by Everyone’s journey with Down syndrome is different and is impacted by a lot of different factors.
Some will have heart problems or hypothyroidism, some will not.
Some will be outgoing, others are shy.
Some will have different genetic markers, like brushfield spots, others may not.
Some will be born in cultures where Down syndrome is not accepted at all, others will be born in cultures where it’s embraced, and many others will be somewhere in between.
Some will be raised in institutions or places for adoption, while others will remain with their parents or ultimately live independently.
Some will go to college and/or work for a living, others may not.
Cities, states and countries have laws that impact the civil rights that persons with Down syndrome are afforded.
Opportunities and resources for persons with Down syndrome vary greatly across the globe and even across each state. This greatly impacts their education, social relations, and skills among other things.
Differences in school policies can change what type of education someone will receive – they may be educated in the same classroom (inclusion) or removed to learn in a separate special education location. In some places, persons with Down syndrome aren’t able to attend school at all.
I think you get the point.
People with Down syndrome are unique, just like people without it are unique. But that doesn’t mean we stop sharing and fighting for more.
We advocate and educate with the goal of increasing acceptance and providing more opportunities and civil rights for not just AJ, but for others who rock that extra chromosome as well. We believe that all people with Down syndrome are amazing, and that they deserve to have the support needed to allow them the opportunity to shine.
