Being different makes us the same. This week, for the observance of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)-commemorated each year on 21st March around the globe and including St. Kitts and Nevis, the individuals born with such a genetic disorder were celebrated in bringing ongoing awareness.
As gleaned from www. worlddownsyndromeday. org: WDSD, 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. It is further stated that the date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
It is important to note that it is observances such as these which teach or in some cases remind us that as human beings we must learn to love and respect each other and celebrate the differences in diversity of the human race. Statistics say that around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with the condition.
We have long heard the phrase that nobody is perfect, and while it is easy for bullies and others alike to pick at the physical differences of some individuals, it clearly shows treating others poorly reflects a flaw that needs to be corrected with empathy and respect. Further, it is unfortunately stated that “All around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly.” LiAreas of concern are: They are denied a quality education, They are denied good health care, They are denied the chance to work and earn their own money, They are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives and Their voices are not heard!
Hence, it is in this context why WDSD is such a big deal observance in bringing about awareness. In relation to this year’s theme the WDSD global network is calling for all supporters to be ‘With Us Not For Us’. As pointed out, “the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for everyone to have the freedom to make their own choices.
But people with Down syndrome often have poor or controlling support. Often their supporters do things For them, not With them.” Truth be told, if all of us looked and intellectually functioned exactly the samewhatever image pops up in your head then go with thatthen there would be no need really to talk about having tolerance, inclusion and respect towards others.
But the reality is that we need to live in a world where freedom and independence to go about our daily lives is treasured by many, including individuals with Down syndrome who aim to strive for excellence. Speaking of which, most recently history was made at the Oscars in Hollywood recently when 31-year-old James Martin, an actor with Down syndrome got an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for his starring role in the ‘An Irish Goodbye’; a movie which spotlights a man with the genetic disorder who reunites with his estranged brother after their mother’s death.
That gift he received on his birthday (12th March)!And of course the audience sang the ‘Happy Birthday’ song. Martin’s childhood story though is one which saw him beating the odds since doctors told his parents he might never speak, but look at him now in an ‘A-lister’ spotlight.
Talk about inclusion and respect all in one for the world to see days leading up to WDSD!
