People with Down syndrome

Woman with Down syndrome addresses United Nations: ‘I have a right to live’
Nancy Flanders, Live Action News, 27 May 2017
After watching the documentary “A World Without Down Syndrome,” 21-year-old Charlotte Helene Fien, who has Down syndrome and autism, wrote a speech about her right to life that she would later read in front of the United Nations ...

Being Delaney Dunigan

Cindi Rich, Bethesda Magazine, May-June 2017
The Kensington teen is busy with cheerleading, homework and hanging out with friends—things her parents weren't sure she'd ever do ...

Capturing the Moment: Starlings in Rome
David Kenward Photography, 19 May 2017



When I watched the film of the starlings in Rome in Planet Earth II I really wanted to go and see them and see if I could take some photos of them. So I went with my brother Chris, Nathan and best friend Josh. This is the beautiful film my brother Chris made of the weekend. We had great fun, I hope you like it ...

• David's Story - It's a wonderful world, Expedia, 27 December 2016
• David Kenward Photography
• David Kenward Photography on Facebook

‘Not just a job, he’s got a career!’ says Mum as son with DS lands sought after science careerHR News, 18 May 2017
As talent shortages persist, employers cannot afford to ‘write off’ any group of potential workers, yet it is significantly harder for adults with learning disabilities to obtain work than almost any other client group. Individuals with Down’s syndrome battle misperceptions about their capabilities and often can’t even get an interview ...

Children’s Hospital Employee With Down Syndrome Inspires Doctors, Patients
Paul Burton, Boston CBS Local,16 May 2017
Anyone interested in the secret to success should take a lesson out of Nathan Simons’ playbook. Nathan is the first full time employee with Down syndrome at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“I just love it! I love the people who come here and give good feedback,” Simons said ...

People with Down syndrome

Anna and Emily a hit among volunteers

Elouise Hawkey, The Daily Liberal, 11 May 2017

Anna Gibson and Emily Gardner have quickly become known for their infectious personalities and warm smiles within the Meals on Wheels community.

The 23-year-old Dubbo residents have each volunteered with the community service organisation for several years, delivering meals to people unable to cater for themselves. Each Thursday the duo designates time out of their day to deliver the ready-made meals and have a chat with the recipients ...

A young Charleston potter with Down syndrome is ready for his close-up

Deanna Pan, Post and Courier, 13 May 2017

Christian Royal stands in the corner of his studio, his hands buried in the pockets of his jeans, while a makeup artist smooths his hair with her fingers and his brother secures a lavalier microphone under his shirt ... Christian is a potter ... They're about to film a scene for a new episode of "Handcrafted America," a cable series on the family-friendly INSP network, where the host, television actress Jill Wagner, travels the country, introducing viewers to American artisans and their craft ...

Brisbane teenager’s unique talent has seen him become Australia’s first Elephant Whisperer

Leanne Edmistone, The Courier-Mail, 11 May 2017

His voice is part Leonard Cohen, part Tom Waits and uniquely Alexander Procopis. The velvety rumble of his deep, distinctive throaty baritone reverberates through the ­suburban church hall at Ashgrove, in Brisbane’s inner northwest, as dust dances in the beams of sunlight ...

Everyone Needs Help - A Gift From the Universe to Change the World

Mardra Sikora, Grown Ups and Downs, May 2017

... “Don’t Panic” has served him well as his experiences keep taking him further and further, all the way to the United Nations building in March of 2017 for World Down Syndrome Day. Here, upon taking the platform and seeing his name lit up and the audience preparing to hear him, he said, “I like it here.” ...

McDonald's 'lobby manager' with Down Syndrome retires after 33 years

Laura Colvin, Livingston Daily, 8 May 2017
Daniel Lybrink pumped his arms and hammed it up for an adoring crowd Monday as family, friends, co-workers and others crammed into the Brighton McDonald’s to wish him well. After 33 years, the 62-year-old Howell resident is retiring from the restaurant ...

MacNeil named Citizen of the Year

Chris Abbott, Tillsonburg News, 9 May 2017

Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce announced Tillsonburg's 2017 Citizen of the Year is Matthew MacNeil.

