People with Down syndrome in the media

Rion Holcombe gets a special letter in the mail (video, 1m 30s)
Posted by Susan Holcombe, You Tube, 6th December 2013
Rion Holcombe, a 20 year old with Down syndrome, gets a special letter in the mail ... and his dream come true, the chance to become a college student!
This short video has indeed gone viral - nearly two million views since it was posted on 6th December.

One of the UK's oldest men with Down's Syndrome celebrates 70th birthday
Joanna Morris, The Northern Echo, 23rd December 2013
... His mother Ruth refused to put (Micky Neal) into a home and he was brought up alongside his siblings in a supportive and loving family – something his brothers and sisters feel has contributed to his long and happy life ...

Jillian the Magnificent is getting married

Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 27th December 2013
Jillian Daugherty is no longer available. Male hearts sank worldwide Friday, when the estimable Ryan Mavriplis slid a diamond on my daughter’s finger. She’s taken now, boys. Ease away slowly ...

Golden girl
Kristen Alebakis, Bendigo Advertiser, 21st December 2013
For Tara Smith swimming is a chance to escape from the world’s distractions. It drowns out the noise. Stroke by stroke, kick by kick Tara is making strides in one of Australia’s most popular Olympic sports. Described by her coach Michele Berryman-Cooper as a competitive swimmer, Tara is always hungry to be the best she can be. Tara just returned home after winning gold at the Asia Pacific Special Olympic games.

Golden celebration for special olympic bowlers
Josh Fagan, Bendigo Advertiser, 25th December 2013
Francis Bush was a late-comer to tenpin bowling but he has struck gold in the sport. Francis took out a gold medal and a bronze medal at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific games in Newcastle. Fellow Bendigo athlete Sally Brockley-Moon claimed two bronze medals.The pair – who both took up bowling eight years ago – said the event was the highlight of their sporting careers ...

Having a disabled son taught me about love
Michael Sheather, Australian Womens Weekly (January 2014 issue), 19th December 2013
Abridged version of a longer interview in the current print/iPad edition of the Australian Women's Weekly.

Previous stories about people with Down syndrome and their families published by the Australian Womens Weekly:

• We refused to give up our beautiful baby with Down syndrome (2012)
• Beautiful faces of Down syndrome (2012)
• Meet the toddler who shoudn't be alive (2012)
• My daughter with Down syndrome changed my life (2011)