What is it?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 700 babies born worldwide and it just so happens that Down Syndrome awareness month is in March! This condition, also known as trisomy 21, occurs when an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. The extra genetic material results in physical and intellectual challenges such as heart issues, vision problems, and developmental delays.
The exact cause of this chromosomal anomaly isn’t fully understood, but it can occur due to errors in cell division either before conception or during early fetal development. Factors like maternal age (having children after age 35) can slightly increase the risk, but Down syndrome can happen to parents of any age. Not everyone with Down syndrome experiences the same challenges or the same level of challenge. While Down syndrome can present unique obstacles, people with this condition lead fulfilling lives with the right support and interventions.
Down syndrome and society
Unfortunately, individuals that have Down syndrome face an especially difficult challenge: dealing with society. As many us of know, these individuals have faced barriers and misconceptions leading to them having to work harder to prove themselves worthy and capable of being contributing members to society.
One of the most common misconceptions about Down syndrome is that individuals with the condition are incapable of leading independent lives or achieving personal milestones. While individuals with Down syndrome may experience developmental delays, they can still learn, work, and engage in social activities. With early intervention, education, and support, many people with Down syndrome develop skills that allow them to live independently or semi-independently as adults. Another misconception is that all individuals with Down syndrome have the same level of intellectual disability. In reality, the cognitive abilities of individuals with Down syndrome vary widely, with some achieving high levels of academic and social success. Dispelling these misconceptions is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance in society, as well as for empowering individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential. With the rise of documentaries and shows (such as Netflix’s Down for Love and Prime Video’s Born this Way) about those with Down syndrome the general public has had the chance to see firsthand that Down syndrome is just a unique anomaly and that differences should be celebrated and encouraged.
For Hispanic communities Down syndrome is something that is important because Hispanic women are more likely to have children with Down syndrome compared to other races and ethnicities. However, we have many organizations that can help our community better support our families with children that have Down syndrome. The National Coalition for Latinxs with 
Disabilities for example do a lot of work to destigmatize disabilities and give advocacy to our disabled community members. Locally in Gainesville if you ever need resources or help navigating parenting a child with different abilities you can check out Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, the Florida Department of Health – Down Syndrome Resources, and UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). It is so important to seek resources and get educated about disabilities, specifically Down syndrome because that is how we change how our culture sees it. In our Hispanic culture we often have stigma that Down syndrome is a curse, a punishment, or something that is shameful. This cannot be further from the truth. Down syndrome is just a natural difference that happens. Life can be difficult with those with Down syndrome not because of the down syndrome but because of how people treat them. Let’s uplift them instead of tear them down!
How can we lead change?
Being inclusive to individuals with Down syndrome involves creating an environment where they are respected, valued, and given equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life. One way to support them is by promoting inclusive education, where children with Down syndrome are integrated into mainstream classrooms and encouraged to interact with peers, fostering socialization, and learning. In the workplace, provide reasonable accommodations and offer training on disability awareness will help create supportive, accessible environments. Additionally,
families, friends, and communities can offer emotional support, advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, and ensure that they have access to necessary healthcare, therapy, and recreational activities. Often times we may be the witnesses of people putting down those with Down syndrome, making “jokes” about them, and furthering incorrect stereotypes. Our job is to be educated and speak up. By fostering empathy, promoting inclusive practices, and breaking down stereotypes, we can empower individuals with Down syndrome to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.