The Future For Children With Down Syndrome
The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially. In 1929, the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with Down syndrome to live to age fifty and beyond. In addition to living longer, people with Down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. Many people with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry. As young people with Down syndrome show what they can accomplish with the support of their families, friends and communities, and as they integrate mainstream programs, more and more doors open for others. Now that people with Down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with Down syndrome are receiving greater attention. With assistance from family and caretakers, many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live semi-independently.
We have seen a TV series starring a talented actor with Down syndrome. Two young men have authored a book, Count Us in: Growing up with Down Syndrome, and have impressed audiences around the country at book signings and on talk shows. Honor Thy Son, a fast paced mystery by Lou Shaw, features two characters with Down syndrome who are faithfully portrayed as multidimensional young adults. A young man with Down syndrome was the winner of the 1996 Best Actor honor at Cannes. John C. McGinley, an actor on the popular comedy show Scrubs, has a son with Down syndrome and has become a spokesman for the Buddy Walk, a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for Down syndrome.
Along with these shining examples, thousands of people with Down syndrome across the world are quietly going on with their lives without fame or fanfare. They are transforming their communities by just being there. They have dreams and the determination to reach their goals. They learn in regular classrooms in their neighborhood schools with the children who will one day be their coworkers, neighbors and adult friends. Young adults hold diverse and meaningful jobs, maintain their own households and make significant contributions to their communities every day.
We have seen a TV series starring a talented actor with Down syndrome. Two young men have authored a book, Count Us in: Growing up with Down Syndrome, and have impressed audiences around the country at book signings and on talk shows. Honor Thy Son, a fast paced mystery by Lou Shaw, features two characters with Down syndrome who are faithfully portrayed as multidimensional young adults. A young man with Down syndrome was the winner of the 1996 Best Actor honor at Cannes. John C. McGinley, an actor on the popular comedy show Scrubs, has a son with Down syndrome and has become a spokesman for the Buddy Walk, a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for Down syndrome.
Along with these shining examples, thousands of people with Down syndrome across the world are quietly going on with their lives without fame or fanfare. They are transforming their communities by just being there. They have dreams and the determination to reach their goals. They learn in regular classrooms in their neighborhood schools with the children who will one day be their coworkers, neighbors and adult friends. Young adults hold diverse and meaningful jobs, maintain their own households and make significant contributions to their communities every day.