Heartwarming Video

I saw this video on someone's blog, and it really warmed my heart. I just love it when people with disabilities just don't make that disability into a major defining trait in their lives. It's kinda an afterthought. They don't view themselves as people with Down syndrome. They view themselves as people who have struggles and trials like the rest of the human species.



But I can't help but feel that people with Down Syndrome have an advantage over people with lesser known genetic/chromosomal differences. When this young woman is out in society, shopping, driving, socializing, people would understand if she has a hard time with something or acts differently. It's kinda like - hey, she has challenges here and there, but that's fine. It doesn't detract from her as a whole.

When people's challenges are obvious, they want others to ignore the differences. But when someone's challenges are hidden, I think it's best to be outspoken about them.

I wonder what will be with Adi. She is undiagnosed, and at almost three years old, her development so far is similar to her peers with Down Syndrome. When she is ready to be part of society as an adult, I wonder if she will be as accepted as this young woman in the video, or if she will be seen as just a misfit.

I mean, when people know that someone has a challenge, they view the person as someone who is overcoming challenges and beating the odds.
But if a person seems ordinary to begin with, but on second glance you notice some things that seem off, people view that negatively. Why is she so slow and clumsy? Why can't she just speak clearly? No one would think that about a person who they clearly see has Down Syndrome.

I like how the mother of the young woman in the video said that she is proud of her daughter for getting a driver's license, but she's proud of all her children. She never treated her daughter differently.

Would I be able to do the same for Adi? I'm reminded of the switch from elementary school to high school. In 8th grade, we were the seniors. On top of the world. The big graduates. A few short months later, we are at the bottom of the totem pole as nerdy freshies.
Somehow, if the disability is obvious, the individual is put at the highest level. The oldest and coolest kid in elementary school. They climbed to the top. But if at first glance the individual looks typical, they will be held at a different standard. Adi may grow up to function at the same level as the young woman in the video. But I am afraid that instead of being a cool kid, she'll be regarded as one of those lowest-rung members of society that have a long way to go to be fully accepted. All because her challenges aren't as easily recognizable on her face like is the case with people with Down syndrome.

What is my point? I guess I'm just explaining to the world, and to myself, why I can't act as if there is no disability (the way the mother in the video raised her daughter.) The video is only cool because we all know she has Down syndrome, but she is living as if she does not. Imagine if we as viewers couldn't tell she has any genetic or chromosomal disorders. We'd all think it's a worthless video. Who cares if a 30 year old can drive? Or go shopping or hold down a job.

I don't know if I am restraining Adi, not letting her get as far by keeping her special needs at the forefront. After all, 9th graders are one level above 8th graders. It's just the way they are perceived that is different.

So is it worth holding Adi back a bit so she is perceived in a better light? I don't know.
I also don't know if I'm making sense... just some thoughts that cropped up watching this great video!