This day has been officially observed by the United Nations, since 2013.
I've been lucky enough to get to know some people with down syndrome.
...Some clever, funny, talented, beautiful people... People with down syndrome.
This is for them: Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
What is Down Syndrome? **Information from the Down Syndrome Australia webpage. Read more here. Our bodies have millions of cells, and each cell has 46 chromosomes. Down syndrome is caused when there is an extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. They have an extra chromosome 21, which is why Down syndrome is also sometimes known as trisomy 21. | Matty B's sister has down syndrome. She features in the song's video clip. |
It's something you are born with, and it doesn't go away.
There are people, all over the world, living with down syndrome.
It's not new. People throughout history have had down syndrome.
Worldwide, one in 700-900 babies are born with down syndrome, each year.
In Australia, the statistics are not definite, as there is no register for people with down syndrome, but it seems there are at least 270 people born with down syndrome, each year, in Australia.
So, what does 'having down syndrome' mean?
People who are born with down syndrome can be recognised and noticed, because of some characteristic physical features. They also face some health and development challenges, and they have some level of intellectual disability.
Every person with down syndrome is an individual, and their life with down syndrome will be affected in different ways.
Some people, living with down syndrome, will need a lot of help and support, and others will need very little support.
Most people living with down syndrome have had, or will need, some speech therapy. There are usually associated difficulties with speaking clearly.
Because people with down syndrome often have speech problems, people can under-estimate their abilities. That's frustrating for them!
We just need to slow down, and take the time to listen.
Sometimes, a person with down syndrome will also have a hearing impairment.
Just like with cerebral palsy, once, people with down syndrome were hidden away, and not given the support and opportunities they deserved.
Now, people with down syndrome are living in our communities, going to school and holding jobs. Sometimes, extra support is needed, but people with down syndrome are now much more welcomed and celebrated. And, that's a great thing!
This inclusion has perhaps been a major influence in the improvement in life expectancy, for people with down syndrome. In the 1950's, people with down syndrome had a life expectancy of just 15 years!
Now, most people with down syndrome can enjoy a happy, long life.
Sometimes, people look at someone with down syndrome, and think they are always happy. That's not always true. They can be annoyed and frustrated and scared and hurt. They can feel confused and anxious, too.
And, people with down syndrome can be affectionate and happy.
People with down syndrome can be great friends, too.
In the Illawarra, you can go to the 2015 Music Makers concert, on May 22nd. You will see some performers, with down syndrome, rocking the stage. You will smile at their enthusiasm, and cheer at their dramatic skills. The Music Makers perform all across the Illawarra, helping many charitable functions. Their 2015 concert will see them, again, raising money for the Disability Trust. Message us, if you would like to donate auction items for the fundraising concert, or if you would like tickets. Read more here. |
I performed the 'Friends' dance. My beautiful partner, in that dance, has down syndrome. I have a little crush on her. xx
Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
We're so lucky to have met our beautiful friends with down syndrome.
#worlddownsyndromeday #raisingawareness #musicmakers #nolimits
Leave your Disability at the Door
Meet the Music Makers
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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