It’s incredible how the perception of people with Down Syndrome has changed. In honor of the 11th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, a PSA featuring Olivia Wilde is circulating Social Media with the message of how people with this disability see themselves.
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The video was launched by an Italian organization called CoorDown, where it tells the story of AnnaRose, a 19 year old New Jersey college student with Down Syndrome, who is just like everyone else. This year’s theme is #MyFriendsMyCommunity, which focuses on showing how people with Down Syndrome are important members of society. See the video below:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhCEoL1pics&w=560&h=315]
In an interview with the Washington Post, AnnaRose says how people are surprised to learn that she goes to college, that she dates, competes in sports and even has a job. This makes her feel sad and disappointed, like she’s not treated with respect. She graduated from high school last year, with honors and a 3.68 grade point average.
People with Down Syndrome are smart individuals that for many years have shielded from society. Over the last couple of decades, their IQ’s have increased by 20 points, the majority of them can read and write and many are graduating from college. People with Down Syndrome used to have an average life expectancy of just 28 years old back in the 80’s, but now they’re living up to their 60’s.
