Columnist McKenna Kvidera, right, pictured with her family including daughter Addison, second from right. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! October is a time to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and all they bring to our world. It is also a reminder of the importance of inclusion and the beauty of embracing differences. Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions, affecting one in every 700 births in the United States. With that, many people have known someone with Down Syndrome in their life and how lucky they are! Each person with Down Syndrome adds something special to their families, schools and communities.

Living in rural Iowa, maybe you haven’t yet had that pleasure. It’s my hope that one day you’ll meet an individual with Down Syndrome, maybe even my daughter, so you can experience the joy, love, empathy, resilience, and wisdom that person brings to the world.

My daughter, Addison, is three and has Down Syndrome. If you’ve met her, you’ve probably gotten a wave, a high five, a hug or all three! She loves Ms. Rachel, her cats, books, music, playing outside, swimming, and so many other things your child likely enjoys too.

While kids her age and even older may not understand that Addie has Down Syndrome, it’s been beautiful to see how naturally they include her. Recently, we were at an event with a bounce house that had a slide. While Addie can run with the best of them, climbing a slippery ladder to the slide can be tricky for her. A few older friends kindly helped push Addie up the ladder so she, too, could experience the joy of the slide. She smiled ear to ear and quickly signed “again!” I watched with tears in my eyes, thankful for those sweet kids who just acted, not thinking twice about helping Addie to the top. We are incredibly grateful for our community supporting Addie and our family!

Sometimes, adults can learn from our kids. I’ve seen countless moments where children lend a hand to Addie, helping her up the stairs or reminding her to stay seated at the table. Inclusion can be simple, and for kids, it often comes naturally.

This October, I invite you to celebrate more than just Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I invite you to celebrate all individuals with disabilities. I encourage you to have open conversations with your kids. Disabilities should be discussed just like anything else. Questions are normal! It is my hope we raise this next generation to be inclusive. In small, rural communities, your child may not be around others with disabilities, but parents can still model inclusion. Read books together or use shows like Daniel Tiger and Bluey, which feature characters with different disabilities. For example, your child may ask why Chrissie has braces on Daniel Tiger. You can simply explain that the braces help her walk. Educating our children on disabilities will show them disabilities are not scary and each child deserves to be included!

Together, we can build a community where every person, no matter their abilities, is seen, valued and celebrated.

McKenna Kvidera lives in rural Traer with her husband and two children. She proudly describes herself as an “extra lucky” mom, as her daughter was born with Down Syndrome. She is a veterinarian in Cedar Falls and serves on the board of the Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association (HADSA).