How Down Syndrome Has Impacted My Life

Guest post by Elie Kim, age 17

My younger sister, Elena, has Down syndrome, and as World Down Syndrome Day approaches, I would like to take this time to reflect on my experiences in the Down syndrome community.

From an early age, I have always been taught to be inclusive. For me, inclusion was simply the act of including someone. I didn’t understand that it was so much more than that.

Inclusion requires participation, acceptance, and relationship.

It wasn’t until I started volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit that I saw true inclusion put into action.

I distinctly remember the first time I volunteered at GiGi’s, during Drama Troupe. The leader of the group gave a prompt for each participant to act out. Not only did everyone watch the small act, but l cheered each other on, and asked questions about it. Seeing each person, with and without Down syndrome, interact with each other made me feel happy. I don’t only see this in Drama Troupe, but every program at GiGi’s.

Elena is on her high school’s “Unified Basketball Team”, where students with disabilities play basketball and compete with other schools. Every time I watch one of their games, I see how engaged and supportive the players are for each other. The audience and coaches all cheer throughout the games.

Inclusivity is important for the whole world because it makes us more knowledgable, more aware, and all together better people.

When people have a limited view of those who are different from them, that is all they see, nothing more. This limited view stops people from interacting with and learning about others. When inclusivity reaches a worldwide view, we will no longer see shortcomings about another person because they look or act differently from us. 

I try to bring this inclusivity in my own life. Not only supporting and including my sister, but everyone around me. I have become more inclusive by involving myself in different communities, specifically communities where there are common stereotypes and perceived limitations. Because of my participation in the Down syndrome community, especially at GiGi’s Playhouse, I have been able to understand what true inclusivity is like.

This World Down Syndrome Day, try involving yourself in a community that is unlike yours.

You will gain more knowledge and understanding of people who are different. That knowledge will break down barriers and benefit the whole world.

Thanks for sharing, Elie! If you would like to learn more about Down syndrome and how you can join the movement and make your community more inclusive for people with disabilities, visit our GenerationG page!