Down syndrome has taken centre stage in all four corners of the world since last week. From the State of Kansas (United States) to New Delhi via the State of Tennessee (United States), numerous events have taken place to raise awareness of this genetic disorder. Ranging from "Step up for Down Syndrome", which brought together 3,000 persons in Memphis for various activities, the "SMILE on Down syndrome Buddy Walk" which organised a walk for Down syndrome with people with this disorder sporting red T-shirts emblazoned with "Keep calm, it’s only on extra chromosome": ndlr], or a trek organised in India to meet young Israeli and Indian people with Down syndrome, the aim was the same: " We want to show that people with Down syndrome are no different from the rest of us", "raising awareness for the support and inclusion of our children", "getting to know Down syndrome", and ensuring that "people are aware of ways in which people with Down syndrome can be integrated in the community".
And yet, just a few days later, on 24 October, the "Independent Ireland" newspaper published the results of a survey conducted by Down Syndrome Ireland which showed that over one hundred children with Down syndrome have had their medical cards taken away from them, in a totally discretionary manner despite the fact that these cards gave them access to numerous consultations needed to treat the health problems often associated with Down syndrome.
