One of our team members (coincidentally called Eden!) shared her experience of Down Syndrome as part of World Down Syndrome Day.

My brother Carter is 14. He sings, dances and loves acting. He plays football and rugby. He’s great at telling jokes and making others laugh. He loves video games and texting his friends and family. He has Down Syndrome and it’s part of who he is, but he’s also so much more than that label.

I can remember all the fears and doubts we had as a family when Carter was born. It’s taken him longer to reach certain milestones than others and I know that as an older sister I didn’t face the same experiences as a parent. However, when I reflect on the past 14 years, I’m filled with a sense of privilege to have a brother exactly like him.

Carter sees the positive in everything! I have never met anyone who sees the good in everything and everyone as much as Carter. He doesn’t see obstacles in his way, he doesn’t doubt that he’s good enough for something, he never questions whether he belongs somewhere or not, he just goes for it! It is so inspiring to have watched him grow in his confidence and smash through barriers others assumed would hold him back because he learns differently.

My simple suggestion for this week is to remember the positive role these amazing individuals play. Let’s celebrate each individual for their unique blessing to the world. Let’s reflect how we can build truly inclusive environments in education, the workplace and wider society.

Eden M