People must start to see Down syndrome as "normal part of the human condition" and not an affliction, Michael McCormick, chief executive of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) said last night.
"A person with Down syndrome is complete, it's the same as being short, or thin or fat," he said. "We want to get away from the sympathy and the low expectations because low expectations deliver low results."
He was speaking at a DSI awards ceremony in Dublin held to mark World Down Syndrome Day yesterday. Down syndrome is the most common intellectual disability in this State. About 105 babies are born with the genetic condition every year.
Mr McCormick also called for the full integration of people with Down syndrome into the educational system. Despite the fact that Down syndrome was the most common intellectual disability in the State, teachers received no special training to help them work with students with the condition, he said.
Actor Pierce Brosnan was honoured last night for the work he has done for people with Down syndrome. The Navan-born actor has worked with Down Syndrome Ireland for the past four years. He praised the work of the charity in a recorded message from Vancouver.
Six other people were honoured in the "Helping Hands" awards, including Martina Healy (23) from Killarney, Co Kerry, Tara Mooney (16) from Santry and Seán Jordan (18) from Templeogue, both in Dublin, all of whom have Down syndrome and live very active lives.
Awards were also made to supporters of people with Down syndrome, including Mary Jo Merrins, Nurney, Co Kildare, Margaret Geary, Rathkeale, Co Limerick and Mai Denmead, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
