Daily Times

Predominant glooms of pandemic COVID 19 shadowed the celebrations of world Downs syndrome day at Geneva and worldwide. In December 2011, General Assembly of United Nations declared 21 march as world Downs’ syndrome day and since 2012, this day is celebrated worldwide to appreciate the company of the most loving and cheerful people around. People wear colorful stockings on this day to appreciate the colors these kids bring to our otherwise monotonous world. This year’s theme for world Downs syndrome day was “we decide”. Themed against the basic ideology of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, it meant that they should be made a part of all decision-making process related to their lives.

Although people have not been able to celebrate in social events but social networking sites have given powerful platforms to share joys and positivity in an otherwise stressful environment. A very dear Facebook friend; John Franklin Stephens, a self-advocate for Downs Syndrome, wrote on his page “It’s World Down Syndrome Day in the year of Covid19 and I am not performing or speaking anywhere for the first time in 15 years.”But along with this statement, he shared a video of himself, trying to learn to surf and wrote; “I thought I would share some comic relief.” What an amazing way to bring relief in a tense situation.

Those, who are connected with persons with Downs syndrome know that each moment with these bundles of joy and love is so precious and invigorating. They are not only a joyful company; they are also very empathetic and supportive. I remember mother of an adult with Downs’ syndrome telling me that on his birth doctors said that he will require parental support throughout life. But instead, now that his brothers have settled down abroad, he is the only offspring taking care of elderly parents, giving them medications regularly and facilitating them in independent living.

During an interview Yvonne Pierre,mother of a boy with special needs, was asked that why she considers herself as blessed on having a child with Downs’ Syndrome. Her beautiful reply was; ” My outlook on life has forever changed. I see my own challenges differently. He’s always showing me that life is so much bigger than self.”

Recently there has been a very upsetting statement being streamedon media about having children with special needs. Although, this controversy ended with an apology note by the person, but those few hours did hurt all those related to persons with special needs.Over the years, I have experienced that parents of special children are not ordinary people. They are more compassionate, pure, optimistic, caring and most of all more thankful to their Creator. In s?rat l-a?r?f, Allah Almighty said; “Enter Paradise, [O People of the Elevations]. No fear will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve.” If we observe closely, persons with Downs Syndrome and other intellectual challenges are blessed with this virtue of not having a concern and grief, even in this world. They are the innocent angles of Allah Almighty, who have pure souls. Understandably, the Creator could not have blessed ordinary people with these pure souls. Parents of special children are the chosen ones, whom God entrusted with this responsibility of taking care of these truly SPECIAL children.

A typical human cell contains 46 chromosomes, while in persons with Downs syndrome, there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition is medically called “trisomy 21”. So the date 21 March, symbolizes 3 times 21 or trisomy 21

21 March, with reference to Downs Syndrome, has a symbolic value. A typical human cell contains 46 chromosomes, while in persons with Downs syndrome, there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. This condition is medically called “trisomy 21”. So the date 21 March, symbolizes 3 times 21 or trisomy 21. Persons with Downs syndrome are living in all parts of the world. This most common chromosomal condition exhibits in variable effects on health and learning styles and is also characterizes with specific physical features. Timely and adequate medical and therapeutic interventions along with special education or inclusive education can improve their quality of life and help them in reaching their full potential.

One issue, which is being communicate by the parents of children with Downs Syndrome is successful transition into adulthood. Although special and inclusive education and therapeutic services are gradually improving, especially in big cities. But yet no serious efforts are made to ensure that they successfully transit into productive work force of the country. There are very limited skill training opportunities available for them, even those who receive vocational trainings lack required supported employment opportunities. Internationally, there are examples of alternate certifications or non-degree university programs for them. These certifications and university programs provide them with hands on trainings and internships, followed by job placements. Serious work is required form the govt. to learn from international best practices and adapt them according to social contexts of our country.

Gina McMurchy-Barber, an award-winning Canadian author, once said; “Everyone of us is like the pieces of a puzzle. Each one unique and with our own special place where only we can fit, and without every one of us, the picture wouldn’t be complete.” We need to learn to honor the worth of each individual, respect the rights of others and appreciate the diversity each person brings to the overall scheme of society.

The writer is Director Programs & Projects Rising Sun Education & Welfare Society