October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. and has been since the 1980s. We want to share an inspiring example of someone leading the way in awareness and change around this issue.
Kayla McKeon is an awesome example of someone raising awareness and making a difference. She’s the first registered lobbyist in Washington with Down Syndrome, and she’s advocating for legislation to help individuals with disabilities lead independent and thriving lives.
She’s worked with the National Down Syndrome Society since 2016 and is now proud to represent them in DC, as well as working with them on her podcast Kayla’s Korner.
Two of her notable accomplishments as a lobbyist include helping pass the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act, both of which help qualified individuals with disabilities work and build savings while still receiving state benefits
In addition to advocating in Washington, Kayla has also competed in the Special Olympics, even winning silver and bronze in Athens Greece for playing bocce!
We are proud of Kayla’s example and can’t wait to see the impact she continues to make!
(Cover photo created on Canva.)