Stories

COTE D’IVOIRE

Aly Isshane

“Aly Isshane lives with his family in Abidjan, Côte-d’Ivoire; he will turn 10 in September this year.
In spite of the disability he has, Aly happens to be exceptional in his autonomy and liveliness. Pure heart, very kind, he brightens our home. Aly is joyful and he communicates this joy easily to people around him, he genuinely leads people he meets to be sympathetic with him.
Aly Isshane loves swimming and eating. He likes dancing—he does therapy dancing; singing—he loves the French rapper Soprano. Aly is detail-oriented, he can perfectly memorise song lyrics and actors’ lines in multiple TV series scenes. No lights stay on in an empty room that Aly won’t turn off, he turns the TV off when no one’s watching it, he closes doors and fixes mess by putting every thing at its right place. All this he does but was never deliberately taught.
Aly is generous with hugs. He hugs and kisses people he meets that he does not even know, which got us worried at some point because of the current pandemic. Aly never goes to bed without saying good night, “Good night Imane, I love you,” he says.
In Côte-d’Ivoire, people with mental disabilities are stigmatised. We sometimes noticed people glancing at Aly with some sort of disgust. We must admit that ourselves, his family, we used to feel ambivalent about people with his condition, until Aly came into our lives and showed us how full of love and life, and how lovable they are.
I won’t say that Aly has a challenge, he just loves life. All day long he keeps saying “life is beautiful” and when someone want to say it too, he says “hey, that’s my sentence”.
He really teaches us a lot about how we should take life.”
– Aly’s sister Konate.

NEW ZEALAND

Luka

“Hi. My name is Luka. I am 18 and I like to try new adventures. I find it exciting. New Zealand is a great country for outdoor sports. Someone said have a go at Blokarting. So I did. Take a look at what happened. It was so much fun. I can’t wait to do it again especially if the wind is blowing even harder.”
Watch my video on my YouTube Channel – Luka Willems

UNITED STATES

Hans

“This story is about Hans Olson, our son, who is eight years old. Hansie is an incredibly active and loving boy. He loves to jump on his trampoline, play with Eko, the family German shorthair, dig in the sand on the beach where we live, build tall structures with wooden blocks, and maneuver toy cars and trucks all over the house. He also loves to play many musical instruments, often two at a time, and loves to dance to “Step In Time” from the Mary Poppins Original Sound track, which is of course his favorite movie of all time. He has lots of things to be proud of, but his ability to snow ski, which he started learning at three years of age, is definitely one of them. His biggest challenge is the articulation of words, but lately he is pronouncing more new words every day!”

UNITED STATES

Lily Lucia

“My beautiful daughter is thirteen years old and was born on December 19, 2007. Lily was born in San Diego, California and we brought her home on Christmas Eve. Like many kids with Down syndrome, she was born with a hole in her heart, but the amazing doctors at Children’s Hospital repaired her heart at six months old and then she began to thrive. I am proud of Lily because in January 2020, she flew half-way around the world to travel to her ancestor’s home in Italy. Our family traveled from the north of Italy in Liguria (where you can sample the best focaccia bread in the world) to the deep south of Puglia (where you can swim in the most beautiful beaches) for eight months. Lily said prayers for her family in the churches of Assisi, she fell in love with the art of Florence, and daily ate gelato all around Rome. While in Pompeii, she walked on ancient stepping stones, she enjoyed delicious desserts on the Amalfi Coast, and swam in the beaches of Puglia. Throughout our travels, Lily was challenged by the lack in daily routine and high-anxiety that made her nervous about trying new things, but Lily persevered and saw more of Italy during the pandemic than any other thirteen year old in the world. We love you Lily Lucia Garrett!”

