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As December 3rd 2007 is International Day for Poeple with a Disability I would like to say thanks to all the people (friends, family, Lifestart) who have allowed Kayla to be who she is and not judge us. I always loved the saying 'Don't DIS My ABILITY' used as a campaign by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) and here is why.
Most people with a disability including Down Syndrome have to put up with stigmas and often lowered expectations. Things are getting better - swings for wheelchairs at some parks; buses with ramps; nippers, sailing and surfing programs for the disabled; associations meeting needs and allowing places for voices to be heard and a place in regular schools and workplaces. I encourage you to notice differences and individuality and don't make generalised comments about your perceptions of people who are not like you. Here is a generalisation I wish I could change. Down Syndrome (DS) was named after a man named Langdon Down first described similar traits in children in 1886. It is called a syndrome as there are similar characteristics in people with an extra chromosome 21, but mainly people with DS will take after their parents and have attitudes of their own shaped by the people and community around them. If only his name was something more positive perhaps the stigma surrounding Down Syndrome wouldn't be so bad! The DS association has a club for young adults called the "Up Club" and I love the positive energy that envokes. Everyone I know who has a DS child is from a loving family, with support from friends and family and the overall community around them. Nobody asked for or expected it to happen to them and asking why didn't you have testing done in your pregnancy is like saying the wonderful people I know affected by DS shouldn't be here. Perhaps when someone with Down Syndrome comes up to you or you pass them in the street don't presume they can't understand you and can't communicate, just have a normal chat. I want Kayla and our family to be spokespeople to everyone we meet - that people with a disability can lead full lives, go to normal schools, work alongside you and be your friend. Don't judge people and try to embrace the differences we all have that make us unique and you can help make this world a better place. |
