Plan

Title: Creating a better world: How can we help children with Down-
syndrome?
Sub headings:
Embrace Diversity
How down do you think Down-syndrome is?
Important Facts
Misconceptions: results of the survey
Views of children with Down syndrome: How do they feel?
Message: How can we help?

Purpose of the Article:
To raise awareness about Down-syndrome among students of OSC and
people of Sri Lanka.
To identify misconceptions regarding Down-syndrome and
inform/educate people about real facts.
Inform people about the problems faced by children with Down-
syndrome and how to help them.
To inform people about places and facilities that can really help
people with Down-syndrome.
Research:
I spoke with my Aunt about what Down-syndrome children face in
their day to day lives. ( My aunt is a teacher at Achievers, a school
for intellectually impaired kids)
My group spoke with the founder/Owner of Menhandy, School for the
Exceptional Child; about intellectually impaired people in general.
We have emailed Chithra lane school our research questions but she
still hasnt replied.
I have watched 4 videos about children about Down-Syndrome. Links
below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M--xOyGUX4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA8VJh0UJtg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOwDfnoek6E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU

Creating a better world: How can we help children with
Down-syndrome?
Embrace Diversity
Are you perfect and are you looking for the perfect world? Do you think
that if everyone on earth was of equal strength, intelligence and talents it
would be a perfect place? Lets do a thought experiment: imagine the five
fingers of each of your hands were of equal length. Would this help or
hinder everything you do manually? Imagine there was no diversity in the
world and everyone thought the same way and spoke the same things and
did the same things. Would it be enjoyable? If there were no kids or no
people who needed our help, we would not enjoy the opportunity of helping
them. We need them as much as they need us.
How down do you think Down syndrome is?
Silly! Its named after the doctor who identified it. Hes Dr. Mendel Down.
So DO NOT make assumptions. Do not judge them? Do you know the facts?
How educated are you about this condition? If you want the world to be a
good place and you want to help create that difference, that harmony then
learn more
Down syndrome: Important Facts
The facts given below were found on the National Association for Down-
syndrome
Link below:
http://www.nads.org/pages_new/facts.html

What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual
development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome
have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring
chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or
socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down
syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.
Diagnosis
Down syndrome is usually identified at birth or
shortly thereafter. Initially the diagnosis is based
on physical characteristics that are commonly
seen in babies with Down syndrome. These
include low muscle tone, a single crease across
the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial
profile and an upward slant to the eyes. The
diagnosis must be confirmed by a chromosome
study (karyotype). A karyotype provides a visual
display of the chromosomes grouped by their size, number and shape. Chromosomes may
be studied by examining blood or tissue cells.

Learning & Development
It is important to remember that while children and adults with Down syndrome
experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be
given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.
Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but it is
important to note that they are more like other children than they are different. Early
Intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include
physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their neighbourhood
schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children
have more significant needs and require a more specialized program.
Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary
education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community,
but some require a more structured environment.



Misconceptions
On the day we visited the Chitra Lane school for special education, I have
noticed that my classmates were not very comfortable interacting with children
with Down-syndrome. My friends werent enthusiastic to play with them because
they were confused about their condition. While we were there, we clearly
didnt know how we should approach them; what we should say or do. We were
also frightened thinking they could even attack us. Hence I researched and
found out the true facts regarding this condition and was surprised with the
information I found.
Firstly they are not very different from us. Then kids with Down syndrome can
have talents and gifts. They dont want to be isolated. They love to interact.
They can learn at a moderate pace with help. Most importantly this condition is
not a result of being born to a poor family.
To raise awareness about this condition, I decided to do a survey. Given below
are the questions I asked the students of my grade:
Survey
1. Do you know what Down syndrome is?
Yes No Maybe
2. Do you have any social interactions with children with Downs syndrome, if yes how
often?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________
3. Do you dislike children with Down syndrome?
Yes No Maybe
Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________

4. Do you think they are different from us?
Yes No Maybe
5. Why?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________
6. Do you think that children with Down syndrome enjoy sports?
Yes No Maybe
Why do you think so?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________
7. Do you think that children with Down syndrome have feelings just like us?
Yes No Maybe
Why do you think so?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________

8. Do you feel comfortable with interacting/playing with children with Down
syndrome?
Yes No Maybe

9. Do you think you are more likely to get Down syndrome if you are poor?

Yes No Maybe

Views of children with Down syndrome: How do they feel?
I also thought it is important to find out what children with Down syndrome
thought and here is what Audrey Wagnon says about herself:
I am woman. I am not Down syndrome. I am a person with genetic
difference. The Down-syndrome I have is the party Down-syndrome cause
I love to sing, dance, share good times with her wonderful friends. The
best network is about creating communities of kindness and coalition. We
like to celebrate diversity existing in our world. How boring it would be if
everything was alike: looking, thinking and acting like robots? There is
beauty in our differencesLook inside a person with Down syndrome and you
might be surprised. (Audrey Wagnon)

Message: Dont discriminate people with Down syndrome, they are also
people
There are many misconceptions, and we go around being sorry for them
thinking that they are suffering, but when I look at Audrey Wagnon she is
anything but suffering. She is being supported by her mother and much
more can be done for children with Down-syndrome in our society. Hence
we need to be better informed. There are places to support them and if
you think that Down-syndrome people are scary and they are going to
attack you, you are wrong! They are unique and special in their own way. If
we learned to how to bond with them, we could learn from each other and
the world would be a better place.