Three nations, three videos, one message
March 2nd, 2008Three very sweet videos about people with Down syndrome are making the rounds on the Internet. They rely on still photography and share a simple message: People with Down syndrome are people.
From Richard Bailey, a photographer in the UK, a montage of charming color portraits without narration called “Down syndrome - 365.” They’re part of Shifting Perspectives, a traveling exhibit supported by GlaxoSmithKline that will be on display for the next two months at the School of Optometry, Cardiff University.
From Illinois photographer Thomas Balsamo, a video collection of lush black and white portraits called “I have a voice” with production by Bagby and Company and benefiting Gigi’s Playhouse, a non-profit in Illinois.
And from the Nova Scotia [Canada] Down Syndrome Society, a video called “Be.”
The Illinois video is intercut with a narrative. An excerpt:
I am untapped potential
I am not to be underestimated
I am someone who can be happy, funny, sad, goofy, ingenious, creative, loving, talented, delightful, giving, caring, excited, scared, hurt, eager, bright, clever, religious, ambitious, wise, eager, trusting, loyal, in love, talented, devoted, hopeful, intelligent..
I am human
I am just like you…
Of the three, the Nova Scotia video has the most political message. As the photos roll and the word “Belong” flashes repeatedly on the screen, text appears. An excerpt:
In the ’60s, parents were often ‘counseled’ into institutionalizing their child
Today parents are ‘counseled’ into termination
All with good intentions, of course …
Over 90 percent of parents terminate after Down syndrome is diagnosed
Sadly, most parents never talked to someone living with Down syndrome
Or their families
If parents are given that chance
They may decide otherwise
It’s not about pro-abortion
It’s not about pro-life
It’s about pro-humanity
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on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 at 7:09 pm and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, abortion, arts/music, prenatal diagnosis, public attitudes, quality of life, video.
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March 3rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Clip for all – 21-3 – World Down Syndrome Day.
A dad from the Brazilian listserv, Lucio, put together a clip to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day - 21-3 , with different format versions and translations into Portuguese, English and Spanish, to be used by all, if they like to do so, to put on web sites, blogs and even TV - a high quality version for that.
It’s basic but beautiful. A photo in black and white of Lucio’s son, Rodrigo, looking “to the future”, with Bach (copyright free) on guitar playing on the background and the following sayings:
Who cares how many chromosomes you have?…
Who can tell how far you can get?…
Wherever you get…
…aim high enough.
21/3 – World Down Syndrome Day
According to the author, the idea was like an imaginary conversation with this boy, telling him that his destiny is not determined by the amount of chromosomes he has, and telling him to dream and aim high enough. He says the sayings are not directed to teachers, therapists or professionals. It is something he would like to tell every person with DS on the day we celebrate Down syndrome.
You can download the following versions:
1) Version shockwave
Versão em português | English version | Versión en español
2) Version vídeo divX
Versão em português | English version | Versión en español
3) Version vídeo HD 720p (high-definition)
Versão em português
4) Links to use via YouTube
Versão em português | English version | Versión en español
5) Version Power Point (.pps)
Versão em português | English version | Versión en español
6) Version to print (.pdf)
Versão em português | English version | Versión en español
The clip was made by Lucio Carvalho, Rodrigos dad (the boy in the picture), from Brazil, who has given the right to anyone to use it.
All the versions in Portuguese, Spanish and English, are all downloadable on the link below:
http://eu.sou.o.rodrigo.vilabol.uol.com.br/arquivos/versoes.html
Patricia Almeida - Brazil
http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
World Down Syndrome Day 2008 - Aim High Enough