UNITED KINGDOM

Kirstie

“This is my beautiful daughter Kirstie.
Before being born I was once told “she will bring you nothing but trouble” . What chance did she have in this world with people against her before being born?
They were wrong. She has a voice, her family have a voice and I her Mum has a voice and I can honestly say the joy, love and determination she brought into our lives far outweighed any little trouble there was.
In the 14 years of joy she has had health obstacles that she has hurdled over. These are the only troubles she has had in life and she has overcome all of them. Kirstie is a brave young lady who is strong and talented and has many people who love her for just being her. She is a wonderful daughter, a wonderful sister, a wonderful granddaughter, a wonderful niece, a wonderful cousin, a wonderful student and a wonderful friend.
She is a singer, a dancer, an artist, a gymnast, a comedian, a prankster and has many more talents she surprises us with. Most of all she has taught all of us patience, kindness, love, determination and understanding and continues to do so each day.
So to the persons who told me at the start she will bring you nothing but trouble I say “Kirstie brought no trouble at all, the only trouble was those uneducated people standing in her way!
Kirstie makes our world so much brighter.”

INDIA

Rishima

It is a usual Sunday morning for Rishima. Waking up at 7 am, she gets ready for a workout session on a treadmill at her home. She is fitness conscious and follows a strict diet to keep her hypothyroidism in control. Later she sits down for an online piano session which she enjoys thoroughly. Covid has restricted her outdoor activities but she has found other avenues to keep herself busy through the day, be it helping her parents in household work or playing board games with her younger brother. She has gainfully used the lockdown period to improve her computer skills, learning to even make PowerPoint presentations.
Rishima was diagnosed with Down syndrome one week after her birth. Her parents put her in Study Hall’s Dosti school for special children at the age of three. Initially it was difficult for her to adjust in a new setting. But very soon she started taking keen interest in learning new things, be it learning to read and write or drawing and craft. Her teachers in Dosti realized her potential in academics. They provided her all the support to develop her academic abilities.
In her third academic session, she was slowly integrated into a mainstream class to test her ability to cope in a structured situation. Rishima coped well. She became more confident and adjusted well in a normal classroom setting. In Class I, she was fully integrated in the mainstream school.
With the support from her teachers and class mates, she was able to cope well with the curriculum and progressed well. She follows the lessons well, and independently writes all class work. She takes part in extracurricular activities and participates enthusiastically in the school’s sports day and annual day functions.
She is an avid reader. Even when she cannot go to a library during the current times, she makes sure to read a variety of books while being at home. She has a beautiful handwriting, both in English and Hindi. Her handwriting can be easily mistaken for a child with no disability.
As the school shifted to online classes during the pandemic, Rishima did well to become familiar with and adapt to online classes. Every morning she used to log into MS Teams, without any assistance, and attend her classes. She has always been a diligent student, so she made sure not to miss any of her classes even during the online teaching phase. Like any Gen Z child, her digital skills are exceptionally good, be it searching for an academic topic on Google or making notes, or listening to YouTube channels.
When she is not busy with her studies, she likes to write short stories. Her ability to express her thoughts is very promising and her parents are providing her all support to develop this skill. Rishima is very fond of music and is learning to play piano. She has performed on stage both in her school as well on other social events. She was also learning Kung Fu – a form of martial art, but that stopped when Covid struck.
Her will power and determination is very strong. She works extremely hard to learn new things and does not give up so easily. Her younger brother has been her closest friend, mentor, and guide. She is the happiest in his company. Her younger brother has played a key role in her growth and making her independent as she is now.
Rishima is currently in Class 9. She will soon turn 16 and aims to become a teacher someday. We hope that she continues to excel well in all that she does in life and is able to lead a respectable, independent, and meaningful life.

INDONESIA

Rafa

“My son is Rafa. He is able to dance, ride a bicycle and he is an amazing dalang (puppeteer).”

You can watch Rafa in action in his wayang video on YouTube here:

SAUDI ARABIA

Sarah

“Sarah is 16 years old sweet girl with Down Syndrome from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . Sarah is an awareness ambassador who is participating in Down Syndrome Awareness projects through online channels (@SARAH_R_ALS on Instagram) . Sarah also loves playing on piano and enjoying learing new songs to play everytime. She won in a national awards called “Raiah : the Saudi responsible Woman” for being a leader in a project focusing on Teaching Children with Down Syndrome
This is a short letter about Sarah , who is the sunshine of our lives – as a family!”

