People with Down syndrome: online and in other media

As general news, news about people with Down syndrome is often thinner on the ground over the end of year/new year holiday period.  This time, people with Down syndrome have been making the news around the world, and much of it will continue to be felt into the future ... maybe even to Eurovision! Here is a sample of recent stories:

Baby Gammy, one-year-old at centre of Thai surrogacy scandal, granted Australian citizenship

Samantha Hawley, ABC News, 20th January 2015

Baby Gammy, who was at the centre of a surrogacy scandal in Thailand, has been granted Australian citizenship ... Gammy, who turned one on December 23 last year, has been granted citizenship and is now also eligible for an Australian passport, although that is a separate process that has not begun. It is unclear whether he could also be eligible for Australian welfare benefits ...

The Punk Syndrome: Band with Down Syndrome applies for Eurovision

Sputnik International, 19th January 2015Finnish punk band PKN, whose members suffer from mental disabilities, wants to raise awareness for Down Syndrome by participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Making of - The Interviewer (Video - 10 mins)
Bus Stop Films, published 19th January 2015
See Bus Stop Films in action, creating the inclusive film 'The Interviewer' with 13 students with an intellectual disability (several of them people with Down syndrome)

James's Story
House With No Steps, 18th January 2015 (includes video)
... He lives in his own apartment in Armidale and has been receiving support from House with No Steps through a self-managed package for about 18 months. Dancing and singing are some of James’ favourite activities. He is a talented actor, and has been part of a drama group for 6 years ...

Josie Webster, Artist
Heart and Sold (News), 11th January 2015
Josie Webster, who lives in Sydney has been signed up by UK art collective, Heart and Sold.
You can see a short biography, a fabulous photo, and Josie's work on her Heart and Sold page, and purchase them there. Josie also has a Facebok page, showcasing her work.

Hello Dollie! Grady resident could be oldest in U.S. with Down Syndrome
Jessica Lane, The Express Star, 7th January 2015
... (Dollie) Grissom, 74, may also be one of the oldest living persons with Down Syndrome in the United States, Shari Brunt, Social Services Director at Chickasha Nursing Center, said ...

(Note - the current life expectancy for people with Down syndrome is about 60 years, rather than the lower figure suggested in the article.)

Young entrepreneur Val Nyhout shatters stereotypes
Debora Van Brenk, The London Free Press, 28th December 2014
It’s been a banner year for Val Nyhout. First, the London woman broke ground last summer as one of only a few people with Down Syndrome to blog about her life. Now, she has realized another dream by starting her own business, with plans to expand her product line in January and hire staff when her business grows large enough ...