People with Down Syndrome have always existed, with the first historical case discovered over 5000 years ago. In the 19th century the genetic disorder was named, and soon afterwards, the medical cause of the condition was uncovered; an extra chromosome on the 21st pair.
Nowadays, Down Syndrome is widely known and researched. Inclusion has progressed in the last decade, and young people with Down Syndrome usually move through their schooling years alongside their non-disabled peers. They work, create their own families, and live longer lives.
But those with Down Syndrome still face barriers today. The ongoing journey towards inclusivity, in every part of our modern society, calls for us to question our own assumptions on the capabilities of people with Down Syndrome.
It’s about confidence and opportunity, and how they intertwine.
Research shows that we are largely affected by social and environmental influences during childhood development. As we grow and learn, we begin to make our own decisions, choose the spaces we want to exist in, take advantage of social opportunities and build our own personalities.
This progression is just as vital for people living with Down Syndrome. Learning how to make decisions and take control of social and contextual environments is powerful, but many people with Down Syndrome are restricted from participating and decision-making. These factors are crucial in developing personal confidence and security, which in turn has a strong effect on competency and independence. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy; limiting someone’s sense of self, their confidence, limits their capacity to achieve.
People with Down Syndrome are passionate, kind and have a great sense of humour. They are headstrong and friendly, but face many assumptions in their daily lives – assumptions about what they can do, who they can be, and how they’re meant to live. On Global World Down Syndrome Day, Canadian agency Coordown released a promotional video called “ASSUME THAT I CAN” to rebel against assumptions that limit the movement and ability for a person with Down Syndrome to exist in society.
“If we have positive assumptions about people with Down syndrome, we'll give them more opportunities in their schools, workplaces, relationships and activities.”
In the video, a young woman with Down Syndrome orders an alcoholic drink at a bar, but is given a soft drink instead. The bartender made the assumption that she shouldn’t have alcohol, therefore limiting her choice and opportunity. In another case, parents of the young woman with Down Syndrome assume that she can’t live independently, so she doesn’t know that she can. The assumptions affect her confidence and the ability to see herself in potential futures.
People with Down Syndrome are gaining more and more representation worldwide by actively participating in roles that were once restricted. Spain elected the first Member of Parliament with Down Syndrome, Mar Galcerán, and Sofia Jirau became the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down Syndrome.
As more opportunities are created, and there is more Down Syndrome representation, our society progresses towards a more inclusive, diverse future. People with Down Syndrome see what they can aim for and achieve.
If we believe that people with Down Syndrome can do anything, then we encourage them to exist without limits.
23 April 2024
What is Down Syndrome? People with Down Syndrome have always existed, with the first historical case discovered over 5000 years ago. In the 19th century the genetic disorder was named, and soon afterwards, the medical cause of the condition was uncovered; an extra chromosome on the 21st pair. Nowadays, Down Syndrome is widely known and […]
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3 April 2024
Adrian, a Supported Employee at OC Connections Enterprises, has recently achieved his long-term goal! With the encouragement of his sister, Support Coordinator, and carers in his Specialist Disability Accommodation, Adrian booked an amazing trip to Illawarra. The holiday program, facilitated by Clubmates, included an incredible opportunity to ride in a helicopter and visit the largest […]
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25 March 2024
OC Connections has taken a big step towards online accessibility for those with disabilities, visual impairments, learning difficulties, and those who speak English as a second language.
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24 February 2024
For 50 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been a loyal supporter of OC Connections. Previous owner Jim Boucher, and his wife Lorna, built the partnership with OC Connections (which at the time was called the Oakleigh Centre) to engage and bolster fundraising efforts in the local community. Neil and Neal (the two Neil’s) purchased […]
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12 February 2024
For this blog, we will be using “neurodiversity” to describe: – autism– ADHD– intellectual and developmental disorders– Downs Syndrome– and psychiatric disorders Employment is an important part of people’s lives. You get paid for your work, you contribute to the community, and you can make friends. People living with disabilities face barriers to employment, but […]
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30 January 2024
Meet Mark! He’s one of our newest residents in Supported Independent Living. Mark’s journey into independent living started a month before he moved in. Jane, General Manager of Community Living, and Delwin had several meetings with Mark and his family to make sure this was the right move for him. They also hosted familiarisation meetings […]
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22 January 2024
Although the reality of our declining environment has been known for many years, strong governmental, global action has only recently been pushed to urgency. As politicians debated whether climate change was real, local enterprises and grassroots organisations started looking for fresh opportunities to support their communities by reducing landfill and pollution. Grassroots organisations and social […]
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20 January 2024
An estimated 80% of autistic women are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women and girls seeking autism diagnoses are speaking up and advocating for appropriate support. They’re re-writing what autism means to build a more inclusive, diverse community. Our understanding of autism and how it differs from person to person is growing, and the healthcare system needs […]
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20 January 2024
80% of autistic women don’t have an autism diagnosis. Women and girls are speaking out about diagnosis and how medical support would better their lives. They are changing what autism means, so we can build a more inclusive community where everyone gets the help they need. Autistic traits differ from person to person and we […]
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OC Connections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of this nation. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and future.
OC Connections respects Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their contribution to our society.