INDONESIA

Syauqi

“I am a mother with four chidren. My passion is in education. Syauqi is my only son in my family. He is 11 years old this April. He has three sisters. When I first learned that he was a person with Down syndrome, it broke my heart. But I didn’t give up. I learned how to educate children with Down syndrome. I never took him to go to therapy because of the bad economic situation when he was a child.
I taught him myself at home, assisted by his three older siblings. I am grateful that he can grow well even though he has a congenital heart disease.
Alhamdulillah, to this day he is healthy and has very good growth and development.
When he was 7 years old, in 2017 I took the initiative to establish a parent school for children with special needs. The participants are many and I am happy because many parents are aware to educate their children with special needs.
In 2018 I founded a school for children with Down syndrome. I am grateful that by having Syauqi with Down syndrome, I can give goodness to other parents who have Down syndrome children.
I hope that one day Syauqi and his friends with Down Syndrome will become independent and useful people both for themselves and for others.
This Down syndrome special school is located in the city of Surabaya. This school becomes an inspiration for many people and also the government, namely the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. In 2021, this Down syndrome school will become a pilot for 20 kindergartens that have students with special needs (inclusive schools) in Surabaya and Bangkalan, Madura.
Thank you so much my beloved son, Syauqi, for being the teacher of life for your mother. And thank you for being an inspiration to many people including young teachers who are willing to fight in the Down syndrome school.”

INDONESIA

Bakhita and Fayez

I have two children with Down syndrome, the first is Bakhita and the second is Fayez. They really like photo or street fashion. Since the age of 2 they have won many photogenic competitions at the Childrenscretivity agency.

INDONESIA

Khanza

“Hi, my name is M. Khanza Sangaziah. I’m from Indonesia and I live in Tangerang. I was 9 in the third grade.
My hobbies are sports, photos and dancing. As long as my pursuit of therapy and the acquisition of my talents. By participating in an online photo and video contest.
Mama says I’m a teacher who always teaches patience and sincerity and can keep people around me happy.
I hope that in the future i can hone my talents in sports and become an athlete.”

INDONESIA

Rei

I am a housewife with 2 children, living in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Our second child, a girl born with Down syndrome, is “Rei” aged 13 years. I don’t want to expect too much with her condition, our focus is to make her independent, especially to develop herself. Rei is a cheerful, kind and caring child.
In the family, Rei is always a consolation, there is never a burden in her, she always makes us laugh with her cute behavior.
Rei is the sun & rainbow in our family life.
Even though Rei was late in academics but she was quite good in non-academic fields. Her hobbies are dancing, modeling photos, swimming & gymnastics. I always take her to school & do her hobby activities. I also often participate in dancing competitions, photo contests and swimming. I did this to make her more confident that she could do it.
Many people with Down syndrome in the world are high achievers. Our hope is, that one day Rei can also make achievements through one of her hobbies.
Hopefully one day the whole world will no longer underestimate people with Down syndrome. Give them the opportunity to develop and advance, support them to be able to realize all their dreams according to their abilities in their respective fields.


“Look at their abilities, never see their disability”
“They exist, they can”

IRAN/TURKEY

Jassim

Jassim is 32-years-old. He was born in Iran and has been a refugee in Turkey for six years. We are awaiting resettlement in another country. In the meantime Jassim has no access to education, training, or medical care.
The warm weather has caused psoriasis and made life harder for Jassim than ever. He does not sleep at night, he cannot speak and cannot express his pain.
Jassem loves music very much, and he is very interested in dancing, but since we took refuge in Turkey, Jassem has become depressed and does not move.
We wish that someone could hear Jassim’s voice.

PAKISTAN

Syeda

“I am 20 years old and I live in Karachi, Pakistan. I like to describe myself as an Abstract Expressionist, an Artist, Social Entrepreneur, Disability Right Activist, Social Inclusion Advocate & Francophone. I believe that: “no disability can stop you if you have the determination to challenge your potential” and that is why against all odds I draw, busting the myths that individuals with Down syndrome have no space in society. I am Syeda Alishba Amin-ud-Din, an artist with Down syndrome which has never been able to curb my flight and keep me down. I can speak English, French, Urdu & German language. I am running my own digital art studio syedaalishba.com I am creating awareness regarding inclusion, challenges of girls with unique abilities and other social issues through my art.”

