{"id":146,"date":"2011-08-19T19:49:00","date_gmt":"2011-08-19T19:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhr.tiltedchair.co\/2011\/08\/19\/if-people-with-down-syndrome-ruled-the-world\/"},"modified":"2011-08-19T19:49:00","modified_gmt":"2011-08-19T19:49:00","slug":"if-people-with-down-syndrome-ruled-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dhr.tiltedchair.co\/?p=146","title":{"rendered":"If people with Down syndrome ruled the world"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alaina with Guide to Good Health<\/u><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

At the National Down Syndrome Congress<\/a> convention a few weeks ago Casey, Calvin, Lori and I attended Dr. Brian Chicoine and Dr. Dennis McGuire’s five-hour workshop on promoting and maintaining health–of all kinds–in teens and adults with Down syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was an inspiring day.  Drs. C&M have run The Adult Down Syndrome Center<\/a> of Chicago for 20 years.  These gentlemen know Down syndrome inside and out, and the love, compassion, and respect for those they work with at the center, and for their families, shines through bright and clear.  Plus, they’re very funny.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Chicoine and McGuire are authors of two MUST HAVE books for any family with a child with Down syndrome–no matter the age:  Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome,<\/em> and The Guide to Good Health in Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome, <\/em>both available from Woodbine Press<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until about 30 years ago, the focus on “rehabilitating” people with disabilities zeroed in on either keeping them completely out of sight, or trying to mold them into seeming as “normal” as possible so as do cause minimal discomfort for the population at large.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus people with autism were badgered to look people in the eye, deaf people were prohibited from using sign language to communicate, blind people had to concentrate on looking like they could see, and people with Down syndrome were pestered to leave off the self-talk, get with the flow, and for God’s sake–stop hugging everybody you see!<\/span><\/p>\n

How wonderful to encounter two professionals who encourage us to accept our kids for who they are, to work with their differences and not against, and to do so with love and appreciation for their gifts.  As evidence, I paraphrase Dr. McGuire’s piece “What Would Happen if People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World?” along with experiences we’ve had at Down Home Ranch<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If people with Down syndrome ruled the world…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Affection, hugging and caring for others would make a big comeback. [Very true.  When our Ranchers spy Jerry or me at Wal-Mart, they come thundering down the aisle with arms wide open and huge grins on their faces to greet us even if they saw us maybe…two hours ago.]<\/span><\/p>\n

People would be refreshingly honest and genuine.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As the expression goes, “what you see is what you get.”  [Oh yes!  When Bishop McCarthy<\/a> told Kelly several years ago, “Kelly, you are such a wonderful girl,” Kelly replied simply, “Yes. I am.”]<\/span><\/p>\n

Stuffy high society would not do well.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, BIG dress up dances would flourish, …and can they dance!  [Dr. McGuire suggests that weddings are especially popular among people with Down syndrome because everything they love is there: celebration, romance, dancing, license to hug anybody you see, and food!]<\/span><\/p>\n

People engaged in self talk would be considered thoughtful and creative.  Self talk rooms would be reserved in offices and libraries to encourage this practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

[When Kelly is trying to resolve a dilemma–say whether to spend the weekend with Mom and Dad or to stay at the Ranch and hang out with her buddies, she will go to her room and have a spirited conversation with herself.  You’d swear there were at least two people in there debating the pros and cons of each side, plus maybe a referee in the bargain!  As for me, I just sit and stare into space as I play ping-pong in my head–same thing, different modus operandi<\/em>.]<\/span><\/p>\n

Order and structure would rule.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We have heard that people with Down syndrome are stubborn and compulsive. … They can get stuck on behaviors that can drive family members a little crazy. …<\/span><\/p>\n

[Dr. McGuire refers to this tendency as The Groove<\/em>.  Now doesn’t that sound better already than “obsessive\/compulsive”!?  The Groove<\/em> could make the world a better place where all the trains and planes would run on time! And more:]<\/span><\/p>\n