... "I was so, so suprised," said MacNeil, who didn't know he had been nominated. "I didn't know about it yet, but when I did, I was so thankful that they chose for me for that award."

MacNeil, 27, made headlines when he travelled to New York City to speak at the United Nations on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21. His message was that everyone should be proud of who they are and they should all be treated the same as everyone else ...

TOUCHDOWN 21

TOUCHDOWN21 is a research project.

A research project made by people with Down syndrome, about people with Down Syndrome. 

We collect information. 

We want to look at this topic from many different angles. 

And we want to bring together people who are thinking about this topic.

It started in Germany as a World Down Syndrome Day project, and is based there, but all the website pages are now available in English.

There are stories about people with Down syndrome from around the world, art projects, film, history, information and questions.

The idea of people with Down syndrome researching Down syndrome would have been revolutionary until very recently - TOUCHDOWN21 is worth watching to see where it takes us.

• The original site in German is here.

Down Syndrome Australia welcomes the Disability Support Pension Review Recommendations

Down Syndrome Australia

11 May 2017

Down Syndrome Australia welcomes the final report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit Inquiry into Qualifying for the Disability Support Pension which has been tabled today in the House of Representatives.

In recent years, people with Down syndrome have been subjected to unnecessary, time consuming and stressful medical reviews to prove that they continue to be eligible for the DSP. Down Syndrome Australia has been strongly advocating for a change to the review process for the Disability Support Pension.

In the report tabled today, the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has recommended 

“the Department of Social Services review the List 1 of conditions that provide eligibility for manifest grants of the Disability Support Pension. The Committee recommends particular attention is given to the merits of including chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, on List 1.”

Down Syndrome Australia CEO, Ellen Skladzien said “We are very pleased that the Committee has listened and responded to the concerns we raised in our submission. These unnecessary reviews not only put needless burden on families but also are an inefficient approach and a waste of limited resources. The inquiry has clearly revealed the need for a more targeted approach to reviews and ensuring that appropriate safeguards are put in place to avoid unnecessary burdens on people with a disability and their families.”

Down Syndrome Australia also welcomes the recommendation for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Social Services to conduct an end-to-end review of the administration of the Disability Support Program, including consultation with stakeholders as well as a recommendation to provide people with more time to provide medical evidence to the Department.

• Final report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit Inquiry into Qualifying for the Disability Support Pension
• Joint Committee's media release, 10 May 2017

Netball All Stars group for players with an intellectual disability: seeking players

Hills District Netball Association will be running a Netball All Stars group for players with an intellectual disability in 2017.

Who: Players aged 8 or above

Where: Netball Complex, Pennant Hills Park (Sydney) 

When: Friday nights May – August, 5.15pm – 6.30pm each week

Sessions: Sessions will be made up of warm up activities, skills practice and some game play. It is anticipated that the group will enter at least one carnival throughout the season. 

Cost: $50. This covers player registration and insurance in addition to carnival entry fees. 

To register for the program, download the registration form by clicking this link

Send your completed form to: hdnaallstars@gmail.com

Women’s Health Learning Circle

Image description: text reads 'The Women's Health Learning Circle' Family Planning NSW is starting a Women’s Health Learning Circle for women with intellectual disability aged between 45-64 years of age. Image description: A woman in a blue top, smiling, looking up to her left. The Learning Circle will be a place for women to learn about their bodies and the changes they will experience as they age. The Learning Circle will run once a week for four weeks and be led by experienced reproductive and sexual health educators. If you know anyone who would be interested in attending The Learning Circle please forward the information on to them. Places in The Learning Circle are limited so it is important people register to attend the group. Some of the things you will learn about are: menopause health checks for you private body parts relationships how to keep your body healthy The Women's Health Learning Circle will meet once a week for 4 weeks. Where: Family Planning NSW,  328 - 336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield When: 2.00 - 4.00 pm Thursday 8 June 2017 Friday 16 June 2017 Thursday 22 June 2017 Friday 30 June 2017 If you would like to be part of this group contact: Abi Monaghan P: 02 8752 4388 E: healthpromotion@fpnsw.org.au It is important to contact us before 2 June if you want to be part of this group.