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Surya

Surya is 28 years old.
He loves outdoor activities, especially when it is related to the Down Syndrome Family Network.
When he was 18 years old, he started training in Taekwondo with Master Sankar. He embraced the feeling of inclusion there and worked very hard to attain his 1st degree Black Belt a few years later. Due to his natural outgoing character, Surya enjoys being an advocate for the greater awareness of the differently abled; their needs for proper education, health care and also employment.
Two years ago he got the opportunity to do an internship at the IMAX cinema through the Down Syndrome Family Network mentorship program. This opportunity has empowered him and given him the chance to develop his social skills, learn new things and feel a great sense of confidence and importance. He recently started an online reading class, which we hope will enable him to become a better vocal advocate for his rights as an equal citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.
Surya is a DSFN Youth Ambassador leading the way for others with Down syndrome.

UGANDA

Nangabane

“This is me Nangabane 24 yrs Old. I live with both my parents although my Dad is in the village. My education level is senior six ( high school level). I currently do not have a job after I lost one a few months ago where I was working as a supervisor in a construction company. I have qualifications in computer management and hairdressing. When I completed Senior six, my desire was to go to university to graduate as a Doctor because I was doing well in science subjects. This did not happen because my parents could not manage to pay school feees for me to join university.
I didn’t know I had Down syndrome. On our way home from shopping, we met Mr Michael Okiro Emadit the Country Director. I was in the company of my Mum and he stopped us to talk to my Mum about my condition. He called us in his office where he discussed with my parents and explained to them that I have Down syndrome. He is the one who made me realise I had Down syndrome because even my parents were not aware that I had it. He educated my parents and showed me many pictures of children and adults who had similar signs of people with Down syndrome , including George Okudi. He advised my parents to continue paying school fees for my education By then I was eleven (11 ) years of age in primary six.
At first , my parents were hesitant to continue paying fees , but Mr Michael Okiro helped me out to confirm to them that I belong to the group and I can excel in academics like any other child. After completing senior six, I had a job as I mentioned earlier, but I was stopped because of health problems, I have Asthma and heart associated disease.
My mum is unable to support me because we are in hospital with her on and off. I am proud to be a Self Advocate and I am currently the vice chairperson of Down syndrome self Advocates group Central Uganda based in Kampala. I am also very proud because I show an example to others by doing things that people without disabilities cannot do.”

UNITED STATES

Viva

My name is Viva Selena Lopez, a July baby born in Eagle Pass, Texas, but now a proud resident of Palmview, Texas for decades. I’m known as a cheerful, stylish, and enthusiastic young woman who brings joy to everyone who is around me. I love to sing,dance,and make crafts. I love to cheer and started my journey in cheering in middle school. As I became a high schooler I tried out and made Varsity. I cheered in my High School for 7 years missing only 1 game. It was hard at first to be accepted into the cheer program. My Mom had to fight for my rights and now we have opened a door for our community. I graduated in 2017 and immediately joined the Capable Kids Foundation cheer team The Sparks.
I am currently employed by the Vipers as a Hip-Hop dancer with the Venom Hype Squad, this will be my 2nd year. Trying out for this Squad was exciting. I’m the first member in the squad with a disability. Another Big opportunity for our community.
I’m mostly proud of the inclusion and acceptance throughout my journey. I’m proud that I have a Mother that will always be my voice. My Mom will open doors where no one can open with her love and support and she believes in me.
My biggest challenge is realizing that I might not speak perfectly and its hard for others to understand me at times. Speech is my challenge and I’m working hard on it. For now my Mom is my voice.
I would like to tell the world… Please don’t look at the disability…you might miss a person with the biggest heart and a person that can cure a broken heart with a simple hug.
I will never stop reaching for the brightest biggest stars. Hugs from Viva

ROMANIA

Oana 

Oana believes all differences are beautiful and dance offers something for everyone! Together we can make a difference.

INDONESIA

Faiz

“This is my son Faiz . He is 3 years old. He is so cute, polite, and humble. Faiz has Down syndrome. He makes our lives colourful. He likes acting , singing, dancing, and smiling. He is a miracle for us. He always finds a way to make people happy. His cheerfulness makes every tear gone.
As a mother I’m so proud with him. He has taught me a lot of things about love.
A lot of people in our country said that it’s imposible for people with Down syndrome to get a good life. But I DON’T BELIEVE IT.
I believe he is a good warrior. Strong, polite, creative and has a dream.. it’s our duty to make dreams come true.”

