David DeSanctis, 27, was one of the first actors with Down syndrome to play a leading role in a film, and he now serves as a Public Outreach Associate for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). We were lucky enough to meet him last spring at the Buddy Walk on Washington and have since rented his 2014 movie, “Where Hope Grows,” on Amazon. Sam took inspiration from David’s character’s level of independence, and was excited to learn more from David, who said of the movie, “It really changed my life.” 

To learn more about David, including his advice for others with Down syndrome, here’s the rest of Sam’s interview:

 Who are your role models and why? “I used to look up to Miley Cyrus back in high school. Now I’d say my role models are Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor in Smallville, and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson. I just learned that The Rock has a childhood friend with Down syndrome. I loved that. When I first watched the video about him and his friend Milton Rosen, I literally cried. It really moved me. Now I truly want to meet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his friend Milton.” 

 How did it feel to be one of the first actors with Down syndrome to play a leading role in an English-speaking film? “I loved it. That was about five and a half years ago now.”

How did being a movie star change your life? “I learned good things on the set. Before I was a movie star, I had taken a broadcasting class at my high school in Louisville KY, but I really didn’t know that much about the movie making industry, so I learned a lot about how to make a movie. It really changed my life, and impacted my life.”

[David’s job with NDSS came about thanks to the movie (see his comments later), as well as years of opportunities for inspirational speaking across the country. He says, “I have gotten to see new places all around the nation. Everywhere I go, I’ve met extremely cool people.”]

To watch the trailer, and learn more about David’s movie, go to: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3200980/

Did you know how to drive a car before the movie? “They asked me to learn how to drive a car—I still don’t have an actual permit or a license yet, but I had to drive in the movie. 

“Once when I was on the set, I thought I was in drive, and I put the pedal to the metal. My parents said they were thinking, ‘Oh no, he’s going to burn through a stop sign.” But luckily I had left it in park, so I just revved up the gas pedal.” 

“In high school, when I was 15 or 16, my dad let me drive in the neighborhood. Then later, my friend taught me how to drive her golf cart, and I do that for Special Olympics every year. But I’ve also been driving golf carts outside of Special Olympics. I get to practice driving them at our vacation spot in Georgia. I’ve also been driving their go-carts down there.  If someone challenged me in a go-cart race—I’ll beat them every time. I’ve been doing go-carts since my movie. Part of the movie was filmed at the Renaissance Fun Park in Middletown, KY. They had go-carts there, and I’ve been doing go-carts ever since.”

Do people ever recognize you when you go places as “Produce,” your character from the movie? “At first they did, sometimes even outside the state of Kentucky. When I visited one college campus when I was doing my public speaking career, I was about to order my lunch and there was a line of people waiting to get pictures and autographs from me. It was hard for me to order my food and eat my lunch. But now, that has died down.”

Are you still acting? Would you like to be in another movie? “I would love to, but I just have to wait for my agent to send me roles. I did get to be an extra in another movie called “Anastasia: Once Upon a Time.” I was in the scene called “Beatrice’s Birth Day Skating Party.” I was playing an arcade game and talking to kids, and sitting at a concession stand, but I don’t think they know the release date for that movie yet.”

How did you land your job with the NDSS? “That was due to the movie that I was in. The producer of the movie had known the CEO of NDSS at the time.” [The director introduced David to the CEO, and they got to know one another.] “I had to apply and fill out paperwork, and fax it over to them. They gave me the position of public relations on a golden platter.”

What does your role with NDSS involve? “Every Tuesday, we have a staff conference call, and there are a lot more things that I do for the NDSS. I go to Buddy Walks to promote NDSS, and I go to the Adult Summit every spring, and the gala and auction in New York City every January.

I’m also writing blogs for them, and also contacting all the people who attended the 2019 adult summit to invite them out to Arizona for the 2020 adult summit for next year.”

When did you learn to ride a bike? And how long did it take you? “I’ve been doing that my whole life, since I was about six or seven years old. I’ve always loved to ride bikes. My family goes riding in a park called The Parkland—that’s one of the parks in Louisville, KY, but there is another park in my neighborhood (the Louisville Loop) that is going to be attached to The Parklands.”

What do you hope to accomplish through your role at NDSS? I am the Public Outreach Associate. There have been people assigning me to different projects, so I don’t know if there’s any one accomplishment. One thing I’d like to do in the future is to become part of the new leadership—and to rename it the National Intellectual Disorder Society. I would like to include everyone with IDD—all of the people with different disorders together. There is an organization here called the Louisville Adaptive Rowing Club, and they never turn anyone away who has any disability or disorder. I’d actually like to rename all of the organizations I’m a part of. The National Down Syndrome Congress would be the National Intellectual Disorder Congress, and Best Buddies would be Best Families Forever.

What are some of your other dreams for the future? “That’s one of my dreams, but another one of my goals is to live out in Venice Beach, CA, to work with Will.i.am  (a famous rapper) in his building, and to work with his 3D printers.

Where do you see yourself in five years? “I answered this question nine years ago, when I was back in high school. My senior class did a book about where we would love to be in 10 years. I said I would love to live in Florida or the Bahamas, and own a motorcycle. Those things haven’t happened.

“Now I’d say, I’d like to have my own acting agency, picking out whatever movies and shows I want to be in. Instead of reality shows or independent movies, I’d pick big blockbuster shows.”

What advice do you have for others with Down syndrome? “I know people with Down syndrome who want to be actors. My advice if they are in middle school or high school would be to sign up for drama classes. If they are in college, to major in theater, or sign up for acting classes. After that, maybe go to NYC if you want to be on stage, or move to California if you want to be in TV or movies.

“For acting, you have to build your resume, and you have to practice the parts they give you for auditions. The other thing is to know, if you get a part, you have to practice your lines every day all day. I used to practice them to music.

“Other than that, I do cooking, biking, and I’ve taken two years worth of piano. My advice on biking is just getting on and if you fall off, get right back up and keep getting back on and riding. For cooking and piano: it’s practice, practice, practice.”

Still giving inspirational speeches, following are just a few of David’s words of wisdom (and a song link) for all: “Go for your dreams. The sky is the limit. Never take ‘no’ for an answer, and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’” https://youtu.be/1k8craCGpgs

“All the world’s a stage, and all men and women merely players . . .”

Nowhere do Shakespeare’s words ring more true than in England, and here too, we anticipate with excitement the roles people with Down syndrome will play even more fully in the future!

One of Sam’s passions is for travel, so here (for anyone who’s interested) are Sam’s top 10 things not to miss when visiting England:

1. The Tower of London with all the armor

2. The village of Hawkshead (where William Wordsworth attended grammar school from 1779-1787).

3. Hiking Tarn Hows (What in tarnation is a tarn? “A small steep-banked mountain lake or pool,” according to Merriam-Webster.)

