Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals with Down syndrome and to raise awareness about the importance of understanding and supporting them. To help us see the world through their eyes, we spoke with Mrs Alison Steven, Acting Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, and proud mother to Griff, a Year 6 student at Radford with Down syndrome.
This year, the World Down Syndrome Day campaign focuses on how we can improve support for people with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt interview, Ali opens up about the meaningful support Griff receives at school. She also shares the joys of raising a child with Down syndrome and the challenge people with Down syndrome face, reminding us all that “we can learn so much from people with disabilities”.
Can you share the joys and challenges of parenting a child with Down syndrome?
There are so many joys in parenting Griff! We love witnessing how thoughtful, kind and funny he is. His love of singing and dancing (anywhere) is infectious. Griff is also super sporty, and it brings our family much pride to cheer for his teams in cricket, basketball and soccer. He also does swimming, surfing and boxing. The biggest joy, however, is Griff's fierce love and care for his family and close friends.
The hardest part is seeing or hearing about others who don't know or understand Griff being unkind to him.
What do you think are the most misunderstood aspects of Down syndrome?
People who don’t know Griff tend to focus on what he can’t do, rather than what he can do. We can learn so much from people with disabilities. For example, Griff lives in the moment, appreciates the little things and has such enthusiasm for life. People with Down syndrome are just as capable of learning as anyone else, and Griff has an amazing memory and imagination.
When it comes to school, what additional needs does someone with Down syndrome require?
Griff’s teachers, well-being team and learning support assistants help him transition between activities and guide him in social situations. Sometimes he needs encouragement to make helpful choices. The team tailors Griff’s classroom learning and uses a range of intentional strategies that give him some autonomy while ensuring he stays actively engaged in his learning.
How has the College supported your family with Griff’s needs?
We have been supported by incredible teachers. From Griff's first day in Pre-Kindergarten, Radford set high expectations for him while ensuring he was nurtured in a safe and caring environment. Radford has also produced numerous positive student role models for Griff. We have so many stories of Griff’s peers and older students looking out for him and celebrating his wins. What's more, the Junior School supports World Down Syndrome Day each year by wearing crazy socks. Last year, Radford also proudly supported Griff with participating in the ACT Schools Sports Athletics - and he came home with two records!
Are there any support groups or networks for parents of children with Down syndrome that you are involved in?
Yes, ACT Down Syndrome and the Intellectual Disability Association are active in Canberra. There are many online networks too.
What advice would you give to parents who are just beginning their journey with a child who has Down syndrome?
Reach for the stars! There are no limits to what people with Down syndrome can do, feel, think or contribute. As our third child, we’ve always held the same expectations and hopes for Griff as we have for his siblings. Since he was a baby, our mantra has been: "You can do anything".
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Griff’s future at school?
Our hopes for Griff, and for every student living with a disability, are that they belong, are supported and are challenged to thrive at school; that they continually grow, learn and meaningfully contribute to their community. We want Griff to lead and help others understand all the different ways to be ‘smart’.