Job opportunity for a person with Down syndrome in the Macarthur area

Do you know someone with Down syndrome in the Macarthur area looking for work? Richardson and Wrench Campbelltown is looking for a dynamic member to join their team. Position: Office Assistant This role is part-time and consists of general administative duties including:- Printing and photocopying; Shredding; Morning tea and afternoon tea runs; Greeting customers; and Copying tenant details on various office forms. For more information please email Peter Laming at: plaming@randw-campbelltown.com.au

New musical theatre class: St Ives

Image: Applause Musical Theatre Academy logo 

 Image: Becky (a young blonde woman who has Down syndrome), a character from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. 

Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Text of the poster (available as an image on the Applause Musical Theatre Academy Facebook page):

Applause Musical Theatre Academy

Build confident, creative kids through performance.

Applause Musical Theatre Academy is starting a new class in Term 2 for teens with special meeds on 

Thursdays from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm in St Ives.

This class will provide your teen (from Year 6 to 12) with an avenue to express him/herself creatively and freely, and build confidence not just in performing.

Your teen will learn to song, dance and act songs from popular musicals such as High School Musical, The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music.

Drama is also taught through fun acting exercises.

With two music-qualified, industry experienced professionals teaching the class and love piano accompaniment, this is the real deal.

There are performance opportunities so your teen will get moments toshine performing on the stage in front of an audience.

Image: Becky from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Register for our free trial class on Thursday 4 May here: 

www.applausemta.com.au/enrol-now.html

• If you are sure your teen will love this class, then pay the $25 registration fee and your teen will get a free Academy T shirt worth $25.

For more information call Ingrid on  0405 495 099 or email ingrid@applausemta.com.au

People with Down syndrome

At Home With Calligrapher Kanazawa Shōko—Down Syndrome and Independence

Nippon.com, 13 April 2017

Kanazawa Shōko is an acclaimed calligraphy artist with Down syndrome. At the age of 30 she moved into an apartment to live alone—another feat that most people would consider impossible for someone with her disability. We take a peek at her daily life in a residential district of Tokyo ...

Worker with Down syndrome celebrates 25th anniversary with hospital

Brooke Bednarz, News Chanel 25, 9 April 2017

... Bobby Henry has worked at McLane Children's, previously King's Daughters, for 25 years. And while he makes everyone around him smile, he thinks his job is just to "pick up trash and laundry," Henry said.

But, he does so much more than that ...

"He's the love-light of my life" - Intellectually disabled couple reveal normal life

Sarah Harris, New Zealand Herald, 9 April 2017

... The couple, both 35, have lived together for 10 years, and say they have a relationship with all the normal ups and downs. Pemberton believed her personality was a more defining factor than her Down Syndrome ...

This link was previously posted in 'Arts news':

• First-time playwright brings his experiences with Down syndrome to the stage

Winter Sports with Special Olympics Australia

Home from a very successful 2017 Winter Olympics in Austria, Special Olympics Australia is calling for expressions of interest from both participant athletes and volunteers in its Winter Sports Program of participant and development camps in skiing and snow boarding:

'Special Olympics Australia Wintersports program is a national program whereby we provide athletes with the opportunity to learn to ski / snowboard as well as train and compete in alpine skiing and snowboarding competitions.'

All details about the camps, including dates, locations and costs are available on the webpage, which also has links to media and photos from Austria last month.

My Perspective: reminder

Today's reminder is for entries to the 2017 My Perspective Photography Competition, run by the Down's Syndrome Association in London.

Entries close 28 April 2017

Entries are invited from photographers with Down syndrome worldwide.

Reminder: 9 pm tonight

You Can't Ask That, ABC TV 9 pm tonight: the episode where people with Down syndrome answer the questions.

People with Down Syndrome are often faced with a world that believes they don't have much to contribute. Tonight, #YouCantAskThat gives them a chance to speak for themselves.

Well worth watching. Or later on iView.

You Can't Ask That: reminder of series return tomorrow, ABC TV

Several people with Down syndrome will appear in the new series series:

You Can't Ask That returns for a second season of life-affirming, insightful, hilarious and refreshingly inappropriate television. 

... You Can't Ask That asks groups of misunderstood, judged or marginalised Australians the awkward, inappropriate or uncomfortable questions you've always wanted to know the answers to, but have always been too afraid to ask.