4. Having “Hairball” (Herbal) Tea at Westminster Abbey

5. Attending the “heavenly and beautiful Choral Evensong” at York Minster

6. Walking the historic gates and walls at York, some dating back to Roman times

7. Watching actors reenact scenes from Shakespeare’s plays at his birthplace

8. Meeting the Romans in person at the hot springs at Bath and dressing up in Roman style

9. The beauty of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle (site of the most recent royal wedding).

10. Hiking alongside sheep, donkeys, and cows in the Lake District thanks to public footpaths

“When I was little, I always wanted to have my own restaurant. I saved up all my checks from birthdays and Christmas, and when people would give me gifts, they would say, ‘Save it for your restaurant,’” says Gabi Angelini, 21.

After Gabi graduated from high school, she and her mom, Mary, considered opening a restaurant, but the idea was daunting. That’s when the pair decided to visit Bitty & Beau’s. “My Dad loves coffee. I loved their hot chocolate,” says Gabi. After their visit, Gabi remembers, “I said, ‘Let’s do it!’” 

Two years ago, the Mom and daughter team founded Gabi’s Grounds, an online coffee shop that sells coffee grounds, beans, and K-cups, in addition to printed clothing and coffee-themed gifts.“My brother makes coffee soap for us,” says Gabi, adding that the dream is to someday have,“lots and lots of coffee shops everywhere!”

“My part is to do deliveries, work the booth for events, help people, and make coffee for some events, and do inventory,” explains Gabi, who grew up with five brothers in Raleigh, North Carolina.“My brothers taught me how to skateboard, play baseball, and basketball, and ride bikes,” she says.

In addition to all her shop duties, for the last four years Gabi has also worked three hours a week as a bagger at Harris Teeter, a local grocery. Here’s more of Sam’s interview with Gabi, who was flying to Detroit with her Mom to be a vendor at the National Down Syndrome Society’s Adult Down Syndrome Summit the day after we talked.

How often do you work at events? “We try to do at least one event a week. I love traveling— I really love it with my mom. Sometimes the events are boring, but I just go with it. I love it when they have dessert and dancing.”

What makes you happiest? “Making deliveries for my business, dancing, breakdancing, gymnastics, and singing. I did breakdancing at NC State Best Buddies. I also like hanging out with friends and going shopping.”

We love the logo for your shop! Who came up with A HUG IN A MUG? “The lady that designed the logo came up with it. Her name is Rhonda. She’s a friend of my mom’s. She did that because I give a lot of hugs.”

What’s the hardest thing for you? “Nothing is hard for me. Maybe packing up for events for the coffee shop, but it’s all good.”

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you? “My dad being goofy.” 

What do you like to do more than anything in the world? “I love playing with my dog, Willow.”

Tell us what you want people to know about you. “Gabrielle Angelini is cute.” 

What keeps you busy these days in addition to your business? “I do Special Olympics skiing and gymnastics and basketball, and summer camp at New Life Camp—it’s a Christian camp that has sports. I also go to Wake Tech on Monday through Thursday, from 8 to 3. They teach me basic math and reading, and I’m starting a barista class.” 

In addition to having lots of coffee shops, what are your dreams for the future?  “To play basketball, and to get a husband and a mansion.”

Voted first-place vendor at the Farmer’s Market in Clermont, Florida, recently, Allison Fogarty, 28, has been cooking up a storm for some pretty cute customers on a regular basis as the owner of DOGGY Delights By Allison.

Recently interviewed by Rachael Ray, we asked Allison how long she’s been a fan. She said, “Since I got sick when I was 11. I had to have a g-tube on my stomach, and I couldn’t eat or drink. That’s when I started watching The Food Channel. Now it’s my favorite thing to watch, because I love to cook.” 

Inspired by Rachael Ray, Allison was thrilled to FaceTime with the star recently! (Watch the video by clicking here: https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/articles/this-27-year-old-chef-makes-homemade-treats-for-dogs-in-her-community-after-being-inspired)

Here’s how she describes the experience: 

“Rachael said, ‘Hey Allison, would you like to cook with me on my show sometime?’ So, I will be going to New York to see her. Getting to know her was the best thing. She knows I shop at BJ’s, so she sent me a $500 gift card in the mail! She’s a big dog lover!

“What I like about Rachael is that she’s funny—like when she doesn’t measure anything. She always says, ‘I already eyeballed it.’ 

“I told her, ‘I would love to try your pizzania—it’s a cross between pizza and lasagna.’” 

Allison can’t wait to make dog treats with Rachael Ray on her show! And since FaceTiming with the star, here’s how things have changed: “Now I’m a celebrity—I’ve been on the radio and TV many times. I’ve been on Channel 6, Channel 35, and Orlando 60. Some people say, ‘I think I should have you sign my dog treats—can I have your autograph?’”

Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview with Allison, who moved from Chicago (where she was very involved with the UPS for DownS organization) to Florida in 2017, and soon started her own business through the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida’s very first Entrepreneur Academy. 

“When we lived in Illinois, we did our first business called Lunch Break. It was for the teachers where my mom used to teach. We made and delivered about 30 lunches a week at her school—we did that job for 2 or 3 years, and then after that we moved here because we wanted to see my brother, Laura, and the kids. We started babysitting them every day—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays.

“DoggyDelights by Allison was my mom’s idea. We saw a lot of dogs in our neighborhood, passing by our lanai, and that gave her the idea. So we looked up all the recipes on her lap top, printed them, and tried them out. Then I’d say, ‘Hey mom let’s do this instead of that.’ So we started changing the recipes. Now we make flavors like chicken and rice, peanut butter, pumpkin, and sweet potato treats. We use no salt and no sugar, so they are very healthy and good for dogs.

People can order online—or we can deliver to their house—and we go to a farmer’s market on Sunday mornings.

“The best thing about my treats is I put them in the freeze dryer so they can be shipped. At the market, we also sell frozen treats. If dogs don’t have teeth, people can defrost them. We have a lot of toothless customers, because our treats are soft when you let them thaw.”

“Actually making the batter for the treats is my favorite part. My least favorite part is to put the batter in the silicone trays. I made 5 batches of sweet potato, and four batches of chicken and rice, and 6 batches of pumpkin treats today.

“My worst day was once at the farmer’s market it was so hot, and we weren’t getting any customers. I said, ‘This feels like a desert to me.’”

