World Down Syndrome Day: A Call For Equal Opportunities

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BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - Today, March 21, World Down Syndrome Day is being observed globally, and increased focus is being placed on the need for equal opportunities for persons who have the disorder.

This year, the theme for the observance is ‘Leave no one behind’, and Supervisor of the Disability Services Unit, Ms. Lorna Dawson is emphasising the need for more to be done to improve the lives of persons with Down Syndrome, such as legislation that mandates equal opportunities.

There are seventeen known persons with Down Syndrome in the BVI.

According to Ms. Dawson, what is needed are “…Policies and legislation that would ensure equal opportunities for them, especially in the areas of schooling and employment,” as well as, “Support in the form of special education teachers and aides upon entry to school.”

She also stressed the need for “Easier access to specialised services as early as possible.” These services include speech and language, and occupational therapy.

According to Ms. Dawson, “Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material changes the course of development and may cause the characteristics that are often seen in persons with DS.”

Among the common traits of persons with Down Syndrome she listed are low muscle tone; often double jointed; short stature; an upward slant to the eyes; and a wide space between the first and second toes.

“They often have health challenges including heart conditions and vision problems,” she added.

The Supervisor provided statistics for the persons with the disorder here in the BVI.

Of the 17 known cases, ten of these are males, while seven are females. One is in pre-school, seven are school-aged and nine of them are adults.

She however noted, “This information is based solely on what is available to us at Social Development Department. There are likely to be more persons in the community with Down Syndrome that we are not yet aware of.”

She reminded that there are service options for persons with the disorder.

“Speech and language therapy and physical therapy are available through public and private providers. Additionally, Social Development Department through its Disability Services Division provides developmental therapy which includes helping clients to develop fine and gross motor skills, language, cognitive and social skills,” she explained.

Additionally, she noted, “Adults can attend BVI Services, which is a day programme for adults with disabilities. They continue working on the skills previously mentioned, but greater emphasis is placed on independent living skills and preparation for employment.”

While the programme has been making a positive impact on the lives of the persons with Down Syndrome, Ms. Dawson noted that there are still battles they face in society, such discrimination.

“Some persons in the community are afraid to interact with them, they are often not included in social activities with their peers, they have challenges with finding employment,” she lamented.

These coupled with the health challenges they face, such as heart defects, hearing loss and visual problems, can make their lives more difficult, and as such, she said there is great need for more opportunities to be created for them.

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