Who has the responsibility to care for and integrate people with Down Syndrome into society?
EVERYBODY!!!
When it comes to the management and integration of people with disability into society, there’s no blame game! Like we say in Nigeria, ‘no sidon look’.
You know what? Caring for our loved ones who are different from us requires 5 key ingredients – love, patience, knowledge, a willing mind, and above all, God.
“Everyone has the responsibility to care for and integrate people with Down Syndrome”.
Biby Yinkere, Convener, The Engraced Ones.
Interestingly, money is not the key requirement for caring for engraced people. Unfortunately, some people think ‘it’s easier for Mrs ‘A’ to care for her child than me because she has money’. The Bible talks about situations where money fails, and this is one of them. Yes, money makes it easier, but if you lack the requirements listed above, you can’t do much for people with disability.
At this point, I’ll speak about God and disability. I give God full credit for the development and care of every living being. Don’t be deceived. I’ve heard people say, ‘when it comes to disability, leave God out of it’. We need’s God help to build courage and a heart to care and survive in spite of limitations.
Primarily, however, the undelisted have the responsibility to give people with disability room to thrive in society;
FACT: Down syndrome and Autism are different conditions. DS is a common chromosomal disorder that is often noticeable in the physical appearance of a person.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on the other hand, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech.
NB: It is possible for both conditions to co-exist in an individual. Co-mobidity means that one individual can exhibit traits of several conditions even though one is likely to be prevalent. Research shows that there is an increase in the possibility of people with DS also having autism. This, however, doesn’t make them the same.
STEREOTYPE: People living with Down syndrome can not get married.
FACT: People with DS are capable of having romantic relationships and are in successful marriages.
At the moment, there are records of DS – DS marriages as well as persons with DS getting hooked to neurotypical partners.
While we are taking a position on this, it is important to note that as with every condition, severity is a determinant of the quality of life the individual lives.
STEREOTYPE: People with Down syndrome can not drive cars.
FACT: People with DS can pass driver’s license tests, own cars, and drive independently!
Often times, people with Down syndrome are denied opportunity to try new things because of negative perceptions and impossibility/fixed mindsets of those around them.
We celebrate parents and caregivers who gave them the opportunity to try. However, this is not to say a person’s worth is determined by this accomplishment.
National Down syndrome Society recorded Jay Nothagle as a person who passed the driver’s license test at 21. He owns his own truck and drives to work! He took longer to prepare for the test, though, yet he pulled through.
William Loughane, a special olympic gold medalist, received his Driver’s license in Ireland at the age of 26. William drives his Toyota Yaris to commute to his job.
John Marrs started his driver’s training classes at 15 and received his drivers permit, which allowed him to drive with an adult. At 18, he passed his driving tests and became a licensed driver!
Another example is Meredith Martin, a 24-year-old woman with Down syndrome who has her own apartment and has three jobs. She works at a local hospital, a grocery store, and an assisted living facility! Meredith has her driver’s license! She’s also active in her church and in several activities in her community.
NB This post was copied from an interesting research made by Rick Smith, Father to Noah, a young child with Down syndrome. Also note the key roles parents played in helping these amazing people break limits and attain milestones. I had seen the documentary of a young Nigerian with DS who earns a living driving.
Post credit:
Rick Smith. _Meet 7 People With Down Syndrome Who Have Gotten Their Driver’s License!_ October 23, 2013.
Family members
Religious places of worship
