Shown above are my two cousins Allister (left) and Addison (right) on their way to a RESPECT conference.
Since a very young age I have been exposed to the idea of respecting everyone and anyone no matter their race, religion, sexuality, or in this case number of chromosomes. What I mean by this is that people with down syndrome actually have an extra 21 chromosome, which makes them the way they are. And I'm happy to say that I'm blessed with not only one but two amazing people in my family that live with this syndrome.
By no other means but coincidence two people on my mother's side live with down-syndrome. One is my mother's brother (Uncle Jay) and the other is my cousin Amy's daughter Addison. So you can say I can relate really well to the whole concept of respecting everyone.
While reading the document "Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome" by Kliewer I realized that all I could make was connections. For example on the very first page it mentioned the negative stereotypes given to people living with down syndrome. The idea that just because they are different and take a little while to understand certain things they are stupid. And personally that couldn't be anywhere farther from the truth. For instance ever since was little I have been going to my grand parents house every Saturday and given that my uncle lives with them I see him quite often. And every time I see him he never fails to impress me with his intense knowledge of every fact about the Muppets, and his ability to sing every song from every Disney Channel original Movie. And if you were a Disney fan you would know just how many movies there were. And even with my cousin Addison, at just 13 years old her reading ability is amazing and to be honest probably exceeds mine.
And even when it comes to education I have witnessed first hand the grouping and set schedules children with down syndrome are forced to face. For instance since elementary school I have been in class with a young boy named Matthew. And even though Matt is ranked higher in intelligence than many children who have down syndrome, I watched as he and the other children with special needs came to school and sat in the same class room every single day, unable to decide which classes they wanted to take. And even though I understand that the Bristol-Warren School District has one of the best special education departments I don't feel as though we should group them like mentioned in the Oak's reading and force them to deal with a life of set schedules.
Above is a link to a video pertaining to Karen Gaffney, a young woman with down syndrome showing that even though she has this disorder she can function and thrive just as well as everyone else.
I wanted to let you know that I mentioned you in my post. Also, bringing up your cousins and uncle was a really nice personal touch. I'm extremely impressed at your uncle's ear for music. That is really something!
ReplyDeleteMy best friend growing up has a little brother with down syndrome so i could also personally connect with this reading. I love your picture you picked, very personal
ReplyDeleteI really like your post! The personal story is awesome with your uncle and cousin, connects perfectly with the reading, I also like the picture!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you shared your story about your Down syndrome family members. Even though I don't have a family member I do know two church members who have Down syndrome and they are the nicest kids you'll ever meet.
ReplyDeleteThe stories about your family members really help cement your opinion and view of how people with Down Syndrome should be treated and I commend you for that!
ReplyDeleteI like how you used your family as an example for this reading. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love how you used your family as an example! It really made the reading come to life and have meaning.
ReplyDelete