Proclamation to Celebrate WDSD and the Arts!
If anyone knows Finley, he is a book lover through and through. He has many favorite books, but one of his favorite children’s authors is Mo Willems and his Elephant and Piggie stories. Mo Willems’ books are fun and humorous, with lots of opportunities for both the child and storyteller to be silly and entertaining, fully engaging the reader with delightful stories.
We had not yet read The Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed until just last week. And now it is a Finley favorite! The story has a beautiful message celebrating individuality, and that being different is a wonderful and unique quality.
The main character, Wilbur, is a lovable mole rat who fully embraces being different as a clothes-loving, fashion-forward rodent, cultivating his own independence. Wilbur showcases true resiliency in the face of pressure to be like everyone else and stands up for himself, trusting his own judgment. In the words of Wilbur himself, ‘Why Not?’ Wilbur embraces what we embrace in the Down Syndrome community, that being different and being proud of who you are really matters and is truly exceptional!
Books and theater performances are a wonderful way to creatively and artistically express yourself and provide us with community, pride, and a family in which to belong. The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta partners with many wonderful organizations, such as the Alliance Theater’s new Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families, offering tickets for Down syndrome families to attend a live performance of the Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed on
Sunday, March 22 nd, from 1-3 pm (1-2 pm Arts Camp; Crafts; alongside a mini acting workshop & 3-4 pm live performance). During the summer, DSAA also offers memorable and transformative experiences for our teens and young adults to participate in the arts and develop friendships and independence with a week-long sleep-away camp, Camp Brightside at Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way, and a Musical Theatre Camp with Stage Door Theatre.
Alliance Theater’s Live Rock Concert adaptation of the Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is a hilarious, fun, and exciting musical that will rock your socks off! Hope you will join us in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 3/21 events and gatherings for the remainder of this week and throughout the weekend to embrace uniqueness by rocking and wearing your mismatched socks!
-Blog Written by Finley’s Mom Miranda V.