MOSAIC MOMENTS

I received a message yesterday about a program on Down syndrome that will be on American television tonight. So, I wanted to pass this information on to you all. If you get the chance to watch the program, please come back and leave a comment on your thoughts about the show.

The National Association for Down Syndrome has been actively involved with Affiliates in Action for the past 2 years and I wanted to share a message we have received from Amy Allison, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City about a story to air on CBS Evening News on Wednesday, September 3rd.  Our thanks to Amy for all her hard work on this program:

A producer with CBS Evening News began discussions in February 2008 with leaders in the Down syndrome community regarding a story on prenatal testing and Down syndrome. We are pleased to inform you that this story will air on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. At this time, we
do not know the exact times for each region, nor if the story will air during the early evening or late evening news. Please check with your local CBS affiliate and/or plan for both news times. CBS spent a significant amount of time researching this story to provide viewers accurate insights into the experiences of couples receiving a prenatal diagnosis. CBS focused on several aspects
for the piece including:

Interviewing two prenatally diagnosed couples who live in Omaha and New Jersey

Filming two new parent group meetings attended by the couples in their respected cities

Filming a visit with one of the couples at their OB/GYN appointment

Filming a Changing Lives presentation at a hospital in Kansas City

Interviewing a 16-year-old self-advocate who sat on the panel at the Changing Lives presentation

Interviewing Amy Allison, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, with regard to how parents find local and national groups and supports that are available prenatally

Interviewing Senators Kennedy & Brownback with regard to the Prenatally Diagnosed Awareness Act

Interviewing Dr. Driscoll with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with regard to the ACOG recommendations

CBS filmed approximately ten hours of interviews which will be pared down to a 3 to 4 minute story during the newscast. We have not previewed the piece, but believe it will be an informative story which will bring much needed attention to the Down syndrome community and the experiences couples encounter upon receiving a prenatal diagnosis. This is particularly timely given the recent nomination of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a Vice-Presidential candidate who received a prenatal diagnosis before the birth of her son with Down syndrome.

You can send a note of thanks to CBS via:

Matt Lombardi c/o CBS News
TRAFFIC
524 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019

Leslie Moonves
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019