10 people with Down syndrome who proved there are no barriers

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

March 21 is International Down Syndrome Day. The date was not chosen by chance. In people with such a gene pathology, not two, but three 21st chromosomes. But for many, this does not prevent them from achieving their goals.

Pablo Pineda

The world famous 42-year-old Spaniard hails from the small resort town of Malaga. Pablo learned that he was not like everyone else at the age of seven. The teachers made an exception and allowed him something that was not in the town before: to go to lessons in a regular school.

It was difficult for the boy to study, his classmates did not like him (they say that the children were even afraid to touch him). But this did not stop Pineda from going further: to go to university and receive a bachelor's degree in psychopedagogy.

Pablo Pineda is the first European with Down syndrome to receive a university degree. He is also an actor: in 2009 he was awarded the Silver Shell - the prize of the San Sebastian International Film Festival for the leading male role in the film Me Too.

Melanie Segard

The 21-year-old girl decided to fulfill her seemingly unrealizable dream in a rather original way. On Facebook, she launched a campaign to draw attention to her goal: to become a TV weather presenter.

A social media page called Mélanie peut le faire was helped by the French charity Unapei. The girl explained that she considers herself "different", but nevertheless she can do many different things. And I'm ready to prove it.

Melanie asked the owners of TV channels to give her the opportunity to appear on the screen if her page gets 100 thousand likes. The plan was overfulfilled very quickly: in a few days the girl's dream was supported by more than 180 thousand users, and now the page has over 255 thousand fans and subscribers.

A week later, Melanie received offers from two national channels. The girl has already made her debut on France 2. In the near future, other episodes of programs with her participation will be released.

Pascal Duquesne

The 46-year-old Belgian is a successful theater and film actor. He first appeared on stage in early childhood, took part in amateur performances.

In the mid-90s, he met director Jaco Van Dormel, who gave him the lead role in his film Day Eight. For Pascal, this work became a landmark: he, as well as his partner in the film, Daniel Otoy, were given the award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival.

Duquenne has also starred in other Van Dormel films: Mr. Nobody (as Jared Leto's doppelganger) and Toto the Hero.

In 2004, Pascal became Commander of the Order of the Crown (in fact, a knight). This honor was bestowed on him by the king of Belgium.

Jamie Brewer

The 32-year-old American actress is known to all fans of the American Horror Story series: in 2011, Jamie was cast and played several characters.

Brewer also became the first model with Down syndrome. In 2015, she took part in the fashion show of New York Fashion Week and showed an outfit from designer Carrie Hammer.

Jamie is a very determined person. She plays in the theater, writes books, draws, and also actively defends the rights of people with disabilities. Brewer got Texas to replace mental retardation with intellectual disability.

Madeline Stewart

The 18-year-old from Australia has become the most famous model with Down syndrome. She advertises clothes, cosmetics and bags, takes part in fashion shows and photo shoots. Madeline has over 132 thousand followers on Instagram.

To succeed, Stewart had to lose 20 kilograms. Madeline is actively supported by her mother, Roseanne, who tells her daughter every day that she is "absolutely amazing."

Tim Harris

The 30-year-old New Mexico resident is considered the owner of "the friendliest restaurant in the world." Tim created Tim’s Place, where you can not only eat, but also hug the owner.

Tim's restaurant motto is appropriate: “Breakfasts! Lunches! Embrace! . Since 2010, Harris has personally hugged more than 60 thousand people. Tim's Embrace is included in the menu and is considered a signature dish and is free.

The charming young man has always been popular. At his graduation party at school, he was elected king of the ball.

The restaurateur is fond of sports. He plays volleyball, basketball and golf and has won Special Olympics World Games more than once.

Jack Barlow

The seven-year-old boy was the first person with Down syndrome to make his ballet debut. Jack took part in the production of the famous "Nutcracker". The performance, in which the boy went on stage with the artists from Cincinnati, was sold out, and the video posted on the Web received more than 50 thousand views.

Jack has been studying choreography since the age of four. The boy is very stubborn, and therefore the teachers are sure that he has a bright future.

Karen Gaffney

34-year-old Karen amazed and continues to amaze. She became the first person to swim the English Channel with Down syndrome, set several records, and won gold at the Paralympic Games with a paralyzed leg.

In addition, Gaffney became an honorary doctorate from the University of Portland. She is actively involved in charity work, runs an organization that helps in the adaptation of children with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome.

Maria Nefedova

The 43-year-old Muscovite was recently the first and only officially employed person with Down syndrome in our country. Maria works as a teacher's assistant at Downside Up, where classes for special children are held. She is also an actress at the Theater of the Innocent and plays the flute.

Masha Langovaya

A 20-year-old athlete from Barnaul is a world champion in swimming. Masha has been to Special Olympics twice (for the first time - at age 12) and won gold both times.

Masha became a swimmer by accident. She was often ill, and her parents decided to send her to the pool to improve her health. The girl realized that she wanted to be an athlete, and eventually got into the special Olympic team.

True, the girl does not connect her future with swimming. She admits that she wants to be loved, happy and exemplary wife.