You Can't Ask That Series 2 starts on ABC TV 1, 9.30 pm Thursday 6 April 2017 and will be on iView (Episode 1, Blind People, is available now).

People with Down syndrome

Ben and Co’s inspiring story to fill gap in community

Gearja Ryan, The Daily Examiner, 27 March 2017

Ben Hunter beams as he bakes and sells an impressive range of muffins, biscuits and slices at local markets. The 20-year-old, who is non-verbal and has Down syndrome, develops his produce in his own commercial kitchen, with his NDIS support workers, Sarah and Nandi, and his mum, Carolyn ...

This teenager with Down's syndrome addressed the UN in Geneva

News Beat (BBC), 22 March 2017
A teenager with Down's syndrome has addressed the United Nations in Geneva to call for more equality. Kathleen Humberstone spoke out against discrimination during the event marking World Down's syndrome day ...

• Link to Olivia Hargroder's address to the UN in New York (previously posted in Weekend reading: 25 - 26 March 2017)

In My Own Words: Miles Evans
People with Down Syndrome, 8 March 2017
Miles Evans has won numerous awards for his photography, and has presented his work at shows. He also sells his framed photos and photocards. For Down Syndrome Awareness month this year, proceeds from his sales went to benefit the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and the National Association for Down Syndrome ...

Down's Syndrome woman to present weather on French TV after winning hearts

Oliver Gee, The Local, 3 March 2017
Mélanie's dream has always been to be a weather presenter on TV - and that dream is about to become a reality after her social media campaign went viral ...

Born With Down Syndrome, Shy Teen Competes In Bodybuilding
Joanne Kimberlin, The Virginian-Pilot/TNS, 27 February 2017
Life hasn’t been easy for Jon Atkins. Born with Down syndrome, he deals with a lot of just-can’t-dos. It took years to learn to count to 10. At 19, he’s able to read 30 or so words. Fine motor skills — buttoning a shirt — remain frustrating.

But Jon is no quitter, and he’s found something he’s pretty good at: bodybuilding ...

We have posted an earlier link to an article about Kaleigh William's half-marathon. It is good to see it featured in Runners' World as well:

Runner With Down Syndrome Dances Her Way Through Half Marathon Finish Line
Heather Mayer Irvine,  Runners' World, 24 February 2017
The course had been packed up for hours. Most spectators were long gone. Every single half marathoner had collected his or her race medal and headed to a celebratory brunch. All but one.

Kayleigh Williamson, 26, crossed the Austin Half Marathon Finish Line in 6:22:56, making her the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Texas race.

“I kept going,” Williamson told Runner’s World by phone. “[When] I hit the finish line I was proud of myself. My friend got me pretty nice flowers.

About Down's Syndrome : Daniel

Down's Syndrome Association (UK)

My name is Daniel. I want to tell you about my Duke of Edinburgh Silver award ...

We Can
Same but Different

A UK photography project that aims '... to promote greater awareness of the huge amounts that can be achieved by adults with learning difficulties and children with complex needs. In the “We can. ...” project we will use photography to capture powerful images, video’s and written pieces to tell their stories. 

Two people with Down syndrome are included so far:  Mark and Kate

Targeted clerical position for person with intellectual disability: NSW Ombudsman's office

This position is currently advertised on the NSW Government 'Work for NSW' website. Please share:

NSW Ombudsman - Human Services Branch

Targeted position for person with intellectual disability
Administrative Officer, Clerk Grade 1/2, Part-time 2 days per week, Community Services Division, NSW Ombudsman

Sydney Region / Sydney City

Salary Range: $24,061 to $26,158 (package includes salary, employer superannuation and annual leave loading)

Role: To provide administrative help and support including data entry, typing, filing, photocopying, and other jobs that the Community Services Division needs help with to do their work.

• All details about the job and how to apply

Inclusive Research Network is looking for new members

The Centre for Disability Studies at Sydney University is calling for new members of the Inclusive Research Network:

Inclusive Research is about people with intellectual disabilities doing research, not having research done on them. 

Our motto is “Nothing about us without us.”

Are you a person with an intellectual disability who has ideas or thoughts about what’s important? 

We are the CDS Inclusive Research Network! 

