Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome changes how a baby’s body and brain develop, leading to mildly-to-moderately low IQ and widely known characteristic such as flattened face, almond-shaped eyes that slant up, short neck, small ears, palmar crease, poor muscle tone and short height.
So down syndrome people have always been considered as “retarded”, finding references about them in arts, literature and science. However, despite their difficulties, the truth is that they are as capable as the rest of the world to achieve their dreams.
Examples of this are Jamie Brewer, who debuted as an actress in the television series “American Horror Story” an became the first model with Down syndrome to participate in the catwalk of Fashion Week in New York. Pablo Pineda, young man from Malaga, first European graduate with Down Syndrome, as well as a university teacher, presenter, writer and award-winning actor. Owen Groesser, player who gives name to the well-known 'Owen Play'. Gloria Ramos, the first actress with intellectual disability nominated for the Goya Awards in the category of 'Best New Actress'. Bárbara Wetzel, who won in 2015 the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the Junior category and in 2018 the 'All Around'. Lauren Potter, actress that plays the character of cheerleader Becky Jackson in the teen series 'Glee', appointed by Barack Obama to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disability. Ayelén Barreiro, dance talent, who achieved fame in 'Bailando por un sueño' in Argentina. Chris Burke, actor with two Golden Globe nominations. And finally, Marian Ávila, first Spanish woman with Down syndrome to parade during New York Fashion Week.
Moreover, I not only think that they are as capable as everyone, but they should be an inspiration for the world, because having personal and society’s setbacks they are succeeding sometimes more than many people in following their dreams and living a happy life.
So down syndrome people have always been considered as “retarded”, finding references about them in arts, literature and science. However, despite their difficulties, the truth is that they are as capable as the rest of the world to achieve their dreams.
Examples of this are Jamie Brewer, who debuted as an actress in the television series “American Horror Story” an became the first model with Down syndrome to participate in the catwalk of Fashion Week in New York. Pablo Pineda, young man from Malaga, first European graduate with Down Syndrome, as well as a university teacher, presenter, writer and award-winning actor. Owen Groesser, player who gives name to the well-known 'Owen Play'. Gloria Ramos, the first actress with intellectual disability nominated for the Goya Awards in the category of 'Best New Actress'. Bárbara Wetzel, who won in 2015 the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the Junior category and in 2018 the 'All Around'. Lauren Potter, actress that plays the character of cheerleader Becky Jackson in the teen series 'Glee', appointed by Barack Obama to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disability. Ayelén Barreiro, dance talent, who achieved fame in 'Bailando por un sueño' in Argentina. Chris Burke, actor with two Golden Globe nominations. And finally, Marian Ávila, first Spanish woman with Down syndrome to parade during New York Fashion Week.
Moreover, I not only think that they are as capable as everyone, but they should be an inspiration for the world, because having personal and society’s setbacks they are succeeding sometimes more than many people in following their dreams and living a happy life.
LAURA SOLANA LOPÉZ
Laura is a Spanish volunteer involved in the World Down Syndrome Day.
