Future

What Does the Future Hold for People with Down Syndrome?
People with Down syndrome are people first. They may have some of the characteristics generally associated with this condition, but they are overwhelmingly unique and must be treated as individuals. Over the past few decades, progressive legislation such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act has recognized that people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are individuals and citizens, and are entitled to equal protection and opportunity under the law.
Ensuring equal treatment and access to services is a struggle that every family of a child with Down syndrome faces. Daily, these individuals strive to accomplish the same goals as everyone else: self-fulfillment, pride in achievement, inclusion in the activities of the community and the opportunity and challenge of reaching one’s full potential. With the emergence of the self-advocacy and self-determination movements, people with Down syndrome are becoming actively involved in defining their own lives and negotiating their roles within community
and family.

People with Down syndrome regularly participate in community activities: in schools, jobs, places of worship and leisure activities. Some live with family, some with friends or independently. They form interpersonal relationships and some marry. While rare, some people with Down syndrome have become parents.
The opportunities available to people with Down syndrome today have never been greater.However, it is only through the collective efforts of parents and family members, people with Down syndrome, professionals and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming widespread.