You’ve been through a lot of medical issues—what kinds of difficulties do you still face? “Some days, we take off. If I have a bad cold, it’s hard for me to be working at my job. But sometimes you gotta do it. My job gives me exercise, and I make new friends with dogs and their owners. Some of our customers come every week to talk and hang out.”

Allison’s mom, Pat, says their neighbors with dogs have really encouraged Allison. One neighbor took her to the rescue shelter to test out all the treats on the dogs there. The same neighbor also comes to the market every other week with dogs that need to be adopted. “And I always say, ‘I wish I could keep you,’” says Allison, who would like a dog.

Do you have a dog? “No. I have four cats. The cats don’t care about the treats, but when I make a big mess in the kitchen, they eat it.”

What are your goals for Doggy Delights? “My goals are to sell my treats in stores, and we are going to need help—we want to hire people with disabilities.”

What else do you hope to accomplish—what are your hopes and dreams? “I want to have a store or restaurant, or a shop for my treats with my own apartment above my shop.”

What do you want to be sure that everyone knows about you? “I am a chef, and I have my own business.” 

 

 

“I felt the magic in me, and it helped me sing,” says Nick Pesce, 21, who worked diligently to land his dream role as Bert in the UPS for Downs/EDGE of Orion production of Mary Poppins, Jr. last week. 

Not only did he practice on his own, (“Every day with a singing machine and my Bluetooth in my room.”) as well as with his family, he also had the help of someone special.

An inclusion student through high school, Nick’s middle school choir teacher, Kelly Harper, volunteered once a week all summer to help him prepare for his audition. “Ms. Harper is always so fun and nice. She is a great choir teacher! We have so much fun and are silly together,” he says. 

Before taking on the role of Bert—a dream come true for this Dick Van Dyke fan—Nick played the gym teacher in “Hairspray” and Pumba in “The Lion King.” He says, “I like musical theatre so much.”

What did he learn in this year’s role? “I learned to tap dance, and to work with others on a script. . . . To work really hard for what you really want. . . .and . . . Anything can happen if you let it,” he says with a smile.

Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview with Nick:

Where do you go to school? “I’m in the last year of transition at Lake Zurich High School and I go to Harper College. I’m learning about writing and technology and socialization and communication.”

Where do you work? “I work in the cotillion banquet hall. Right now it’s just one or two evenings a week. I’m working toward being a full banquet server.”

What were some of your best and worst memories from high school? “I was the sophomore prince for homecoming, but my favorite thing was playing in the marching band with my drum line friends. I miss those friends so much. They left to go to college.” Nick says his worst memory was a cooking class with a teacher who just didn’t get what inclusion is all about. He wound up dropping the class.

What makes you happiest? “My best day ever was the day I met Jamie, my girlfriend, two years ago . . . and being in college.”

How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day? “I had one red rose like on “The Bachelor,” and a romantic card. I picked up Jamie at her house, and then we went out to see a movie called, ‘Isn’t it Romantic,’ and we ate some dinner at Chili’s.”

What other activities do you enjoy beyond acting and theatre?“I like to pump it up for exercise. I go to LA Fitness with my dad to lift weights. I also like swimming and playing hoops, yo-yos, and blackjack.”

Where will you be in five years? “In five years, I’ll be a graduate of Harper College, and I will be living in Wisconsin and working as a banquet server in Lake Geneva.”

What are your dreams for the future?  “I am a responsible adult. I want to live on my own without any parents. And I will get married and live with my honey or friends.” 

Photo (at left) credit: Sam Duray 

“My favorite show of all time is this one, because ever since I was five, I’ve always dreamed of being Julie Andrews. She’s an amazing person,” says Allie Reninger, 25, who will play Mary Poppins in the groundbreaking UPS for DownS Theater Company/EDGE of Orion production of Mary Poppins Jr., coming this week.

This is Allie’s 18th theatrical role, and the Schaumburg resident and recent graduate of the Harper College Career Skills Institute says of being involved in theater, “It has given me a lot of confidence.”

Allie notes there is something special about acting in an inclusive environment. “My director is really accepting. He couldn’t be more wonderful. And I also feel so lucky to be working with my friends. I want [audiences] to walk away with happiness, love, and joy . . . and to be encouraged to try theater themselves.”

In five years, Allie says, “I would like to live with my friends, and to continue to do theater, and I want to have a business. I’m not sure exactly what, but maybe an art business, like selling art kits for kids.”

In the meantime, Allie is currently job searching. “I would like to work with kids and in theater. I have done childcare at Hoffman Estates High School and I volunteer and KinderCare twice a week. I help the kids with their shapes and colors and table manners, and I also help with putting them down for naps.”

That Allie has continued in child care is a wonder, since her worst inclusion experience happened during a child development class she took in high school. “When I was in high school, there was a teacher in the child care and she was not very encouraging and was not supporting me in the classroom. She didn’t think I could work in child care.”

Since then, Allie has been volunteering at KinderCare for two years, and we loved her response when we asked what she’d like to do to make the world more beautiful: “I would like to help the world see who we are. I would like them to see that we can do anything,” she says, adding, “It’s OK to be different. I love what I do, and I want everybody to be accepted in the world.”

Break a leg this week, Allie! And always keep right on shining!

“Having Down syndrome makes the world happy,” says Bridget Brown, 32, who wears about five different hats phenomenally well.

The first inclusion student to graduate from Hinsdale South in 2005, she says, “I am passionate about inclusion because I was the first one included in my community and district.” 

The best thing about her inclusion experience? “Learning the same things everyone else did and being a full part of the school experience. I am the person I am today because I was included and it scares me to think what my life might look like if I was not included.”

Bridget is a public speaker through Butterflies for Change, an organization founded 15 years ago by Bridget and her mom, Nancy. 

She says, “I speak in public schools, districts, and to congregations about inclusion and self-determination—how to use it in a way to be a leader in your own life. When I speak about disability awareness and respect, people need to understand that people with disabilities are here for a purpose and that God made us.”

Bridget has spoken to thousands about “what it is to live a successful life in a community,” and even had a personal audience with the Pope in 2017, when she was invited to Rome to take part in a conference initiated by Pope Francis about the engagement of people with disabilities in the daily pastoral life of the church.

“Meeting the Pope was exciting to me! The most important thing to know is that he has helped with the dignity of people with disabilities,” says Bridget, who delivered two letters when she went, including one she wrote regarding the people of Iceland, where babies with Down syndrome are now killed at a rate of 100 percent, and another from a friend, advocating for the inclusion of children with disabilities in Catholic education.

In her letter about Iceland, Bridget wrote that her heart breaks thinking that she might be among the last generation of people with Down syndrome, noting, “The world will never again benefit from our gifts. I continue to pray for all the people who think we don’t have the right to live.”