UGANDA

Okudi George

“I am Okudi George from Uganda aged 49. I went to a mixed school right from primary to secondary and college where I studied commerce. I am the DSi National representative of people with Down syndrome in Uganda. I was also recently appointed to the chairmanship of the board.
I am currently working with a cigarette distribution company as a personal assistant to the CEO of the company. I handle many tasks and even helping my workmates who are not intellectually disabled. I lead them in some activities, guide, direct and advise many in things which need my advice, so “disability is not inability”.
I learnt how to use a computer and I also drive very well. I am now living independently with my wife and child and managing life like any other person in the world.
My hobbies are making friends, reading newspapers, watching and playing football, driving and also learning.”

INDIA

Avnish (Binney)

“I am proud to say that he is my son and the most special gift I have received from God. I feel blessed! When a single man adopts a child, it puts him way outside the societal norms. The world certainly looks at you differently, but even the way you look at yourself undergoes a drastic change. From being a bachelor to becoming a father – I suddenly found myself flipping roles after Binney’s arrival into my world. Being a father is definitely not easy, but what makes it special is to be a father to a child with Down syndrome. Thanks to my understanding and my supportive parents who have showered their grandson with loads of love and care, the symptoms have faded into the background. The love spell has worked its magic in just three months and I bet you couldn’t tell the difference between Binney and his “normal” friends if you met them. I want to believe that it would be the same as he grows up. But deep down I know and slightly fear that it won’t be so. Nevertheless, it is always better to accept the facts early on and prepare yourself well to deal with them. I have come to realise that Binney may start facing challenges from his early pre-school days. I am sure he would do great with music, art and activity learning, but he might struggle with the concepts of language, grammar, mathematics and the sciences. My vision for Binney is far from building his IQ. I’d simply rather hone his EQ. I want him to grow to know and witness the beauty of nature – the fluttering butterflies and buzzing bees around a bush of fragrant roses, the sound of a fresh-water stream, the whistling wind as it rushes through an army of tall trees, and the captivity of gazing at a starlit night sky. I wish for him to play with colours and to paint his life’s canvas with many bright ones. I want him to feel the healing touch of music and to know how each note brightens his mood. I wish he learns to dance, and dances like he doesn’t care about who is watching him. I want him to dream and believe and create for that is the real purpose of life. I wish for him to fly so high that he takes his thoughts farther than ever.
And I wish this for him and all children. I hope to show him the better side of the world and I hope he finds a community that supports the same.
Avnish will definitely grow to be normal but I’d still love him to be different and unique in his own ways. It would be a pride to see how he stands amongst many and yet shines the brightest. It is therefore not only my responsibility but also my honour to give him the best and more – always and forever.”

INDONESIA

Faza

“Hi, I am M. Faza Aulia. I am ten years old. I come from Indonesia. I am third grade student of elementary school. In this pandemic condition, I participated in several online competitions, such as photo contest , fashion show and dance competitions. Besides that, I like to play the gamelan, a traditional Javanese musical instrument and wear traditional Javanese clothes called Surjan. I like Javanese culture because my parents come from Javanese Ethnic.”

UNITED KINGDOM

Abdullahi

“I wish people understood that Down syndrome, in and of itself, is not something that should cause sympathy. I am grateful for everything that extra chromosome has brought into our family. My hero son has Down syndrome he is 14yrs old, he can do everything a typical child does, it just takes him a little bit longer.
My son Abdullahi is a gift from GOD. He is pure, good-hearted, a hard worker, fun, smart, silly and loves the life he has been given. Get to know him and he will make a difference in your world.”

