Downs With Ups

My partner and I were once again discussing secondary school options for Poppet for next year.  Whilst we were tidying up after dinner, I relayed the conversation I’d had earlier that day with an education specialist for children with Down syndrome.  One of the main points I picked up from her was that, apparently children with Down syndrome, who complete their secondary schooling in a mainstream environment usually do ‘better’ as adults, than children who’ve attended special schools or special development schools.

As we spoke, my partner and I tried to imagine the future to understand what Poppet’s life would be like in another six years.  What would her options be then?  Would she go on to study at TAFE?  Be able to hold down a regular job in the ‘real world’?  Would she need to attend special day programs?  What will her contribution be to society exactly?  What will her level of independence be?

Of course, we didn’t have the answer to any of these questions and yet felt compelled to map out an imaginary future for her so that we could make the best decision about her secondary schooling.

“If only we knew what it will be like for her,” I said somewhat frustrated with the pressure I felt.

“Well we know a lot now compared to six years ago when we decided to send her to a mainstream primary school, don’t we?” my partner said as he wiped down the kitchen bench.

“Which reminds me, did you see that video made for a new mum expecting a baby with Down syndrome?”

“No,” I replied, wondering how I’d missed something so poignant.

“Where did I see it?  Was it on YouTube?  No, it was on the late news last night.”

“I hope it’s on YouTube.  I’ll get my laptop,” I said, leaving the kitchen.

“Google, ‘new mum baby Down syndrome’,” he called out to me.  “You’ll cry.  I did.”

I grabbed a couple of tissues and stuffed them in my pocket then took my laptop into the lounge and sat down on the couch.  After a quick Google search, I discovered the video on YouTube.

Feeling mildly anxious that what I was about to watch would bring to the surface many demons of sadness, I clicked on the link.  I had to get past the American spelling of ‘mom’ at the start and that it was being spoken in different languages but once I’d adjusted to these anomalies, I was transfixed and able to take in the message, relating it to my own circumstances.

Saatchi and Saatchi, a global advertising company on behalf of the Italian association for people with Down syndrome, put the video together.  It was released in time for World Down Syndrome Day and features people with Down syndrome from all over Europe.

I did cry a little, but it wasn’t until the end when clips of the mothers were included in the video.  The message was clear: people with Down syndrome do have a happy and productive future to which to look forward.  Whichever school we choose for Poppet, she’ll still be able to lead a full life.

I hope you take a moment to watch it, (you may need a tissue too) and please pass on the link to other people you know so that they too can learn from the message.  Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU .