Richard Dawkins ill-advised comments of late have perpetuated the stereotypes, stigma and taboos attached to disability and Down Syndrome in particular. The negative effect this has on parents with newly diagnosed children is immense, and it is unfortunate that one persons fame and privilege can make their comment go viral, yet the thousands of people with Down Syndrome who are just out there, happy, contributing to their communities, marrying, working, communicating, being valued, are stories that remain hidden. Challenge the stigma and share one of the many POSITIVE stories out there. Consider these; The lady, who happens to have Down Syndrome, who recently got an Undergraduate degree in the states: m.clickondetroit/family/local-woman-with-down-syndrome-graduates/27589236 Or the Parish Councillor, with Down Syndrome m.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28196677 I for one have met people with down syndrome in full time employment, many as professional dancers who tour internationally. I know people with Down Syndrome who have married and live independently with minimal support. Equally independence is not the only value in life. Many people with disabilities offer love and a sense of perspective to their communities, they teach and remind others of many crucial life lessons. I, Amelia as a worker at Alafia Family Support team am committed to fighting the stigma associated with disability and am determined to reassure those parents faced with a diagnosis who face misinformation and discrimination. See the person behind the diagnosis. Be part of the solution and share a positive story today.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 18:30:59 +0000
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