Enable The Disabled Understanding Down Syndrome

In conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, we look at how we can support those who are “differently abled” and take a closer look at Down syndrome.

- Abraham Mathew Saji

There are seven-and-a-half billion people in the world – with differing characters, skills and abilities. A staggering 15 percent of this global population are disabled, with 80 percent of them living in developing countries.

These figures are on the rise due to increased lifespan, increase in chronic lifestyle disorders and limited support. Unfortunately, there is still a negative attitude toward those who are disabled (perhaps better described as “differently abled”) due to discrimination. And these negative perceptions create barriers that deny equality and inclusiveness towards this population.

Since 1992, the United Nations has been observing December 3rd as a day to honour, respect and acknowledge those with disabilities. The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this year is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”.

According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), disability is the interaction between individuals with an impaired function or health condition and environmental factors like discrimination or negative attitudes towards them. Disabilities can be of different types and severity, which affects one or more functions of vision, hearing, physical, speech and cognitive including mental and learning abilities.

Among the various impaired abilities, the most common disorder – causing cognitive, intellectual, growth and cardiac complications – is Down syndrome.

THE EXTRA CHROMOSOME