Press release

Grand Haven Resident to be Bright Light in Times SquareNational Down Syndrome Awareness Video Features Gabriel Purdy

NEW YORK, NY — Gabriel Purdy of Grand Haven, MI, will appear in lights on Broadway on Saturday, September 25, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s video production to demonstrate that people with Down syndrome can be successfully included in community activities, education and employment.

The photo of Gabriel, who has Down syndrome, was selected from over 1,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Approximately 225 photographs will appear in a video production to be shown on the larger-than-life MTV plasma screen, located in the heart of Times Square.

Gabriel is pictured playing in his favorite “Don’t DIS my ABILITY” shirt.

The video presentation, produced by NDSS, illustrates children, teens and adults with Down syndrome working, playing and learning with friends and family.

The Times Square video production kicks off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which includes the 2010 Buddy Walk®. This year, walks will be held in more than 275 cities across the country, as well as many international walks. For information about National Down Syndrome Awareness Month or the NDSS Buddy Walk®, visit www.ndss.org or call 800-221-4602.

About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with more than 350 affiliates nationwide representing the 400,000 Americans who have Down syndrome. The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.