Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Individuals with Down syndrome are born with this conditions. Down syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, developmental delays, and may be associated with thyroid or heart disease. Early intervention programs with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child's specific situation are helpful in managing Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome possess varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very midl to severe.
Down syndrome is especially looked at as a disability within society, as those with Down syndrome are very set apart from a "typical individual." However, there are many judgements and negative beliefs about Down syndrome, some of those being: people with Down syndrome cannot be active members of their community, segregated special education programs are the only option for students with Down syndrome, and adults with Down syndrome are unemployable. These statements are often associated with those with Down syndrome, however this is not the case. People with Down syndrome are active participants in educational, social and recreational activities. They are included in the typical education system and take part in sports, music, art programs and any other activities in the community. People with Down syndrome are also valued members of their families and communities, and make meaningful contributions to society. Students with Down syndrome are included in typical academic classrooms in schools across the country. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in social and educational settings. Sometimes students with Down syndrome are included in specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the typical classroom for all subjects. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with diplomas, and participate in postsecondary academic and college programs. Businesses employ adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions – in banks, corporations, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and the computer industry, to name a few. Like anybody else, people with Down syndrome want to have a job where their work will be valued.
Many people believe those with Down syndrome won't have a normal life, and their differences are so set apart from society. However, individuals with Down syndrome are perfectly capable of having a normal life. I know an individual with Down syndrome, named Nathan, who is very good friends with my boyfriend. My boyfriend's sister works with individuals with mental disabilities, and works with Nathan. She helps him to go about daily life so that he can live on his own and support himself. I have met Nathan, and he is one of the most kindhearted, amazing people that I have ever met. Everyone knows and loves Nathan, and walking down the street, everyone knows who he is. That is more than most of those with a "normal" life could even ask for, in my opinion. Though Nathan still needs assistance for many daily activities that the majority of people don't have a problem with, he still leads a "normal" life. He works at Domino's Pizza, and is surrounded by those who love and care for him.
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