UNITED STATES

Andrew

“We were shocked to learn our newborn son was born with Down Syndrome and multiple congenital heart defects. We were shocked and very troubled. This time of anquish and perceived tragedy turned out to be one of our life’s greatest blessings.
Andrew was saved by the amazing medical team at Mott Children’s Hospital. The Mott team did not treat Andrew differently, and did everything possible to save his life. After his open heart surgery as an infant, the surgeon said “he’s fixed, have a great life”. Andrew has been healthy ever since. Andrew is now 33 and the light of our life. We have had a great life in part because our lives were blessed by him.
He is happy and makes us happy every day. He never complains. Despite his lack of academic ability, he brightens every day. He has added so much to our lives!
I strongly suggest anyone with a prenatal diagnosis of a Down Syndrome child talk to us or thousands like us whose lives are blessed beyond measure because of our special child.
I will close with what someone told us when Andrew was born – “God chooses special people for special children”. We believe this and are so grateful God chose us! Our lives are much richer because of it.”
– Patrick, Andrew’s father

PORTUGAL

Pilar

Pilar and her father Paulo have been occupying their time during the COVID-19 quarantine by making videos together.
It all started with a school initiative to celebrate Father’s Day with a video. It worked so well that the next day, Pilar asked for more.
And of course, Paulo could not resist that pleading expression. Therefore he got to work. To date the videos have gained an extraordinary audience, with thousands and thousands of views. They are filled with a tremendous load of sweet tenderness, ready to infect our days. With her freshness and innocence, with a light that comes from her joy, little Pilar tells us stories, and suddenly it seems that the bad times we are going through are even bearable.
Pilar, utterly oblivious to the fame of her charm, shows once again that when we are down, affection is always able to save us. Sometimes, amid everything that happens to us, the challenge is to find the end of the thread that must be pulled to remain happy.
Paulo describes the love he has for his daughter as “an anchor in his existence, that helps him overcome all difficulties.”
YouTube channel “My Pilar”. 

INDONESIA

Grace

“My name is Grace. I am from Indonesia, currently living in the Philippines. I am 21 years old and graduated from Brent International School. My professional job is a classroom assistant for grade 5 students in One World School, Philippines.
I have a twin sister, who is 6 minutes older than me.
I started learning how to become a barista and was accepted to work at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, however, this was put on hold due to lockdown. I love singing, dancing, swimming, and joining Best Buddies’ activities.
If there was one message that I would like to tell young girls just like me is to not be afraid. It is not scary at all. In fact, having an extra chromosome makes life even more exciting.”

CANADA

Janet

“My name is Janet and I live in Alberton, Prince Edward Island Canada. I am a motivational speaker and I have spoken on inclusion and my life. I have travelled all across Canada and USA and even to Trinidad and Tobago. I work at a Pre Kindergarten Program as an assistant. I am most proud of helping get a bill with our provincial government passed here to declare March 21 as Down Syndrome Awareness Day. I am also proud of being a Special Olympian and an athlete leader. I won gold for Canada in snow shoeing at my first World Games in Austria in 2017. One challenge I had was about housing. But I advocated and helped get a home built in my town that provides supportive living. I lived there for 6 years before I moved to my own apartment.” 

CANADA

Lauren

“In October 2019, I published my first children’s book. Yes! I am so proud of that!
I was born in 1999. My parents had an ‘old school’ pediatrician who suggested they should consider an institution for me. The doctor told them that I’d never learn or live a meaningful life.
Thankfully, my parents ignored the doctor’s advice and brought me home.
In early 2019, I expressed an interest in writing a book. My step-father, Richard, is a fantasy author and I wanted to be a writer, just like him. I have always loved reading and writing and especially love reading to children when I volunteer at camps.
With the support of my family, my dream of writing and publishing a book is now a reality. In fact, I just released book 5 in the Lucy and Her Talkative Pets Series and I have my own publishing company, Up with Down Publishing!
I am determined to and dream of the day I can live on my own. To do that, I know I need to be as independent as I can be and that includes financially.
My love of writing and reading to small children lends itself to a wonderful opportunity to grow my strengths.
I strive to be happy, successful, and independent and I hope that my story will help others see that if they can dream it, they can do it! I hope my gifts in life will help me to reach my goals while also bringing joy to others.”

INDONESIA

Kidung

“Kidung does not let Down syndrome stop her from exploring her talents. She goes to school and she actively participates in events such as dancing and photo contests for child models. Kidung learns something new every day and continues to develop her talents. She has learned to create batik paintings and now she can print rupiah from her batik paintings; she is able to offer goods in the form of clothes, t-shirts and masks to Indonesians. The girl who dared to start early with a talent that she continued to explore.”

