re is my letter to the Stuart news published today. Jim and Paulette Beurrier, Stuart Letter: Rejoicing that Martin County has embraced Faith, others with Down syndrome March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, declared by the United Nations in 2011. Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome, something that is naturally occurring and present across racial, gender and socioeconomic lines. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a third copy of chromosome 21. That is why the date March 21 was chosen to recognize the condition, also known as Trisomy 21. People with Down syndrome are a valuable part of our society. They go to school with their peers, volunteer in many capacities, and hold jobs. Our interest in Down syndrome is our 16-year-old daughter, Faith. Well known in our community, she has attended Martin County public schools since kindergarten alongside her typically developing peers. She is successfully included at Jensen Beach High School in general education classes, supported by both staff and her peers. We commend the Martin County School District for innovative, educational thinking. For six years Faith has danced at Florida Arts and Dance in Stuart. She enjoys ballet, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical classes. She is also dancing hip hop at Starstruck Theater and thoroughly enjoyed summer camp there last summer. We commend these organizations for supporting Faith’s inclusion in her community. Participating in Little League Challenger baseball, coached by Jill Marasa, has been fun for Faith. Jill and her group of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers make this program possible for kids who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to play baseball. Martin County is a good place for people with Down syndrome to live, play, go to school, and work. Happy World Down Syndrome Day.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:32:02 +0000
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