WORLD Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated today, March 21 and is observed to raise awareness of the condition and to disseminate information about it. To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day, the Highway Mail speaks to a Kloof resident, Barbara Taljard, who shares her journey with raising a child with the condition.
What is Down Syndrome and how does it affect people?
Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that develops during pregnancy. Trisomy 21 is a condition in which an additional number 21 chromosome is present, causing impairments in physical and mental development.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) advocates for “full and effective involvement and inclusion in society” in its general principles. Everyone should have the same opportunities in life, including the ability to visit the same locations, participate in the same activities, and have the same life experiences. However, people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are not fully integrated into society.
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According to Barbara, her daughter Jeni Lee is 37 years old and has Down Syndrome. Jeni attends the Kloof Methodist Church’s Careways Workshop for the Intellectually Challenged.
Barbara said that the challenges in raising a child with Down Syndrome is that your child may struggle to reach certain goals and may never be fully accepted into society.
“Your child is slower to reach milestones and there are some milestones she may never reach. This means she adapts better in an inclusive environment. Unfortunately society often disables those who are challenged by not understanding them and providing some sort of disapproval as though it is a contagious illness.”
Barbara said that all children are unique and deserved to be loved.
Her advice to all parents who have children with Down Syndrome is to,
“love them unconditionally, and treat them as you would every other child, stimulating them and believing they can rather than that they can’t. They have so much love to give and are equally a blessing.”
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