UNITED STATES

Chris

“My sister and I are Irish Twins, for four days each May, we’re the same age. There are only the two of us. She is the elder and was born with Down syndrome.
A few years ago I brought Chris back to her apartment from a birthday outing, and while she was using the bathroom I checked her log. The staff keeps one for each resident, tracking their actions so a behaviorist can compile a future report.
It mostly strikes me as a cold and dehumanizing document, treating Chris like a generator of data instead of a person. But I noticed that now, the log looked more like a homework assignment, with corrections in my sister’s handwriting.
She’d edited parts by crossing out the word “good” and changing it to “great,“ she crossed out “great” and changed it to “terrific.” 
As I continued to turn the pages, I noticed there were fewer crossed off words because the staff followed Christine’s lead and the positive entries kept increasing. The most recent said: “Chris had a fantastic day at work, a double fantastic ride on the van home, and a triple fantastic meatball grinder from Subway.”
I thought it was pretty fantastic that Chris had taught the people around her how to tell her story the way she wanted it to be told.”
– Dianne, Chris’ sister, has written a book entitled, Nothing Special: The Mostly True, Sometimes Funny Tales of Two Sisters.

UNITED STATES

Courtney

“My name is Courtney. I am very active with my family, my school and in my community. I am involved at Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church , I am in the Choctaw High School JROTC, Student Council and Key Club. I was part of the cheer-ablity team The Shining Starz for 5 years. We won the National Championship in 2020.

I’m also an advocate for African American girls and women through Girl Trek, which is the largest non-profit geared toward promoting a healthily lifestyle for African American girls and women. I am part of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

My words may be hard for some to understand, but my actions by stepping up and taking chances are loud and proud! If I’m not understood then, I have the love and support of a family so I can be heard!

I am Courtney and I am here, don’t dis my abilities! BTW, I put my flyer together, with a little help from my family.”

COSTA RICA

Juan

“My name is Juan . I am 37 years old. I live in Costa Rica. I am receive training work in the Fundaciòn El Futuro es de Todos. I am most proud to have a wonderful family and to learn a lot of things that help me to be a independent person and work and to get marriage that is my biggest challenge.”

IRELAND

Eileen

“My name Is Eileen. I come from Cavan in Ireland.
I work two jobs in Tesco and a hair salon.
I was proud work to do a project called “Who am I” for Down Syndrome Ireland in March 2018. I give a speech on World Down Syndrome Day and was on the RTÉ news.
My biggest challenge was public speaking. I gave a speech in Trinidad to practise my speech.”

UNITED STATES

Jacob

Jacob is a swimming sensation! Jacob attended Swim Camp at his local University. His dad, Mike, was unsure about sending him but Coach Crocker assured the family that Jacob would be “just fine”. That decision changed their lives!
Jacob was a co-captain on the Gulf Shores High School swim team. He received the Alabama High School Sports Magazine’s Humanitarian Award. He also was recommended for the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame by then Mayor David L. Bodenharner, who said, “As the first handicapped swimmer in the history of the Alabama High School Athletic Swim and Dive Championship to make the finals, Jacob proved to himself and his teammates that he has the determination and the ability to compete. He has taken every opportunity at school, where he was voted most popular by his peers. Jacob has excelled in his life through hard work, determination and a “can do” attitude. Jacob is an impressive young man.”
Jacob has gone on to achieve gold medals for swimming and achieved not one but TWO World Records for 800m Freestyle and 1,500m Freestyle with the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation.

INDIA

Pranay

“I am Pranay Burde, I’m 32 years old and I have Down syndrome. In 2007 (aged 19) I joined Hotel “The Leela”, Mumbai. I worked for thirteen years there. I lost my job due to lockdown. Now I make Pressed Flower Arts. I make decorative wall hangings, table mats out of national materials like flowers, flower petals to sell and earn a livelihood.
I am a part of the group of parents and teachers that approaches various establishments advocating with officials for open employment of persons with intellectual disabilities. I champion the cause of inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities through self-advocacy.
My journey has been unique and commendable. My skills and efficiency have won me admirers everywhere and my hard work has resulted in numerous accolades Nationally and Internationally, including ‘National Award 2014 and 2017, World Down Syndrome Day Award 2014, and Divyang Gaurav Puraskar 2017, among others.”