Celebrities appear in new Down syndrome PSA in movie theaters

A news release from the National Down Syndrome Society Sept. 25. You can see the new PSA here.

New York -- Co-Anchor Meredith Vieira, Actor John C. McGinley, Baseball Star Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, Access Hollywood Co-Host Nancy O'Dell, Self-Advocate and former Actor from the past TV series Life Goes On Chris Burke, as well as other self-advocates will participate in a public service announcement, highlighting October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

From September 26th- October 9th, Regal Entertainment Group will air the PSA in 6,700 screens across the country. The celebrities will speak about the abilities and achievements of all individuals with Down syndrome, in an effort to raise awareness for Down syndrome and the National Down Syndrome Society's National Buddy Walk program. For a list of Regal Entertainment Group theater locations visit: http://www.regmovies.com

"I am honored to lend my voice to this important PSA as both a journalist and a mom. Having lived with challenges in my own family, I have learned that the greatest disability of all is misunderstanding and ignorance," said Today Co-Anchor Meredith Vieira.

"The McGinley Family is thrilled to participate in this initiative with the National Down Syndrome Society! We are proud of every frame and delighted with the message it communicates: inclusion! Our hope is that public awareness announcements like this one will help to empower people with special needs and elevate the awareness of others who might treat and regard people with special needs with respect and dignity," said Actor John C. McGinley.

There are more than 400,000 people in the United States who have Down syndrome, which is a genetic condition caused by a third copy of chromosome 21. The average life expectancy of an individual with Down syndrome has increased from 26 in 1983 to 60 today, partly due to recent medical advances. Every year more individuals with Down syndrome are going to college, working in various professions, living independently, getting married, and contributing back to society in many productive ways.

"For almost 30 years, the National Down Syndrome Society has worked to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy", said Jon Colman, President of NDSS. "We are extremely grateful to the Regal Entertainment Group for their generous donation of air time, and we feel honored to have worked with such amazing and special talent".