In Their Own Words: Down Syndrome
First Name: Cynthia
Type of disability: Down syndrome
Married/Engaged/Unmarried, Kids:
Engaged to be married. My fiancé also has Down syndrome.
If there was one thing that you wish people better understood about your specific type of disability, what would it be?
I wish people understood that they should have higher expectations for people with Down syndrome. We are giving and warm, lovable and capable, responsible and determined. We have many talents and abilities and have much to contribute to people individually and society as a whole.
One thing that people can do to make other people who have your type of disability feel more included, whether it is at work, school, or another community organization would be:
One thing that people can do to make people with Down syndrome feel more included is to enthusiastically invite us to participate in group activities, to believe in us and our ability to do a good job, and to give us an opportunity to socialize and become friends.
What would you say is your greatest source of pride?
My accomplishments are my greatest source of pride:
- Passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test
- Graduating from high school with honors and a regular diploma
- Receiving the Hope Scholarship
- Graduating from college with a grade point average of 3.28 and a diploma in the Education Paraprofessional Training Course
- Achieving my goal of becoming a paraprofessional (teacher's aid)
- Working for DeKalb County School System for almost eight years, currently as assistant to the librarian
- Giving inspirational speeches.
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