Today, the 21st of March, is World Down Syndrome Day. Scientifically speaking, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder also known as ‘Trisomy 21’. It is due to the presence of a third copy of the chromosome 21 (There are 23 chromosomes in a human nucleus and these chromosomes are numbered). Studies suggest that it occurs purely due to chance and is not affected by the health, behavior or environment of the parents. Trisomy 21 can be identified during pregnancy by a prenatal screening where cell-free placental DNA present in maternal blood is used.
Children with Down syndrome have a slow physical and mental growth rate, hearing and vision disorders, congenital heart diseases which can be fatal, thyroid problems, and a higher probability of developing cancer. The effects of these conditions vary from child to child. While some individuals have difficulty in learning and communication, others can work to obtain certain diplomas and can even be good dancers and singers.
Down syndrome cannot be cured but there are various treatments and therapies for children affected with Down syndrome in order to allow them to lead a higher quality of life. It is easy to understand that these children need more care than others as they require treatments based on their individual physical and intellectual strengths and limitations. Also they require the attention of health professionals as they are more prone to heart and thyroid related diseases. Since most parents are unable to provide the required care for their children with Down syndrome, there are institutions whose sole aim is to provide a better life for these affected children. Amongst such institutions in Sri Lanka are Diridaru Piyasa, Asha Shiffa, Madiwela home, RCCI special needs home and Chitra Lane.
Talent does not impose ostracism and shines wherever it is available and Down syndrome is no worthy opponent in concealing the talent that lies within these children. They are shining stars in their own special way. World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations 2020 was an event organized by the Rotaract District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives, on the 7th of March, 2020, to allow children with special needs to show their talents and socialize with others in such institutions as well as with the Rotaractors present for the occasion. The creative sensibilities of these children shone as bright as ever and it highlighted the fact that no obstacle is strong enough to create a dent in talent.
Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana conducted a medical session to remind them on what to eat to stay healthy, how to take care of oneself, how to not allow an offending person to take sexual advantages of them, and continually elaborated the importance of oneself. During her session, she asked for volunteers to perform a song for the audience and several hands shot up, and many were enthusiastic to share their talents with us. They were not hesitant to showcase their talents. While performing on stage during the variety show, they did not have stage fright. They performed their acts with smiles on their faces.
This event added smiles to their faces as well as to those of their parents, teachers and organizers. Such occasions enable them to experience life. Having a day reserved for them reminds us that there are those among us who just require a tad bit more care and attention. Being differently abled is not a disability. At the end of the day, they are just like all of us but may require a bit more care. They too are a valuable asset to society and it is our duty to not shun them away by imposing limitations on them but to help them break boundaries and live their lives to the fullest.
–Written by Rtr.Niromi Dabarera–
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