Down Syndrome Advocacy Groups Celebrate the Release of 'Life Goes On: The Complete First Season' on DVD

Down Syndrome Advocacy Groups Celebrate the Release of 'Life Goes On: The Complete First Season' on DVD

NEW YORK, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) are pleased to support the release of "Life Goes On: The Complete First Season" on DVD. This groundbreaking family drama starred Chris Burke as Corky, a young adult with Down syndrome who strives to fit in at the mainstream high school he attends with sister Becca (Kellie Martin). "Life Goes On" was the first and only network series to feature an actor with Down syndrome in a starring role, serving as an inspiration for the 350,000 Americans with Down syndrome and their families.

"'Life Goes On' had a profound impact on the level of public awareness of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities," said National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Acting Director Jon Colman. David Tolleson, Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) agrees. "The character of Corky served as a role model for a generation of teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities," Tolleson said, adding, "we are so pleased that future generations will be able to enjoy and learn from the series on DVD."

Gail Williamson, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, organized the more than 1,000 parents, siblings, professionals and individuals with Down syndrome who wrote letters and made requests to Warner Home Video for the show's release on DVD. "'Life Goes On' was more than just an ordinary TV show in our house," said Williamson. "My son with Down syndrome aspired to be like Corky, and his brother learned from Becca's character that it was okay to love his brother fiercely, but also feel frustrated and annoyed at times."

"I'm proud to have played a character that was so inspirational," said Chris Burke, star of "Life Goes On," NDSS Goodwill Ambassador and regular musical guest at the annual NDSC National Convention. "Corky showed the world that a person's ability is more important than their disability."

The DVD will be available from Warner Home Video starting May 9, 2006 for $39.98 SRP. The DVD includes all 22 episodes and never-before-seen special features including a gag reel and commentary on the pilot episode with Chris Burke and the series creator Michael Braverman. NDSS and NDSC encourage advocacy groups, individuals with Down syndrome, their families, or anyone who enjoyed the series to pre-order their copy of "Life Goes On: The Complete First Season" today.

About NDSS:

The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with more than 200 affiliates nationwide representing the more than 350,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to supporting and enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. We demonstrate this commitment through our education, research and advocacy initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. To learn more about NDSS, visit http://www.ndss.org/ .

About NDSC:

The National Down Syndrome Congress is America's oldest national organization of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends and the professionals who work with them. With parent group affiliates nationwide, the NDSC is committed to representing the over 350,000 Americans with Down syndrome in Washington and beyond. The National Down Syndrome Congress is committed to making a difference one family at a time. For additional information, visit http://www.ndsccenter.org/ .

Source: National Down Syndrome Society; National Down Syndrome Congress

CONTACT: Theresa Renaldi of the National Down Syndrome Society,
+1-773-989-3286, communications@ndss.org

Web site: http://www.ndss.org/
http://www.ndsccenter.org/

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