A person with Down syndrome is not a sick person. Down syndrome happens because they have an extra chromosome. But, before anything, they are a person with talents and abilities, just like anyone else. With support, they can learn and grow. They may also have some health problems that need special care.
People with Down syndrome need special health check-ups because the extra chromosome can change how their body works. This can cause some health problems in different parts of their body at any age.
These health programs should help with common health issues, but they should also teach people with Down syndrome about taking care of their own health. This way, they can make choices about their health and live active, happy lives. tr
Having a job is important for all adults, including adults with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome need work to feel active, useful, and part of their community. Working also helps them earn money, make friends, and be a little more independent.
Since 2008, the United Nations has said that people with disabilities have the right to work. This is in Article 27 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. But in many places, people with Down syndrome still have a hard time getting jobs. They often have fewer chances and face problems because some bosses do not believe they can do the work.
In some countries, people with Down syndrome mostly work in special workplaces just for people with disabilities. Only a few get to work in regular jobs with people who do not have disabilities. This is called inclusive employment. When people with Down syndrome work in regular jobs, they often make the workplace better and help coworkers feel closer.
Many Down syndrome groups in Europe and around the world have created programs to help adults with Down syndrome find jobs. The goal of these programs is to help them live more independently and be included in their communities.
The first years of a child’s life are very important for learning and growing. During these early years, children learn basic skills like moving, thinking, speaking, making friends, and doing things on their own. These skills help them learn more in the future.
Children with Down syndrome may take a little more time to learn these things, so it’s good to help them from the very beginning. Early intervention means giving special help as soon as possible after they are born. The sooner we start, the better it is for them.
Early intervention gives special help based on each child’s needs. It focuses on things like speaking, moving, making friends, and thinking. Early intervention might include therapies like:
– Physiotherapy (for moving better)
– Speech therapy (for talking better)
– Occupational therapy (for learning daily skills)
The goal of early intervention is to help kids with Down syndrome grow up happy and prepared for a good life. It helps them learn and grow well, so they can be part of their community and enjoy doing things they love.
People with Down syndrome have the right to make their own choices, just like everyone else. Autonomy means being able to make decisions for yourself and have control over your life. People with Down syndrome should have the chance to make choices that affect their lives, in ways they can understand.
To help people with Down syndrome be more independent, it is important to teach them about their rights and the choices they have. Supporting their independence is about respecting their value and dignity as people. By helping them make their own choices, we can support them to live happy and independent lives.
What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy is when you talk for yourself about what is important to you. It is asking for what you need and sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Why self-advocacy matters
Knowing your rights and what you want is part of self-advocacy. You get to make decisions for your life.
Your goals
The big goal is for you to make your own choices for your life. It’s okay to get help, but you are the one choosing.
Being a good self-advocate
When you are good at self-advocacy, you are in charge. You can make the best choices for your life. It makes you strong. You can speak up and decide for yourself and for other people with Down syndrome.
How to learn self-advocacy
More and more EDSA countries are offering specialisted training in self-advocacy, public speaking and social groups for people with Down syndrome, join these trainings and take control of your own decisions!
European Disability Forum
t.a.v. EDSA Secretariat
Mundo Madou,
Avenue des Arts 7-8
1210 Brussels
Belgium
© EUROPEAN DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION
