Thread by @jdflynn

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. Here are some observations from our house, where it sometimes feels like every day is Down syndrome day:

1. People with Down syndrome have an ordinary human range of experiences, emotions, desires, and perspectives. This is b/c they're human.

2. If you've met one person with Down syndrome, you've met one person with Ds. What makes them like the rest of us is that they are individuals, with individual personalities, interests, abilities, temperaments, etc.

3. Among some in the disability community, there is an effort to show that ppl with Ds can live lives closely resembling those of typical ppl- lives defined by "independence." They usually can't. But more important, we all ought to consider whether "independence" is desirable.

4. The worth and meaning of life of people with Ds ought not be defined by their ability to "contribute productively to society."

The worth and meaning of life of any people ought not be defined by their ability to "contribute productively to society."

You are more than what you do.

5. Adults with Down syndrome often report, despite overall levels of happiness, struggling w/ loneliness and feeling disconnected from other ppl.

So do most typical adults.

One way to celebrate World Ds Day is reaching out to someone as a friend, whether or not they have Ds.

6. I am moved, frequently, by how generously and kindly people love my two kids with Down syndrome. Thank you for that.

7. I'll likely have more later but I am late for work.

Many of you already have done so, and I owe you deep and personal thanks.

But if you have not yet, and you want to support people with Down syndrome, here is one way to do it:

gofundme.com/max-and-pia-go…