 Reality show stars often use their fame for their own narcissistic purposes, like say, starting their own fashion lines or trying to run for president. But one woman is using her fame for another purpose; to bring awareness to Down syndrome acceptance and inclusion. But one woman is using her fame for another purpose; to bring awareness to Down syndrome acceptance and inclusion.  Sandra McElwee, Sean’s mom and costar in the show “Born this Way”, has been advocating for her son Sean since he was 3 months old. She’s written books, presented all over the country and even signed up to participate in a reality show all for one sole purpose, to make the world a better place for people with Down syndrome. In this episode we caught up with Sandra to ask her about how the reality show stardom is impacting her family, her experience as a writer and presenter on inclusive education and how the show is contributing to her goals of inclusion and acceptance for all people with Down syndrome. We are so excited to release this episode on World Down Syndrome Day! Sandra has been such a pioneer for Down syndrome and her work presenting and writing about inclusive education has changed classrooms around the country. Please enjoy and share our latest episode of T21 Action! You can see more episodes of T21 Action on our podcasting site, T21 Action.weebly.com. And if you haven't seen "Born this Way" yet, here's a clip from Season 1, Episode 4 where Sean "golfs for a hot babe". MORE ABOUT SANDRA
Sandra Assimotos McElwee is an advocate for unborn babies with Down syndrome and created one of the first websites for parents with a prenatal diagnosis. Author of three books McElwee contributed to the books, "Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Our Lives," and "You Will Dream New Dreams, Inspiring Personal Stories by Parents of Children with Disabilities." Married over twenty-two years to Sean's father, Rick , they enjoy traveling and participating in Sean's sports activities. A medical sales professional, McElwee's most important job is being Sean's mother. Sandra's website: www.whostheslowlearner.com Link to the 20 year study mentioned in the podcast: http://www.mcie.org/usermedia/application/6/inclusion_works_final.pdf
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 Benny was featured on the Down Syndrome Diagnostic Network page today! If you ever have any questions about Down syndrome, I am always happy to answer or to connect with someone who has received a diagnosis.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about Down syndrome, and the truth is that the majority of people with Down syndrome grow up to lead happy, fulfilling lives. In fact, in a survey of thousands of people with Down syndrome, 99% said that they were happy with their lives, and 97% said that they liked who they are. Compare that to the typical people you know. Unfortunately, with the negative stereotypes about Down syndrome and the increase in prenatal testing for it, most people with Down syndrome will never get a chance. In the US the abortion rate is around 67%. In Europe it is over 90%. When we got our prenatal diagnosis we were strongly pushed towards termination. While I am pro-choice, I am also appalled that government agencies consider these termination rates to be proof of success that they are "solving the problem" of Down syndrome. Not solving the problem by providing funding for more research to treat some of the issues that the extra chromosome can cause. Not solving it by helping families with more access to early intervention or by encouraging more inclusion in classrooms. Not solving it by providing more education, training and employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome, or any other type of assistance. No, they are "solving the problem" by eliminating an entire population of people whose most recognizable trait is their honesty and ability to love unconditionally. It is appalling. And it starts with identifying and eliminating children with disabilities, but where does it end? When we are able to prenatally identify other traits we perceive of as negative will we consider it "solving the problem" to get rid of them too? Before I had Benny I didn't know anyone with an intellectual disability. I didn't have an awareness that people with special needs actually do have a place in our world. The more that I learn about people with special needs, the more that I realize that I missed out when I was growing up. I missed out on the opportunity to be less selfish, to be a kinder, more thoughtful and more confident person. These are the qualities that people with special needs bring out in their classmates, friends and families. I missed out because people with intellectual disabilities were put in institutions or taken out of the regular classroom and placed in special education classrooms. It would be a tragedy if our entire society misses out because those people will never be born. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get to know someone with special needs. It might just change your life. |
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April 2022
AuthorSince becoming a mom to a little boy with Trisomy 21 I have written a lot about Down syndrome and disabilities. I am a storyteller, wife and mom to a teen and a toddler. Life is busy! Categories
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