Remember your audience

[Chris too]

I think that one of the most important parts of posting guidelines is the "remember your audience" part. But it is just a little blip in the guidelines. So I'd like to expand on it, and, since I'm quite new here, I'd like some help. Here's what I'm thinking:


The Unomas audience includes:

• people affected by Down syndrome - primarily parents, but also grandparents, siblings, and self, in addition to the possibility of other care-givers in any capacity. We need to remember that we all have the same basic goal, and I think that the mission statement of the NADS states that goal best: "... to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential in all aspects of community life."
  
• both men and women - so this isn't a hen party; being respectful should extend to our comments about as well as to the opposite sex (whether male or female).
  
• people of any, and maybe every, political, religious, ethnic, and cultural background. So the respect issue applies here too, but also remember when reading a post, we need to keep this in mind. Remember to consider where the poster is coming from before you decide what he meant in that post (I've run afoul of this one personally).
  

Ok, so now, please add to, tweak, and even criticize this expansion. When it's done, I will put the whole guidelines thing together and request it be pinned to the "Using this Board..." forum.

Thanks.

[wrblack]

Very good. I wholeheartedly concur.
And as to "people affected by Down syndrome - primarily parents, but also grandparents, siblings, and self, in addition to the possibility of other care-givers in any capacity."
Yes, I would like to think that Uno Mas is a place that would welcome anybody who cares about or cares for someone with Down syndrome.
Snip from a PM of mine, "But I wish we had some doctors, SLP's, PT's, OT's, sp ed teachers, grandmothers, friends, neighbors, traffic cops, all as active participants in Uno Mas. Hmm, maybe even geneticists and genetic counselors. Am very glad we've got Debbie. Wish that what'shisname, Superstar, would post more, and bring some of his friends. Wish MB would get her son on here. But, yeah, I hope Jeff hangs around, could behave a bit better but hope he's still welcome here. Anybody and everybody who cares about Down syndrome. I think Uno Mas should be mainly about Down syndrome, mainly about the kids, maybe a bit less about the parents, but could also be about professionals working on or with Ds.
But I could be wrong. I've been wrong once or twice in my life.
Regards,
Bob"
Oh, but that was last month.
And I think Uno Mas should be, and is, particularly welcoming to new parents--new blood, fresh meat. And along with considering the audience, could also consider the poster. Should cut a little slack for newbies and infrequent posters.
JMHO,
Bob

[char]

I came here as a grandmother of a beautiful little girl with DS, and I was so sensitive and afraid I'd say the wrong thing that the first thing I did is take something totally out of context and become offended. Jackie helped me work through that little ego trip, and I've come to love this place.

I've found that this is the one place where I can come to enjoy getting to know the parents and children better, and to share what my Abby is doing as she reaches each milestone.

I love this place and care about everyone who posts here.

Char

[CC]

"in addition to the possibility of other care-givers in any capacity"

Hmm I would hope that would be considered here Hmmm

CC ~

[Debbie]

Thanks Bob. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Sometimes I feel a little like the loner here being the only adult who has Down syndrome who contributes. I can't imagine being a parent and what you all must go through to make sure your child gets and deserves their opportunites in being "included" in school, activities and communities. I admire all of you. You are all my hero's! ;D

[Jodi]

Right back at you Debbie - you are quite an inspiration to me!

I'm sorry that you have ever felt like a loner. From where I stand (er, sit), you are an important part of this community. I know we live different lives and I too wish there were more people from different backgrounds on this board, but as far as I am concerned you will ALWAYS be welcomed here.

From one hero to another...

Jodi

[Chris too]

Debbie,
Whenever you post, I think "Oh good" because I love to read your viewpoint. I know that you are different because you aren't the mom of someone with Ds, but then neither is Bob. I love the differences - this place would be boring if we were all the same.