# Inclusive Down Syndrome Walks RMDSA's Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is a Thoughtful Event By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-07-26 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/down-syndrome-walk References: [einpresswire](https://www.einpresswire.com/article/833819152/rmdsa-s-step-up-walk-makes-history-with-first-ever-down-syndrome-walk-emceed-by-adults-with-down-syndrome)  RMDSA's Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk represents a groundbreaking shift in [disability advocacy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/td-destraction-zone) by featuring two adults with Down syndrome as the event's official emcees — a first for such walks in the United States. Connor Long and Megan Bomgaars, both accomplished public figures within the disability community, will lead the proceedings. This marks a significant departure from traditional formats where individuals with disabilities are often the focus of events rather than active facilitators. The Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is a family-friendly event with a [fundraising mission](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steps-against-cancer) for lifelong support programs. The decision to onboard Connor Long and Megan Bomgaas underscores RMDSA's commitment to [authentic inclusion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitty-beaus-coffee) that moves beyond symbolic gestures to empower individuals with Down syndrome as visible leaders in spaces designed to celebrate their community. Image Credit: RMDSA ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 45% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Empowered Disability Emcees:** Events featuring individuals with disabilities as emcees reflect a transformative approach in advocacy, creating new avenues for leadership visibility. - **Authentic Inclusion Practices:** Incorporating individuals with disabilities into leadership roles at events fosters genuine inclusion, challenging symbolic participation norms. - **Community-centric Fundraising:** Engaging community members directly in fundraising events enhances mission alignment and amplifies the voices of those the funds aim to support. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Event Planning:** Reimagining event roles to include individuals with disabilities as leaders introduces innovative inclusivity into event management practices. - **Disability Advocacy:** The evolution of advocacy events to highlight active participation rather than passive involvement creates a new paradigm in activism methodologies. - **Non-profit Fundraising:** Shifting the focus of fundraising events to empower beneficiaries as program leaders paves the way for transformative impact strategies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Down Syndrome Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerful-national-awareness-campaign.md) - [Empowering Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-decision-without-us.md) - [Inclusive Marathon Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runner-321.md) - [Sibling Caregiver Campagins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/care-instructions.md) - [Down Syndrome Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/down-syndrome-awareness-campaign.md) - [Charitable Fitness Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gigis-playhouse.md) - [Inclusive Driving Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inclusive-driving-campaign.md) - [Collaborative Dad-Honoring Walks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-stroll.md) - [Inclusive Job Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inployable.md)