When she met the Pope, Bridget says, “He told me that I am a prayer warrior, and asked me to pray for him. I also blessed him, and he blessed me, and then hugged me.”

So how did Bridget go from high school graduate to traveling the world and trading blessings with the Pope?

First came the transition years. She says, “During transition, I attended TCD (The Technology Center of DuPage) and earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. From there, I got a job working at a pediatric clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where my dad works.

“Now I’m a children’s health educator at the oral health care clinic for dentistry. I take big teeth and toothbrushes around on a cart, and go around to show people about the importance of brushing.” 

Over the years, she has also begun to assist the dentists by helping make composites (“I learned how to make a perfect impression model with no bubbles.”), or passing instruments when needed. “Sometimes I also hold the kids’ hands,” she explains, noting, “I take the train, and the el, and bus to work with my dad.”

A pianist who has always enjoyed community theatre and acting, Bridget is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and says, “Acting helped me get my career, and I love doing it!”

Currently making ready to appear as Mrs. Corey in a performance of Mary Poppins, Jr., by the UPS for DownS Theatre Company in partnership with EGDE Theatre, she’s been featured in an HBO documentary, and has appeared in several movies. “I played a French girl in LOL with Miley Cirus, Douglas Booth, and Demi Moore. That was really cool.”  

When asked how she prepares for larger roles, she says, “You have to work really hard. Sometimes we put the songs on the walls in big letters and make the song go the way the music goes. Up when the notes go up, and down when they go down.”

What goals does Bridget have left to fulfill? “My number one goal is to be a leader and to inspire people with disabilities. My dream is to enable the human spirit.”

She’s meeting these goals in variety of ways. 

A life-long learner, Bridget has taken many classes at the College of DuPage, and now sits on the advisory board, helping others gain access to classes. “One of my goals is to pass the reading placement test at COD so I can take more classes. I want to take Greek Mythology.”

Bridget is also an active member of the board for the National Association for Down Syndrome, “helping more people with Down syndrome become public speakers.”

Here’s just a bit more from Sam’s interview with Bridget:

Who is your hero? “My hero is not like a Disney hero. My hero is my family. The reason why is that I look up to them for their leadership skills, their social skills, and their smiles. I love having fun with my family. They make me feel like I am at home.”

What makes you happiest? “I am happy when I am with my family, especially when I see my nieces and nephews, and especially my baby nephew because he makes me laugh the way he walks and smiles. My favorite activity is to camp with my family. My most memorable trip was when we went to Colorado to see the Aspen trees and our oldest friend. We stayed in a yurt, and I got to speak at a convention.” 

If you could do anything, what would you do to make the world more beautiful? “I would give out lots of Diet Pepsi and have a national pajama day with boneless wings. I would also want a world without evil or hate—and with inclusion for all people with disabilities.”

We love your ideas, Bridget! To learn more about Bridget’s visit with the Pope, or about how to book her as a speaker for an upcoming event, please visit her website at: www.butterfliesforchange.org

 

Little Something Extra Bakery in Oak Lawn, Illinois, comes by its name honestly. Maria and Bill Veal say their son Billy’s extra chromosomes inspired not only the name, but the bakery itself, which employs Billy and three other people who are differently abled, including Billy’s best friend, Angel. 

With art on the walls created by students at Oak Lawn Community High School reminding guests that happiness begins wherever you happen to be, the bakery has given Billy the opportunity to take on more responsibilities, and to try his hand at different tasks—including everything from preparing dough and greeting customers to bussing tables and mopping and sweeping.

Billy graduated from Harold L. Richards High School in May, and says a few of the highlights included going to state and winning the gold medal in Special Olympics basketball, and being named Honorary Captain of the football team. Billy’s early school years were difficult since he attended several different schools in five years because the facilities for Billy’s group kept changing. Billy remembers the most difficult part was, “getting yelled at.”

Now in the transition program, Billy also works at both DoubleTree and at Taylor Candies. He says he enjoys “working with friends” at the DoubleTree, where he folds towels and does the laundry. 

Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview with Billy, who was known as the “Mayor” of his junior high, and now brings his empathetic, friendly spirit to work every day at Little Something Extra Bakery and Café:

What do you like to do in your free time? “Watch superhero movies. Play basketball and volleyball. Track and bowling. Play video games.”

What makes you happiest? “He came back—having my Dad back makes me happy.” 

What are your dreams/goals for the future? “I want to work. I also want to jump out of an airplane with a parachute. I want to go back to Florida.” 

What are some of your favorite memories? “Parasailing on the boat in Florida. I liked going down. Graduating from high school. Bowling, when I beat Dad, and going to the Blackhawks game.”

What were your favorite things about Thanksgiving? “Turkey, ham, cornbread, stuffing, ice cream, and cookies. And Uncle Tito because he’s funny.” 

Who is your hero and why? “Steph Curry, because he’s good at three pointers. And LeBron James. And my Dad.”

We so enjoyed our visit to the Little Something Extra Bakery (Billy’s Breakfast Sandwich was a favorite for Sam, too), and we are wishing Billy, Maria, and Bill huge success with this new venture. As Billy says, “Bring some money!” 

Sharing this great oldie in honor of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! Have a listen to Sam’s 7th grade history rap from Franklin Middle School in Wheaton, Illinois. Proof that inclusion rocks! We can’t share this without shout-outs to Mr. Gordon, Sam’s phenomenal aide; to his fabulous history teacher, Mr. Bonnamy; and to Julia Shaw, the talented classmate who sings the solos. Enjoy!

“This is my favorite job,” says Italian-born Sara Brinkman, 20, whose bright smile has been welcoming guests to Honey-Jam Café in Downers Grove since January. A first-year student in the District 99 Transition Program (through which she found her job), Sara was thrilled to be hired on as a regular employee at the café this summer. “When I did my interview, the owner sat down and talked to me politely. It’s my dream because I was thinking about saving my money.

“I’m the host,” she explains, “I give people their menus, fold silverware, help the waitresses with the food and drinks, and when customers bring me their receipts, I use the cash register to click the number for their table, and they give me their money or I slide their card. I love it here because they are so nice to me.”

Sara already had a bit of experience after working as a cashier at a camp store last summer. 

Born at a U.S. military base in Italy, Sara waited a long time to return to the land where she spent her first two years. With three sisters and a brother born at three other military bases in the U.S., Sara’s visit to her base was the last, because it was furthest away. “We went to Italy for Christmas last year,” she says. “That was my happiest moment because it is my favorite base, and I got to see where I was born and speak Italian.”

