21/03/2022
✨WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY✨
“The United Nations, in the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), calls for “full and effective participation and inclusion in society”.
Everyone should have the same opportunities, take part in the same activities, be able to go to the same places and enjoy the same experiences in life.
But around the world people with Down syndrome and disabilities do not benefit from full and effective participation and inclusion in society.”
https://www.ds-int.org/Event/inclusionmeans-at-united-nations-new-york
As the mother of a young woman with DS I have come to think of inclusion not as a problem to be addressed by the institutions, which are ultimately stifled by bureaucracy and ignorance.
Inclusion is the human act rooted in the wisdom of the heart that rests in compassion and acceptance of our own limitations first.
We, the so called ‘normal’, are unable to understand the experience of other humans who have learning impairment. We try to ‘adapt’ them to our experience of the world instead of expanding the experience to incorporate theirs. Our own shortcoming are the very first obstacle to overcome.
Azwa has been the force that turned my heart inside out, made me raw and fierce, showed me tenderness and kindness, the pointer to self-love and unconditional love.
I today celebrate this beautiful and powerful young woman.
Azwa, I love you for ever! ❤️❤️❤️