We are looking for new members, and we meet once a month at CDS, Camperdown.

• See more details here.

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations joins calls for Royal Commission into abuse of people with disability

Following last night's harrowing episode of Four Corners, with its expose of abuse of people in care, Down Syndrome Australia once again reiterates its strong support for a Royal Commission into the abuse of people with disabilities.

• The 4 Corners episode Fighting the System is available on ABC iView until 26 April 2017

• Royal Commission Now petition

AFDO media release 28 March 2017:

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) today joined calls from across the disability sector for a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect experienced by Australians with disability.

Last night’s Four Corners investigative report exposed harrowing tales of the abuse and assault of people with disability living in specialist disability accommodation. The episode highlighted not only individual cases of violence and assault but also the woefully inadequate system responses when incidents came to light.

The Chief Executive Officer of AFDO, Mr Ross Joyce, said that while last night’s stories were heartbreaking, they were sadly not shocking for anyone familiar with the disability system.

World Down Syndrome Day media

It is still World Down Syndrome Day in the western hemisphere ... here are some more examples of media attention to the 2017 campaign:

Camille is the light of her workplace

The Morning Show, 21 March 2017

UK photographer Oliver Hellowell aims to demonstrate that 
Down syndrome is something to be celebrated and valued, 
through his poster created for World Down Syndrome Day 2017

World Down Syndrome Day 2017 - #MyVoiceMyCommunity

Down Syndrome International presents a global video journey promoting inclusion of people with Down syndrome. "My Voice, My Community" features videos of people with Down syndrome, among their friends and peers. They talk about how it is important for their voices to be heard, as equal citizens of their countries and they encourage their governments to listen to their concerns.



This is Us - Down Syndrome Ireland, 2017

#World Down Syndrome Day 2017 – Day 21

This year Down Syndrome Australia is celebrating #MyVoiceMyCommunity with the international Down syndrome community. Join us as we count down to  21 March with 21 stories of inclusion and personal success.

... nine years on, I wish I could go back in time and talk to the terrified mummy I was. I would softly tell myself – it is going to be okay. There is nothing to be scared of. Your daughter will develop her milestones, she will talk and sing, she will have friends, she will love swimming, she will go to mainstream school and be involved in extra-curricular activities, she will have her own personality and talents, she will have a vivid imagination, she will learn independent life skills, and she will bring much joy to your family and others around you. You will love her ... read the whole story here.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. We hope you have enjoyed the stories and photos we have been sharing as much as we have. Visit this page to see and share all 21 stories.

Want to join the #notspecialneeds campaign for World Down Syndrome Day 2017?

The CoorDown Italy collaborative video 'Not Special Needs' released late last week, has been enthusiastically received around the world, especially for its use of humour to make the point about universal human needs.

Do you have a favourite scene? The guy swaggering down the supermarket aisle in a full suit of armour is popular!

You can join in the #notspecialneeds social media campaign with Down Syndrome Australia, one of the international collaborators:

Write your poster, take a photo of you holding your poster and send it to the DSA Facebook page as a message to share on the Down syndrome Australia website, Facebook and Twitter. 

Here is what you put on your poster:

"I need ..........

Is that special? 

#notspecialneeds"

Visit the DSA Facebook page to see the posters already shared.

#notspecilaneeds ! World Down Syndrome Day video's important message

Starting with Julius

The 2017 World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD17) video campaign created by Publicis NY for CoorDown, Italy and with the participation of other Down syndrome organisations, including Down Syndrome Australia, is a powerful example of how inclusive and authentic representation of people with disability in mainstream media can help change cultural attitudes and assumptions to disability – even subconscious attitudes predicated on the well-meaning euphemism “special needs” ...

Watch the best short movie of the year

Maeriah Nicholl, Living with a Little Moxie, 17 March 2017

#NotSpecialNeeds just came out in time for World Down Syndrome Day and it is my favorite short of 2017.

... Main points from the #NotSpecialNeeds campaign are:

• People with Down syndrome have human needs; not special
• Accommodation for disability isn’t a “special need”
• The words “special needs” segregates, excludes and stigmatizes; it’s not by and for people with disabilities (who largely consider “special needs” to be patronizing and condescending) ...