See beauty in others on World Down Syndrome Day
The community is encouraged to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March.
A DURBAN woman, who is the founder of a support group called You’re Magical, designed to assist people with Down Syndrome, is urging the community to create a global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down Syndrome on 21 March, World Down Syndrome Day.
Trudy Chetty, whose son Tristyn has Down's Syndrome, said her mission was to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability.
“When you focus on someone's disability you overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally. Commemorating World Down Syndrome Day encourages people all over the world to raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities,” she said.
The date for World Down Syndrome Day, being the 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Anyone who would like to get involved with the support group You’re Magical is encouraged to contact Trudy.
One of the services the group will offer is speech and occupational therapies, free of charge.
“Children with Down Syndrome have speech impediments and this service will help families that cannot afford specialist fees. Something people may not be aware of, for instance, is the need for babysitters. Many parents who care for children with disabilities often need a night off. Babysitters is also one of the services to be offered by You’re Magical,” said Trudy.
Contact Trudy on youremagical@webmail.co.za or Trudychetty@webmail.co.za