Sam loved looking through Sara’s scrapbook from her trip to Italy, and hearing all about her life! Here’s the rest of Sara’s interview:

How do you like the transition program, and what have you learned so far? "I like it so much! I work really hard. I clean the dishes, cook food, do housekeeping, sort recycling, fold the laundry, and clean the kitchen—wiping down the chairs and the tables. I love school because I love talking to my friends and to my teacher. The worst part is cleaning the garbage. It’s hard to focus on that because I have to be careful not to get the garbage on my hands.

"I also do a swimming lesson at the YMCA, or run on the treadmill."

Tell us about the classes you’ve taken at College of DuPage. "At COD, I am learning how to babysit kids in a childcare skills class. I also took a class for office skills. I’m really good at typing on computers, and I do like making copies. For that class I also had to take a test, and I worked really hard and practiced my flash cards on my computer to study for the test."

What do you like to do in your free time? "In high school, I did gymnastics all four years. I can do a back flip, a cartwheel, a handstand, and a floor routine. We just had a party in the cafeteria for my friend who just graduated. I do love gymnastics. I also do track and basketball. I love basketball. And I watch Netflix and YouTube—those are my favorite activities to do on my laptop."

What do you like to do with friends? "I like to hang out with my best friend from my gymnastics team. I love to see movies, or do Laser tag. I love my friends because they are sweet to me."

What’s the accomplishment of which you are most proud? "I am proud to be independent. I work hard so that when I go to college, I can clean my room and do my laundry and cook by myself. I need to be organized like my sister.  One of the things I love most is being independent—like when I took a plane trip by myself to see my aunt this summer."

Who are the most important people in your life and why? "I love my friends and my teachers. They are so unique. I love my family so much—my mom is the best. I also love my brother and sisters. They are my favorite siblings." 

Who do you admire? "My favorite is Justin Bieber. He’s so fun, and I love watching the DVD about him. 'Never Say Never' is my favorite show. I went to his concert for my birthday a few years ago–I started crying because I love him and I have his poster. I also went to a JoJo concert a couple months ago, and she bent down and touched my hand. That made me speechless!" 

What do you think people should know about you? "I’d like to continue to travel, to go to Germany with my cousin; and I also would like to go to Buenos Aires and maybe to Africa. Also, I do art, and I love to dance and sing."

What does Down syndrome mean to you? "It makes me happy and I love it. It makes me proud of myself." 

Tell us more about your goals for the future. "I need to focus on my school. I need to be kind and polite to everyone in my life. I would like to go college, and maybe get a job at an Italian pizza place!" 

In the first five minutes of meeting Michael Redmond, he had our hearts. He walked in, found a wand, pointed it at his mom, and shazam, pretended to transform her everyday outfit into a beautiful dress, and then proceeded to lead her in a waltz.

Imagination? Check! Princely manners? Check!

A rising fifth grader at Washington Elementary, Michael’s favorite subjects at school are reading and math, but at home, he enjoys learning about space and the planets, and has done so many cool things with his family—including viewing the solar eclipse, going geode hunting, and visiting a local library where they spotted a dinosaur! “It had big, sharp teeth,” remembers Michael. Part of a youth bowling team, Michael takes great pride in the plaque he won for his season high game.

Here’s more of Sam’s interview with Michael:

What do you like best about school? “I like Alex and Mandy in my class, and Tia.”

Who is your favorite teacher? “Mrs. Lipniski and Mrs. Burkard in third grade.”

What are some of your favorite things to do? “Watch movies. Play with toys at Reese’s house. She’s my best friend. Playing golf with Daddy. Also softball, catch, bowling, and Frisbee.”

What are some of your favorite movies? “The Lorax. Boss Baby. The Lost Dog. Moana. Sing. Peanuts.”

Where are your favorite places to be? “I like Target. And Aunt Caryn and David’s house. Dillon and Drew are my cousins.”

What was your favorite trip? “I went digging for big rocks with Daddy and [my sister] Heidi.”

Tell us some of your dreams for the future. “I want 3 cats and 3 dogs."

Where would you like to work? “Starbucks.”

We hope the rest of your summer is amazing, Michael, and we can’t wait to hear all about fifth grade!

 

“It’s always good to be me,” says Julia Neri, 23, who landed her dream job working as a cashier at Target. “I still like it. I love my people that I normally work with. My co-workers and my manager have been really good to me. I get to see a lot of people that I know, including my old teachers and my principal.”

Now Julia’s got her sights set on the next goal—becoming a front-end manager! “They watch all the front lanes. Whenever they [cashiers] have their light on, I would come over to help them—like if they need a state I.D., or want to use WIC check or tax exempt letter. I would also help at guest services with customers who are upset and mad. I can handle anything. I am a people lover.”

The day we spoke, Julia was to begin training at guest services the very next day. “They have to see if I can multitask,” she explains. When asked if she was nervous, Julia said, “Not really. I’m excited.”

Although Julia doesn’t drive, she gets herself to work independently. “I take Lyft if my Uber doesn’t work,” she says.

So far as Julia’s is concerned, Down syndrome simply means, “Being normal.” And when Sam asked Julia if there were anything she’d like to change about her life, she responded, “I wish I had a magic pill to take my celiac disease away.”

Here’s the rest of Sam’s interview with remarkable Julia:

Do you want to do any other jobs at Target—or is there anyplace else you’d like to work?  “I want to stay here. This is my Target family. They give me respect. They make me feel like I’m at home here.”

Tell us about some of your happiest moments in life. “I have a lot of happys. I like to hang with my friends and my boyfriend. I like playing basketball and going to movies. I like any movie. I know all the actors. Some of my favorites are Pitch Perfect 3, A Rough Night, Love Simon and Jurassic World.

“My boyfriend and I have been dating for 4 years. He went to my high school. He is the biggest crush I ever had. “

Who’s your hero and why? “I have a lot of heroes. I would say my co-workers and my manager, because he knows everything about how I got here. “

What do you like to do in your free time? “On my days off I like to go swimming. I’m a really good swimmer, and I’m a really good bowler too. I also play bingo at the senior center. I go to Weight Watchers, and to a literacy class. On Thursdays I go to the health center and help my boyfriend coach a soccer team at the Park District.”

What advice do you have for others with Down syndrome? “I would start by getting a part-time job.”

What’s been the hardest thing you’ve ever had to face, and what got you through it? “Probably standing up to people—like if there’s a problem with something.” In Julia’s first two weeks, she had one very irate customer. “I told her ‘I’m still learning.’ But she was just so mad. It was hard for me. Now I know to call my manager for help. I still stand up for myself, but sometimes I do need help.” After that experience, Julia’s co-workers sent her an encouraging card in the mail that said,  “You are awesome! We love you! You are the best!”

