community where we both work…with her whole heart and a compassion that is genuine…not something I can teach. It was the way she was born. The way God made her. Her life has value…it has touched so many people in ways I can’t even begin to put in writing. She is not a glitch. She is just the way she was meant to be…Down right perfect.

“Don’t Stop Believing”

Daily writing prompt

What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?

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I love a lot of music, especially music from the 80s! I really love the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. I love when my favorite local band, Backstage Pass, sings it. I have sung with them on stage before, and I sang it at work one night for Friends and Family night, with my friend Jennifer. I will Never stop Believing in ME!!

Just a short note:

Tomorrow I have a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner for DDS to talk about how I feel about remote supports, and to see if I can get some more hours of support to help me get ready to move into my apartment in the spring. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I have so much to offer if I can just get the help I need. My mom and my sister are great, and help me a lot…but to be more independent, I need to learn how to do things without them all the time. I am so excited about moving into my own apartment, but I want to be ready!!

This photo was taken at the ground breaking ceremony for the new apartments! I was asked to speak about what it means to me to have the chance to live in a supported apartment, so I got to wear a hard hat and hold the shovel afterwards!