"No disability or dictionary out there is capable of clearly defining who we are as a person."
Every year March 21 is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day and today we celebrated this day in our school. It's interesting because the day represents the syndrome itself since Down Syndrome is caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome and the 21st day of the third month indicates it. All the students and teachers were present at the school assembly. The program started with the recitation of The Holy Quran. The students from grade 9 explained the syndrome in both English and Dhivehi.
This day gives people with Down Syndrome and their advocates a voice and an
opportunity to be heard. The wider theme of this year’s event was “We Decide” inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it focuses on the right of participation for those living with Down Syndrome. This syndrome occurs due to a chromosomal mutation. Mutation occurs when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way that the genetic message carried by that gene gets altered.
The easiest example for a mutation can be that of The Hulk. Bruce Banner’s DNA reassembles after gamma radiation blast, it did so sloppily, inadvertently inserting a series of “epigenetic switches” that would turn certain genes on or off based on external factors. In this case, of course, whether or not one would do something bad enough to make him angry. Down Syndrome is something like that but more realistic!
The most serious complications of Down Syndrome include heart defects, blood
disorders that can include cancer, and immune system
disorders. Approximately half of all babies with Down Syndrome are often born
with repairable heart defects.
Today, the average lifespan of a person with Down Syndrome is approximately 60
years. However, in 1983, the average lifespan of a person with Down Syndrome was
25 years. The dramatic increase to 60 years is largely due to the end of the inhumane
practice of institutionalizing people with Down Syndrome. We know that people are so scared of Down Syndrome that they terminate
the kids with Down Syndrome.
And we as a society have failed by not providing people with Down Syndrome work, not helping them create independent lives, and not letting them
have meaningful relationships. Today Down Syndrome is the least funded major genetic condition.
Although the chance of having a child with Down syndrome increases with the age
of the mother, anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome. On this occasion, let us take an oath to change the
way the world sees us instead of trying to change the way we see the world. It is important for us all to love people for who they
are and what they can do, not on the basis of what they are not.
And let's hope for more welcoming, accepting, and loving individuals in
a more welcoming, accepting, and loving world.
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