Where do you see yourself in five years and do you have any other life goals? “I do want to get my own place, close to around here and close to work. I probably want to get married one day, maybe in 10 years. I want to get more hours for work—probably 40. Now I work 28 to 32 hours a week, but I could work every day.”

A bit more background . . .

After graduating from Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Julia attended the transition program while also taking classes at Harper College’s Career Skills Institute three days a week. It was while in transition that Julia says, “I learned that I’m good at math.”

Julia got her first job at age 18 as an office assistant at the nearby school district. After many applications and closed doors, Julia was hired at Target at age 21. Julia’s mom, Stephanie, says they’ve found that interviews went better with an advocate present, and that “everything clicked” for Julia once she started training to be a cashier, because, “She wanted to do it.”

Sam was honored to be the subject of a documentary! Sarah Taschetta is a talented local film student who will be attending Columbia College Chicago in the fall. When she asked Sam about featuring him in a short film, he said, "Of course!" Here's the result of her hard work.

Part of what Sam and I have loved about the experience has been reading people's varied responses to the film, including what they have written when sharing the film on social media. Here are a few of our favorites:

"This. Hear people’s stories. Everyone has one."

"'Everyone is important...' Yes, Sam. Inspiring short film!"

"Amazing. Uttterly moved and completely inspired by this."

"Watch at your own risk--it will bring tears to your eyes. Sam wants to honor God and inspire others, and he does!

"We all have a voice."

"This is the best thing you'll watch today."

"This is a great video. So often someone with Down syndrome is treated as incapable of greatness, when in reality they can be someone who is extraordinary. Here is a link to Sam’s blog, which features interviews and posts with some of these extraordinary people: http://www.peoplewithdownsyndrome.com/"

Hope you enjoy!  

"We make the difference," says Sam Anderson of people with Down syndrome. Watch the trailer for Sarah Taschetta's documentary, told entirely from Sam's perspective, and stay tuned for the soon-to-be-released final film!

SUBSCRIBE today to receive email notifications each time we post a new interview! 

“Most people don’t like giving speeches or presentations, but I love it. I don’t get nervous, even if I am talking in front of 500 people,” says Michelle Anderson, 23, who has come a long way since she discovered her passion for public speaking in high school. Since that time, she participated in a training program to become a self-advocate through the National Association for Down Syndrome, and has spoken at hospitals and medical facilities, as well as at local schools to more than 8,000 students with local public speaker and author, Nancy Goodfellow.  Says Michelle, “I let everyone know that people with Down syndrome and other disabilities all have something to say or share. Many of us use our voices to talk and some people use sign language or other technology, but like everyone, we learn our own way and we have our own dreams, hopes, and wishes.” If you’re interested in having Michelle come to your school, visit: http://www.nancyfgoodfellow.com

Following is the rest of Sam’s interview with Michelle, who is also currently taking a culinary arts class at a local community college to learn the kitchen skills she’ll need to be independent.

What do you talk about when you give speeches at schools? “I share a little bit about myself. I let them know I work part time, give presentations, have plans to continue my education, and I spend time with friends pursuing my interests in fashion and theater. I also do sports and music.”

What’s the best question a student has asked? “Many students ask me what it’s like to have Down syndrome. I tell them that my life is great, and that I don’t know what life would be like if I didn’t have Down syndrome.

“Students also ask me about my friends. I let them know that some of my friends have disabilities and some don’t—I want kids to know that I made some amazing friends in school and they helped me to be a good student.”

What other activities are you involved in? “I’m in a monthly book club, a Bunco club, and I am a Young Life Capernaum Leader. I compete in many Special Olympics sports including basketball, softball, volleyball, snowshoeing, and track. I love my yoga classes and tracking steps on my Fitbit. My favorite activity is going on vacation with my family and friends.”

What’s the accomplishment of which you are most proud? “I am proud that I have been able to advocate for myself at schools, and in my community to help myself and people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

“I am also proud that I have jobs at Aurelio’s Pizza and the Naperville Park District Riverwalk Café. They are great places to work, and my co-workers are fun.”

What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to face, and what got you through? “I lost my dad to cancer seven years ago. Knowing that he will always be a part of me, having lots of fun memories, and knowing that he would be proud of me has helped.”

What do you like to do in your free time? “I like to listen to my music, hang out or text with my friends, and read scripts. I also love making plans with my boyfriend and my girlfriends.”

What do you do with your friends? “I like going to movies, dinner, concerts, and sporting events with my friends. I also love going to WDSRA special events, like the Penn and Teller Show, iFly, and the dances.”

At what moments that you remember have you been the happiest? “Going to my prom at Naperville Central, and to graduation, and going on vacations with my family and friends are my favorite memories.”

Out of all the people you’ve met over the years or read about, who do you most admire? “There are many people I admire and I can’t think of just one person. I would have to include my family, and all the people who have helped me in school, at my jobs, and in the community.”

Where is your favorite place to be? “I love to travel and have been lucky to do some fun things like going to Young Life camp in Michigan, visiting my elementary school friend at her college in Nashville, celebrating birthdays with my girlfriends in Vegas, vacationing in Hawaii and Mexico, and touring sites in Ireland and England. My favorite places include Arizona and Minnesota because I get to see family.”

What are some of your goals for the future? “I want to continue my education and employment plans to help me with independence skills. One day, I would like to be an usher at a Chicago theater.” 

The road less traveled. It’s a road Amanda Ewald, 19, has traveled her whole life—to find inclusion opportunities. She became the first young woman with Down syndrome to attend Buffalo Grove High School, and to participate on the women’s swim, badminton, and bowling teams there.

 “I hope to be a ‘Super Senior’ there next year,” she says. She and her family believe it will be best for her to stay in an inclusive setting and to continue making academic progress, so we wish them well as they head into their IEP!

Read the rest of Sam’s interview with Amanda below, including her tips for fellow actors with lots of lines to memorize (She recently starred as Dorothy in the UPS4DownS production of the “The Wizard of Oz”).

You did such a great job playing Dorothy, how did you memorize all those lines? “I got the script and mom helped me. We worked on it a few times a week. Every time, we tried to do more. It took about six months to learn all of them.”

Any tips for others? “Just keep going over and over them!”

Was this your first musical, or have you taken part in others? “I’ve been in ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ the second one was ‘Guys and Dolls,’ my third was ‘Hair Spray,’ the fourth was ‘Music Man,’ then I was the young Nala in ‘Lion King.’”

