The stigma against Down Syndrome has decreased significantly in the last few years. Here are 9 famous people with down syndrome inspiring others to do more.
1 out of every 1,200 people in the United States has Down syndrome. You’ve probably heard of this disorder, but aren’t very familiar with it.
Down syndrome occurs when someone is born with an extra chromosome. This alters the course of that individual’s development.
Those who have Down syndrome often suffer from cognitive issues. But this doesn’t mean people with Down syndrome are not capable of being successful in life. In fact, there is a large number of famous people with Down syndrome today.
The public is now more educated than ever about what it means to have Down syndrome. This is partially thanks to awareness campaigns such as the UN’s World Down Syndrome Day.
It’s becoming more common to see people with Down syndrome working normal jobs or starring in TV shows.
Below, you can find a list of 9 amazing people with Down syndrome who have helped to disprove stereotypes and break new ground.
Globally Famous People With Down Syndrome
Madeline Stuart
Madeline Stuart is an Australian model with this disorder. She is responsible for changing the face of the modeling industry.
At 20 years old, she has already accomplished more than other teens. She’s walked in New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and London Fashion Week, despite having Down syndrome.
Madeline is credited as being the world’s first supermodel with Down syndrome. Her career began when a photo of her amazing weight loss progress circulated on social media.
Jay Beatty
Jay Beatty is one of the most famous people with Down syndrome in Scotland. He achieved a reputation as a Celtic FC superfan when he was carried around the pitch by Celtic player Georgios Samaras.
Thousands watching at home witnessed the special event. He stayed beside Samaras as he gave a post-match interview.
Since appearing on the pitch, Jay’s become well known among soccer supporters. He has multiple social media pages dedicated to him, and he’s even been the subject of several songs. He was also named as an ambassador for the soccer team.
Tommy Jessop
Tommy Jessop is one of the hottest celebrities with Down syndrome. He’s noteworthy for being one of the first Down syndrome actors to star in a prime-time BBC drama.
He performed alongside Nicholas Hoult, who has acted in Hollywood blockbusters such as “Mad Max: Fury Road”.
On top of acting in movies, Tommy has also played many parts in theater. He is a founding member of the Blue Apple Theater Company. He’s played in a few sophisticated roles, such as the role of Hamlet in “Hamlet”.
Jamie Brewer
Jamie Brewer is an actress with Down syndrome. You probably know her from the popular TV series “American Horror Story”. Jamie Brewer first starred in the series in 2011 still appears in the show to this day.
She has also worked as a model. She was the first model with Down syndrome to walk the New York Fashion Week catwalk.
Recalling the experience, she said: “It’s amazing that the fashion industry is including individuals with disabilities.”
Karen Gaffney
Karen Gaffney is known for many of her accomplishments. For instance, she is the first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim of the English Channel.
She is also a noteworthy individual for being the first person with Down syndrome to be awarded an honorary doctorate degree. She received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Portland on May 5, 2013.
Karen serves as the president of the Karen Gaffney Foundation of Portland. The organization is dedicated to helping those who have Down syndrome.
Ángela Bachiller
Ángela Bachiller is well known in Spain for being the country’s first city councillor with Down syndrome. She is a member of the People’s Party and represents the city of Valladolid.
She’s earned a good reputation for herself through hard work. Her boss describes her as “tenacious and capable of carrying out her work at all times”.
Even the opposition party has been supportive of Ángela. The head of the opposition Socialist party said: “Let’s hope that it encourages other people in her situation to play a bigger role in society.”
Collette Divitto
Collette Divitto is responsible for founding Collettey’s Cookies, a cookie company based in Boston. After failing to find a job for 2 years, Collette was inspired by her friends to open her own business.
As of 2018, the business is still doing well. Collettey’s Cookies employs around 20 people. Collette wants to expand the business further by hiring even more employees. She’s also planning to purchase more equipment and to do more marketing.
Judith Scott
Judith Scott was a renowned American sculptor who had Down syndrome. When she came of age to attend school, she was deemed to be ineducable. This is now believed to be due to her deafness, which was, at the time, undiagnosed.
In 1987, she attended the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland. The center was the first place to offer studio space for artists who suffer from disabilities.
Initially, Judith showed little interest in art. So little to the point that the staff considered removing her from the program.
One day, she observed a fiber art class. She became fixated on the craft and quickly developed her own unique style. Her creativity was soon recognized by the staff and she was allowed to work with any material she wanted.
Judith Scott’s work is highly regarded in the world of outsider art to this day.
Pablo Pineda
Pablo Pineda was the first European student with Down syndrome to complete a university degree. Pineda successfully obtained a BA in Educational Psychology.
He has also acted in a film that’s loosely based around his own life. The film “Yo Tambien” depicts the life of someone with Down syndrome who manages to graduate from university.
In the future, Pablo hopes to make a career out of teaching rather than acting. He currently works with the Adecco Foundation in Spain, where he is responsible for giving presentations at conferences.
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