The Up Syndrome

Hi, my name is Teal! I have a younger brother, Brian, who has Down’s Syndrome. Down is not a word I associate with my brother; he brightens up any space he enters. Brian(Bj) is one of the best human beings I know and one of my greatest teachers.

I created The Up Syndrome in response to BJ’s request to make new friends and go to school. The mission is

1. Activate & develop well, whole, and informed communities with and around individuals with disabilities; refill the cup of those who support them

2. Share resources

3. Destigmatize “special needs”

We will develop our community by increasing our tools for wellness, sharing our experiences and resources, and increasing awareness through a cultural lens.

It is important to acknowledge and address the impact that race and economic status has on accessibility of resources and lack of capacity in our communities. Being black with limited resources and disabled presents it’s own particular set of challenges. We will increase our supporting capacity by acknowledging our personal and collective power, increasing awareness, and transforming the way we view “special needs.”

The Up Syndrome is a monthly event that takes place in gardens around the city of Memphis as the garden represents healing, abundance, restoration, and transformation.

Part 1 of our November 2024 meet-up will take place at SANA Yoga(Downtown). Part 2 will be just a couple doors down at Rock'N Dough. This month's special guests are The Spirit Doula, who will guide us in gentle and accessible movement and Drew 20/20 who will lead a refective sip and paint.

Please come prepared to purchase what you would like from Rock'N Dough. Take a look at their menu.
https://www.rockndoughpizza.com/

This event is…

- a safe space

- disability inclusive

- communal

- culturally informative

You can expect…

- light fitness and/or meditation outside in the garden (bring your yoga mat, if not one will be provided, please note that it may be warm outside. Bring what you and your buddy need to be comfortable)

- education(let us be informed on how to best care for ourselves and each other)

- community conversation(let’s share our experiences)

- community building activity offering

- refreshments ( bring personal cup for water, we want to cut down on use of plastic)

- the buddy system (we invite our disabled community to show up with their best supportive buddies and plan to stay through the duration of the event to participate and provide assistance when needed to your buddy and the buddies around you =)

This event is donation only. The recommended donation minimum is $10 per attendee. Feel free to give what you can.

See you and your buddy in the garden!

Host or Publisher Teal Wright