Woman shatters stereotypes about Down syndrome
November 5th, 2009![Abby Loy, photo from the [Howell, MI] Daily Press & Argus](http://www.patriciaebauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2009.11.05_abby-loy.jpg "Abby Loy, photo from the [Howell, MI] Daily Press & Argus")
From the [Howell, MI] Daily Press & Argus:
Nineteen-year-old Abby Loy, who has Down syndrome, is a high school graduate and community college student, and has lobbied Congress. She has been touring her region in recent weeks to give oral presentations about Down syndrome to government and education groups, saying the disorder has not stopped her from living a happy life.
Her presentation is meant to bring awareness and break stereotypes about people with Down syndrome.
University of Michigan professor Jenny Christner said a class of second-year medical students “fell in love with Abby,” and most called her presentation their favorite aspect of the class.
“She’s just adorable and really able to connect to people really well,” Christner said. “I thought it was a very powerful presentation to hear everything she has done.”
… What Abby Loy has been able to accomplish despite having a disability has not been easy. LuAnn Loy said she and her husband had to push for their daughter’s rights and and believe in her potential when no one else would.
LuAnn Loy said she refused to allow her daughter to be segregated from general-education classes and took on much of the responsibility in teaching her daughter to read.
(Photo of Abby Loy with niece Mya Loy from the [Howell, MI] Daily Press & Argus)
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on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 5:09 pm and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, advocacy, stereotypes.
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December 11th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
It is inspiring to see the success a person with Down syndrome can have if given the chance. It is important to spread the word that the disorder does not prevent people from enjoying life and being successful. Due to the disorder’s negative stigma, many parents react with horror at the news that their child will have Down syndrome; in fact, there is an abortion rate of roughly 90% for those diagnosed with the disorder. It is also saddening that Abby’s mother had to fight so hard for classroom integration. Not every family has the resources to do so, leaving many children with Down syndrome without the education they are entitled to.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
This is great! Thanks Abby for spreading awareness. your strength and wisdom will touch many lives!
November 5th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
That’s my hometown! You never saw kids with disabilities in school when I was growing up in this area. What a great article!