The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. worked hand in hand with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Center for Inclusive Education and Best Buddies Benilde to raise the bar for a more accepting community for persons with Down Syndrome (DS).
DSAPI President Luis Harder explained the reality of the genetic disorder before a crowd of young student-advocates. He highlighted the fact that anyone is vulnerable, as one out of 800 babies from all over the world is at risk of being born with DS.
“While most of us have 46 chromosomes, 23 from the mother and 23 from the father, persons with DS have 47, which was caused by the third copy of the 21st chromosome,” he expounded. “Unfortunately, 50 percent of these babies are also born with heart diseases and other conditions such as hypotonia or poor muscle tone, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, blood disorder, vision problems, hearing loss, and infections that require medical intervention.”
Harder, father to Adeline Lois, his 8-year-old girl with DS, observed that some of the early manifestations are learning disability and developmental delay.
He shared, “Children, including my Adeline, need parents and families who are proud of them and love them unconditionally. Aside from people with DS, others with special needs such as autism also deserve to be given a chance to have a life and be a part of the population.”
The doting dad noted it is best to remain patient when conversing with them. “Do not make fun of them. Talk to them slowly and they will be able to comprehend. They are sweet and they love to hug. When you engage them in a conversation, expect that they will respond affectionately.”
He also added that it is important to listen to them carefully as they, when given a chance, can really communicate well.
He reiterated that immersion is very important in improving their condition as it hones their comprehension, communication skills, and social relationships.
Harder shared, 23-year-old Renz Alquiroz, a person with DS, who presently works at Harder’s company, Wings Technology Enterprise, Inc., began interacting with people and has since showed vast development.
Currently, aside from WTEI, various companies from different industries have opened career opportunities for those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
However, despite wider acceptance, Harder lamented that many still use offensive nicknames. He joined the campaign initiated by CIE and BBB, “an organization that advocates one-to-one friendships with kids with disabilities,” to invite the youth to sign a petition to end the “R” word, a pledge that aims to drop titles such as “retard.”
“Such words are improper. What do we call them? People with Down Syndrome. They are cheerful, nice, loving, and they do not deserve this treatment,” he asserted.