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Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day

Students at East Stroudsburg University participated in an awareness walk and resource fair.

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — With signs in hand, a group of students took to the sidewalks of East Stroudsburg University with a simple message for World Down Syndrome Day. 

"We're good just the way we are," said Michael Dokachev of East Stroudsburg. 

Julia Traiger is a sophomore studying early childhood education, one of more than 20 students enrolled in the university's Career, Independent Living, and Learning Studies Program. 

"It's been really great like getting used to the university and being part of this whole school is the best feeling of my life really," said Julia Traiger. 

To celebrate the day, the education department organized a walk and a resource fair. Organizers say the campus makes sure each of its students feels like they are part of this community, no matter their abilities. 

"We are really looking for advocacy as well as inclusion, so we are hoping that people will recognize that it's important to understand that everybody has some differences, but we need to work with and include and be part of everyone's lives," said Michelle Labadie, co-advisor of the Council for Exceptional Children. 

"It's just the way the world is supposed to be. We include people because of the person first, then we look at other attributes and characteristics and determine what their needs are," said Dr. Gina Scala, Department Chair for special education at ESU. 

The students say the campus has brought them many new friends who advocate for themselves and other people with Down syndrome. 

"I want everyone to understand that anyone can do anything. Disability or not, it doesn't really define you," said Traiger. 

This marks the second year East Stroudsburg University has held a special event for World Down Syndrome Day. 

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