World Down Syndrome Day

 

Right now, somewhere in the world, someone with Down Syndrome is sleeping in.

Right now, somewhere in the world, someone with Down Syndrome is getting up and getting ready for work.

Right now, somewhere in the world, someone with Down Syndrome is kissing his wife goodbye as he heads out the door.

Right now, somewhere in the world, someone with Down Syndrome is working hard at a job he loves.

Bigots tell the lie of 'unfulfilled lives.'
Scientists promote the lie of 'unworthy lives.'
Media purposely create prejudice in words, 'suffering their lives.'

Right now, somewhere near you, someone with Down Syndrome is going to school.

Right now, somewhere near you, someone with Down Syndrome is writing an essay.

Right now, somewhere near you, someone with Down Syndrome is giggling about a boy at school.

Right now, somewhere near you, someone with Down Syndrome is dreaming about her graduation.

Doctors tell the lie of hopelessness.
Geneticists use the word 'cure' instead of the word 'genocide.'
Politicians promote abuse by simply cutting funds.

Right now, in a hospital somewhere, a little child with Down Syndrome is being born.

Right now, in a hospital somewhere, a mother smiles knowing her child has been born on World Down Syndrome Day.

Right now, in a hospital somewhere, a father is crying while he holds his little child.

Right now, in a hospital somewhere, a nurse is quietly thinking that they were irresponsible to have this baby.

Right now, in a hospital somewhere two parents, hearts full of love, commit to their child and to changing the world.

Parents speak the truth of love and of hope.
Teachers speak the truth of learning and of hope.
People with Down Syndrome speak the truth about their love of life.

Right now, someone somewhere is committing to fight prejudice and bigotry towards people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

Right now, someone somewhere is committing to create safe spaces in the world for everyone, including those with Down Syndrome and other disabilities, by no longer staying silent, no longer hanging back.

Right now, someone somewhere is committing to make change happen in their heart, in their soul and in their actions. I am. Are you?