Where do you attend school and what are your favorite classes and why? “I’m a senior at Buffalo Grove High School. My favorite classes at school are math and reading. My other favorites are lunch and gym. I’m also doing a preschool class called Human Growth and Development. I like working with the kids. We play games—lots of London Bridges, tag, and Red Rover—and we have circle time.”

What do you like best about high school? “I’m a good swimmer. I do aquatics. I’m on the girls’ swim team, and on the bowling and badminton teams.”

What other activities are you involved in? “I do Buddy Baseball with Brett, and I do Buddy Soccer.”

Who is Brett? “He’s my boyfriend. He was the Homecoming King. I want to marry him. He’s nice and he’s friendly. He’s also really funny, and so sweet. I like text him, and he calls me. We met in preschool, and we’ve gone to six dances together. Turnabout was my favorite because I took a picture in a photo booth with him.”

Tell us about Homecoming. “We had a reception with the principal. We went to the game, and they had a parade at the game. I got to ride in a convertible car with my boyfriend. It was all pink, and it went around the track. We had crowns, and robes, and I got flowers.”

What do you like to do in your free time? "I do swimming, and I like to watch movies with my mom, listen to music, and play on my iPad. I also play a lot of games with my mom, and I love to hang out with my friends.”

Who’s your hero and why? “My mom, because my mom is my favorite. She takes me to breakfast, and to dinner, and to lunch. She also took me to Disney World.”

What are your goals for the future? “I want to be a doctor, a dentist, a lifeguard, and a vet. I also want to work at Red Robin. It’s my favorite place to eat.”

What does Down syndrome mean to you? “I like it, because I do a lot of things with friends who have Down syndrome. We have parties, and we get to do things like go to Waterworks on Saturdays.”

 

 

For Jamie Brooks, happiness is . . .  being on stage. One of her happiest moments, she says, was singing “Good Morning, Baltimore” in her high school talent show. “The spotlight was on me, and I loved it! I always love it,” says Jamie, 21, who just finished playing the Wicked Witch of the West in an UPS for DownS production of “The Wizard of Oz,” and is rehearsing to play Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast” at the Palatine Community Theater this spring. With a grandmother with a passion for musical theater, Jamie’s been to more musicals than she can count, seeing several multiple times. The first show she remembers seeing was “Fiddler on the Roof” when it was on Broadway in New York. “I loved it! I’ve seen ‘Wicked’ on Broadway in New York, in Chicago, and in Kalamazoo,” she says. For more from the fun and funny Jamie, here’s the rest of Sam’s interview:

How many years have you been performing? “This is my seventh year. I’ve also been in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Lion King’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Music Man’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, and I was Tracy Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’.”

 Do try-outs make you nervous? “No, I’m not nervous. I’m a very good actor.”

What did you enjoy most about playing the witch? “I loved melting, and singing the jitterbug song. I made it funny.”

Tell us about high school. “I was Homecoming Queen my senior year at Hersey High School. Some of my favorite things about high school were being part of the Dynamite Dancers, the Super Singers, the Super Buddies, and the Spirit Squad, AND the Homecoming game, the parade, and the dance. My friend Brett was Homecoming King—he’s an actor too.”

What’s life like now that you are at transition? “I go to Forest View. I cook lunch, have class, and go to work every morning. I do the coffee cart two mornings a week. I like using the iPad and doing the money. I also work in the food pantry at Willow Creek Church three mornings a week.”

Where else have you worked, and which job do you like best so far? “I’ve worked at IKEA and T.J. Maxx. I like working at T.J. Maxx best because I re-stock the clothes and shoes—and I like high heels and dresses.”

What other activities do you enjoy? “On Mondays, I have singing lessons with Michelle who also helps me with my lines, and with finding pitch.”

What do you like to do in your spare time? “I like ice skating, swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and watching Twilight and Liv and Maddy on Netflix. And I play my songs and dance like a crazy chicky. Some of my favorite songs are from Grease and Abba. I’d like to try waterskiing. And I try to do my treadmill everyday. I get $5 when I do.

“I also like to travel. I like Mexico best because I like the Secrets and Dreams hotels. I’ve also been to the DR, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. In the Bahamas, I went to a water park and went on the big slides. I was scared.”

Who’s your hero and why? “Robert Patterson. He’s quite a guy. He was Edward in the Twilight movie. He’s cute and dangerous.”

What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to face? “I miss my sister, Hannah, and my twin brother, Max [who are both in college]. I also miss my dad when he’s gone. Making healthy shopping list is also hard. But I want to do it because I want to be in a bikini on the beach, and I want to get a ‘T21’ tattoo like my brother and my sister.”

Tell us about your dreams for the future. “I want to be on Broadway and live in a penthouse. I also want to be an actor, and a special ed teacher at a day care center. I love kids. I want to teach kids about acting, friends, and leadership. I also want to work at my Uncle Chip’s restaurant as a hostess and a bartender.” 

To say that Lindsey Pazerunas, 23, leads a full life is an understatement. Lindsey, who recently starred as Dorothy in the UPS for DownS production of The Wizard of Oz, is a cancer survivor who works two days a week as a server at an assisted living facility, and volunteers with preschoolers two days a week at Holy Family Catholic Academy, all the while keeping a buzzing social calendar.

 “My mom can’t keep up with it all. I’m a very social person,” Lindsey says. In addition to attending events through WDSRA and UPS for DownS, and doing speaking engagements as a self-advocate for the National Association for Down Syndrome, she’s part of a monthly Bunco group, works out three to four times a week at the YMCA, and has a boyfriend, a circle of friends, and a family who all like to hang out.

 In five years, Lindsey hopes to be working with children. “It’s my life goal,” she says. For more from Lindsey, read the rest of Sam’s interview:

Tell us about the tryouts for the musical. Were you nervous? “No. I’m never nervous, because I have a lot of experience doing plays. This is number 11 for me. I started in 2008. But I haven’t had a lead in five years, not since I was Belle in Beauty and the Beast, so I worked really hard this year.” 

How did you memorize all those lines? Any tips for others? “I have a voice coach who helped prepare me for the role, and I also had a friend who came over two days a week to read the lines with me. She would have the script, and I would try to say the lines without the script.”

What was the best thing about being in the musical? “I loved every single thing about it—all the songs, costumes, dances, but I think the ruby slippers were my favorite. They were character shoes, covered in red glitter.”

Where did you go to school? “I went to Fremd High School in Palatine. I also did one year at Harper College. I really enjoyed my self-advocacy and communications classes. I am a self-advocate, so those classes helped me in ways to self-advocate, to talk more, and louder and with clarity. I speak about four or five times a year to promote awareness of people with Down syndrome and share my life experiences.”

