World Down Syndrome Awareness Day

With Us, Not For Us

Today is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and the theme is With Us, Not For Us. The theme may sound a bit odd until you think of how we might unconsciously "other" those with Down Syndrome.  According to Down Syndrome International: 
"The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability. DSi is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people with disability were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support." 

Did you know that children born with this syndrome usually lead full, healthy lives averaging 60 years? In spite of that fact, since the pre-natal screening for birth deformities has been available, many mothers with a positive test result are aborting their babies. The screeing is only 85% accurate, leading to false positives.  We personally know of a few moms who were told that their baby would have Down Syndrome.  They rejected the idea of abortion and their babies were born perfectly fine.  

Here at Aspire, we salute the moms and dads of Down Syndrome children and pray for our society to see ALL of God's children for what their are: a blessing from God Himself.  

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