Basic Human Right of People with Down Syndrome

People with Down syndrome have been mistreated, terminated as a foetus, and denied basic human rights such as education and medical treatment (Smith, 2011). Why are people with Down syndrome treated differently from the rest of society? This may be due to the lack of understanding and respect given to them, therefore creating a stereotype against Down syndrome. This essay will discuss the challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, as well as the effectiveness of current policies and services available for them.
My uncle ran away from home in 2013, only to be found a day later by patrolling policemen. He was born with Down syndrome and lives with my grandparents. Being old and frail, they are unable to bring my 35-year old uncle out, hence he is stuck at home more often than not. Uncle always has a frown on his face, which led me to believe that all people with Down syndrome were born unhappy. Another peculiar trait uncle has is behaving like a child. He always whines and grumbles when told to put his shirt on or eat, much like how a seven-year old would act. I initially had thought that people with Down syndrome were immature and had the mental capacity of a minor, but only recently did I realise that it might not be his fault for acting that way, but the family’s. Uncle is always reprimanded by his parents and siblings like how a child would be, hence his behaviour has not changed since he was little. I always had thought that people with Down syndrome were incapable of taking care of themselves, let alone fit in society. However, I am now more knowledgeable about Down syndrome and believe they can contribute to society with the support of family, community and society itself.
By age 35, a woman's risk of conceiving a child w...

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... the students can share their experiences and observations of the people with Down syndrome with their families and friends. By increasing awareness in society of the capabilities they have, the stereotype against people with Down syndrome will be lifted.
People with Down syndrome have feelings just like each of us. They reciprocate positively to acts of friendship and they feel upset by inconsiderate behaviour (National Down Syndrome Society, 2012). It is therefore important that society treats them fairly, as many are capable of working in the community. Although there are a considerable number of services available to educate and prepare them to face the world, they might feel ostracised by society due to the misconceptions and stereotypes formed about them. Therefore, the best way to help them merge into society is to treat them with respect and understanding.