Where do you work? "I work at Lake Barrington at an assisted living center. I’m a server. They really enjoy me being a part of their team. I work on Sundays from 10:15 until 3. I take drink orders, and see if they would like salad with dinner. I also take dessert orders as well. On Mondays, I work dinner hour, from 3:45 until 8. I’ve also started taking trays to people’s rooms. I have a test to get ready for, so I have to study." 

What are the best and worst things about your job? “The best thing is that is that I make a lot of acquaintances. One lady even asked if she could adopt me! The worst thing is that Sunday mornings can be hectic—and this year, I had to work on Christmas day and Christmas Eve.”

How do you help at home? “Besides taking care of my dog, I never say no to anything. If there are dishes to be done, I’ll do it. Whatever it is, even getting the mail, I’ll do it. I never say no to anything. Sometimes I think I don’t want to do it, but I don’t say it. It’s just the way I am . . . Love is an important part of my family.”

What does Down syndrome mean to you? “It has meant a lot to me to live a normal life and to be part of a family, and not be treated differently. My parents have always treated me like part of the family. I wasn’t different, and that has made a huge impact on who I am today. I am able to do many things today—a lot like my siblings and my peers.” 

Who’s your hero and why? “My mom is my hero. She’s my cheerleader. We are each other’s best friends. I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was six years old. I had to do all these hospital visits, all the pokes. I didn’t really know what cancer was at that age. Now I do know about it. I’ve been a survivor for 17 years. My mom has always been there for me.” 

The first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome, Kayla McKeon has packed a lot into her 30 years of life, including giving “way too many speeches to count.” She’s been a Special Olympics Athlete and Spokesperson, and a member of the National Down Syndrome Society's self-advocate advisory board and DS-Ambassador program. She was also NDSS’s self-advocate of the year in 2016. Before joining NDSS as the Manager of Grassroots Advocacy, Kayla interned with U.S. Representative John Katko.

In addition to all of this, Kayla is simply a lovely person to chat with. Enjoy Sam’s interview, and Happy New Year, everyone!

What did you do in your role as an intern with Congressman John Katko? "I interned with him two days a week. I went to public events, representing him at events, and doing things like accepting citizenship awards. He helped me get this job."

Tell us about your college experience. "I have about 33 credits toward a degree in general studies [from Onondaga Community College and Lemoyne College.] In the beginning, I just took one class at a time, but then I figured out that I wanted to get serious about college, and I started taking more at once. I’m about halfway done."

When did you get your driver’s license and tell us about the process?"Yes, I can happily say that I have my driver’s license. After 26 years and 5 road tests, I finally got it! I got the written part without a problem. It was the road test—the double stop sign, the parallel parking, there was always something. When I finally got it, I was jumping up and down."

You’ve done so much public speaking. Have you kept count of how many speeches you’ve given? "Way too many to count!"

What’s been the most memorable speech you’ve given and why? "I did my first one in Syracuse, New York. When I did that it hit close to home for my parents. I discovered public speaking was something I really enjoy. It’s my first love. The most memorable was probably when I spoke for teacher appreciation [at Gillette Middle School] in front of 2,000 people. I spoke about my abilities, my employment, my achievements, and the use of the “R” word. I got two standing ovations."

What’s been the hardest thing about moving away from home? "The hardest thing has been missing my entire family. I am the only child. My parents came to visit me this weekend. Just making the decision to move was very hard initially—and coming to Washington D.C. was hard too. I’m from Syracuse, New York."

What are your goals in your new role as Manager of Grassroots Advocacy? "I love being the manager. I am the newest member of NDSS, and I’m part of the policy team, along with my boss, Ashley. I will be speaking, and they have me do work in the office. They’ve opened my eyes to many opportunities for advocacy—and NDSS is really putting their money where their mouth is, and hiring people with Down syndrome. Having people with Down syndrome involved makes it all better—people cannot say no to us, Sam!"

How do you hope to help people with Down syndrome? "By giving them a voice. You have to have a voice to empower everybody out there that is differently abled so that they can speak up for themselves!"

Tell us about your most interesting experience so far on Capitol Hill. "A couple of months ago, we went to Capitol Hill and spoke to a staffer about joining our task force. The Congressional Task force allows us that are Differently Abled to promote legislative activities and public opportunities for those of us with Down syndrome. The next day, the staffer said yes!"

What are the initiatives that you are most excited about? "I am excited to talk about the #DSWORKS® program because we talk to different companies about hiring people with Down syndrome—maybe we will even be talking to people near you, Sam! I’m also excited about the campaign to end #LawSyndrome, because it’s not Down syndrome that’s holding us back, it’s the old laws."

Are there any positive changes you see coming soon for people with Down syndrome? "We always see positive changes coming. We want to keep that positive outlook on life—because when we put a positive spin we can turn even something ugly around."

If you could change anything for the betterment of the lives of people who are differently-abled, what would it be? "Well, first of all, I want to make sure everyone has a voice—and I want to make sure we all come together as one voice—so everyone should come to our Adult Summit and the Buddy Walk® on Washington April 9, 10, and 11, to see a whole new way that we can advocate for ourselves!"

What are your personal dreams for the future? "I’m hoping to get my own place and live independently. I have a roommate now. I’d also like to maybe have my own car so I can drive to work (Watch out, Ashley.), and eventually, I would like to have a family. Right now, I have a dog back home."

Where do you see yourself in ten years? "I hope to be working with NDSS for as long as I can!" 

Social Studies is Hiba Qureshi’s favorite class at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville, where she’s a fully included seventh grader.

What does she like best? “Doing my homework,” she says, adding that she’s also especially enjoyed learning more about India, home to her maternal grandparents. What does she love most about India? “The dances,” says this young lady who loves joining in on the traditional dances at family weddings.

With an eight-year-old brother and two little sisters, including one who is just five months old, Hiba gets to help her mom out quite a bit by, “doing laundry, changing diapers, holding her, watching her.”

Here’s more of Sam’s interview with Hiba:

Favorite vacation memories? “Swimming in the outdoor pool.”

What are some of your favorite activities, outside of school? “Basketball, swinging and playing at the park, swimming, movie nights.”

Favorite movies and shows?

“Raven’s Home, Descendants and Descendants 2, Frozen, Boss Baby”

What are you most looking forward to?

“A sleepover with cousins.”

After a three-year struggle with school administrators in Glendale Heights, Hiba’s parents moved to Naperville so she could be included in the regular classroom.

These days, some of Hiba’s dreams are big: “to go to college,” and “to be a doctor.” And some are simple: “I want a dog,” she says.