‘The upside of Down syndrome’
October 28th, 2009![Carol Boys, [UK] Guardian](http://www.patriciaebauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/2009.10.28_carol-boys1.jpg "Carol Boys, [UK] Guardian")
Writing in the [UK] Guardian, Carol Boys says she supports a woman’s right to choose whether to have a child with a disability, but cherishes her own son with Down syndrome. An excerpt:
Some might say that because I didn’t have a choice when my son Alex was born 25 years ago, I don’t know what it’s like to have to think about termination as an option. Quite frankly, I’m glad that I didn’t have to think about it, because it made it so much easier for me just to accept my son for what he is – a fantastic human being.
… let’s try to be a bit more positive about people with Down’s syndrome. After all, most of them can read and understand what is being written and said about them.
Carol Boys is chief executive of the UK’s Down Syndrome Association.
See also: Women ‘catapulted into the turmoil’ of Down syndrome screening — BBC audio. Boys says women should know more about the system for diagnosing the condition before they are tested.
Related post here.
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October 28th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I think Ms. Boys’ comment (“…let’s try to be a bit more positive about people with Down’s syndrome. After all, most of them can read and understand what is being written and said about them.”) one of the most profound about people with disabilities that I’ve read or heard in a long time. Imagine how people feel when they hear or read others saying they shouldn’t exist or are to be pitied. It makes me shiver.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:02 am
As parents we may write about our younger sons and daughters without realizing that they will probably be able to read what we have written about them in just a few years time. Even the youngest children pick up cues from what they hear and notice as they are growing up. We of all people should be more positive about what we say and write about them. Just like our mainstream children, we treasure them for who they are and not just because we see their potential or accomplishments.
Some children, teens and adults with Down syndrome can certainly be considered to have significant special needs for support, supervision and intervention. Just because most individuals with Down syndrome are not considered to be ‘burdens’ on their families does not mean that those who challenge us with their complicated needs are second class citizens less worthy of our time and effort. They add to our richness of experience and quality of life, too.
People whose mainstream sons and daughters grow up to be dangerous criminals, cheaters, drug addicts or reckless drivers don’t advocate for prison reform, rehab or traffic school because *most* mainstream folks don’t need those services. Our kids with Down syndrome deserve to be respected for their diversity in achievements and accomplishments just like everyone else.
We should be respectful of all people with Down syndrome. Most ‘civilians’ can’t tell the difference between young adults who are successful in high school or college programs and teens who are still struggling to speak or decode written words. We should be the same, for a much different reason. Some babies with Down syndrome have futures that do not shine as bright as most. The world is fortunate to have them in it, too.