I have chosen to focus my free inquiry project on students who happen to have Down syndrome. When I was growing up, I attended Highlands Elementary in Cranbrook, BC and we had the only “special education” program in the city. All the kids who needed extra support were bussed to Highlands. I remember helping with programming, spending lunch hours with a friend who had Cerebral Palsy and baking with friends in the “special education” room. It was in Elementary School where I first met a friend with Down syndrome. I’ve actually reconnected with him in the last few years through our local Special Olympics chapter. I have had the privilege of meeting a lot of amazing kids and adults who have Down syndrome. From being a nanny, to working in an adult day program, to being an Education Assistant in SD#5 and with two little girls who are home learners. It is a huge passion of mine that people with Down syndrome have every opportunity possible to reach their full potential. In my opinion, the world is a MUCH better place because people with Down syndrome are here with us.

What is Down syndrome?

Here is a quick little video that is very informative about Down syndrome. If you asked me about the traits that people with Down syndrome possess, here are a few things that would be on the list:

• Contagious smiles
• Determination
• The ability to persevere through challenges
• Bravery
• Loyalty
• Beautiful friendships
• Everyday excitement about the little (& big) things
• The most amazing hugs
• Strength to overcome

Why is it important to learn about Down syndrome?

Down syndrome births used to occur in about 1 in every 600 births. Now, according to Statistics Canada, that number has dropped to as little as 1 in 1100 births. Researchers are attributing the decrease in babies born with Down syndrome to the catastrophic increase in prenatal testing that detects chromosomal “abnormalities” like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) early in pregnancy. Families are offered termination of their baby on average 16 times during their pregnancy and after a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. In fact, some countries have virtually made Down syndrome extinct. I wrote an essay in my English 100 course (there is a link to download below the image of the essay) last year about how the narrative around a Down syndrome diagnosis has to change. Parents deserve better and every baby with Down syndrome deserves to live. You can’t help but ask yourself the question: Why is Down syndrome a terminable disease?

Knowledge is power. I recently sent out some packages in the mail to 10 different maternity groups and midwife offices around the East and West Kootenays. The goals was to educate and equip health care professionals to provide accurate information and avenues of support to families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis. I’m on a mission to talk about Down syndrome as much as I can. My hope is that more people will hear about it and meet some of my amazing friends who happen to have Down syndrome do when a friend of theirs gets a diagnosis, they can be confident to say CONGRATULATIONS! We need more people educated about Down syndrome in our neck of the woods, and all around the world. Will you join me?

Down syndrome Population Fact Sheet

My Free Inquiry Project Outline

For my project I’m going to try and give you some insight into the world of Down syndrome. It’s an wonderful world and I can’t wait to share it with you.

• A Down syndrome diagnosis is not the end… it’s just the beginning of a beautiful adventure
• Down syndrome and learning (sign language, visual schedules, numeracy, literacy)
• Resources (websites, books, programs, DSRF, baskets of love, birth club)
• Down syndrome – inclusive classrooms & home learning
• A series of interviews with some of my friends
• A day in the life of Anneka
• The future of Down syndrome