Make World Down Syndrome Day a Day of Action

by Jen Logan of Down Wit Dat:

Thursday (3/21) is World Down Syndrome Day.  It is a day of celebration and of recognition.  It is also a day of global awareness.

Honestly, I've about had it with awareness.  I'm done, finished.  Most people are aware of Down syndrome by now.  They may not know exactly what is involved and may be very prejudicial as they base their opinions on outdated and incorrect information.  But, they know it exists.  Instead of having yet another day of awareness, I'd like to make World Down Syndrome Day one of remembrance and action.

Several things have weighed on me in the last little while.  The first is a doll, made by a mother of a 13 year old girl with Down syndrome.  They are called "Dolls for Downs" [spelled incorrectly].  The idea here is that "every child wants a doll that looks like themselves." 

I don't agree and furthermore, I am uncomfortable with these dolls in principle.

Firstly, I dislike anything that has the potential to perpetuate the stereotype that all people with Down syndrome look the same.  They don't.  My son looks like the rest of my kids;  an amalgam of mine and my husband's family.  He does not look like these dolls any more than any other child with DS that I know personally.  I find the description of "pudgy features" in the video to be extremely offensive.

Additionally, like the bald barbie debate for pediatric cancer patients, I'm going to take the stance that my son does not need this doll.  He does not need another feel good, "isn't that cute!", soft focus awareness campaign (which is what this doll will surely turn into).  He needs a medical profession who gives a damn.  He needs a society that is tolerant and accepting of neurodiversity. He needs an education system that will not decide his future based on bureaucracy and preconceived notions.  He does not need a doll whose proceeds line a private pocket, like most "awareness" paraphernalia does.

Death of arrested man with Down syndrome ruled homicide

by Brett Wilkins of Digital Journal:

The death of a mentally disabled Maryland man who was arrested by police after refusing to leave a cinema has officially been ruled a homicide.

The Washington Post reports that Frederick County Sheriff's Cpl. Jennifer Bailey announced on Friday that the state medical examiner's office has concluded that 26-year-old Robert Saylor of New Market died of asphyxia while in police custody on January 12.

Saylor, who had Down syndrome, allegedly refused to leave a movie theater after viewing "Zero Dark Thirty" on a Saturday night. According to ABC 7, Saylor, who was at the theater with a health aide, wanted to see the movie again. When Saylor refused to leave, cinema staff notified three Frederick County deputies working security at the venue.

The Frederick News-Post reports that Saylor allegedly cursed at the deputies, who then physically removed him from his seat and from the theater. Deputies claim Saylor continued to resist them and was subsequently handcuffed.

A law enforcement source familiar with the case told ABC 7 that Saylor went into medical distress when he was forced face-down to the ground. After realizing he was suffering from some sort of medical emergency, the deputies removed the handcuffs from Saylor and had him transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Patti Saylor, the victim's mother, told ABC 7 last month that her son did not suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions and that she did not understand how he could have died in police custody.

"He just loved unconditionally everybody," she said. "He has never had anyone put their hands on him in his life. He would not have been doing anything threatening to anybody."

The three deputies involved in Saylor's arrest have been identified as: Lt. Scott Jewell, Sgt. Rich Rochford and Deputy First Class James Harris. All three continue to work their normal assignments while an investigation continues.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/343760#ixzz2LNK8vWSw