SJC Long Island’s Council for Exceptional Children (C.E.C.)/Educators Club celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October, sharing information about the condition and hosting a virtual event in which students were invited to learn more.
During the club’s virtual event, held on Thursday, Oct. 22, speakers Kyle Erickson, Katherine Giunta and Brittany Schiavone discussed what it’s like living with Down syndrome. The three speakers are self-advocates from Alexander’s Angels, a volunteer organization that helps raise awareness about the contributions and needs of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as raise funds for advocacy, service and research.
Giunta, a clerical assistant for the Quality Management Team at Brookhaven National Lab and a dance teacher for young children, shared why she and her family have a different name for her condition.
“My family and I call it ‘Up syndrome’ because I’m a happy, cheerful, energetic person,” she said. “Most parents that have a child with Down syndrome felt their outlook on life was more positive because of their child.”
Educating Future Educators
Asma Hosein, president of C.E.C./Educators Club and a child study major, explained that, as future teachers, it’s important to learn more about disabilities in order to be able to work with all students and better meet their needs.
“It was an honor to be able to discuss this topic with the Educators Club and have speakers with Down syndrome talk about their experience,” Hosein said. “We gained insight into their lives and how they are making an impact. Also, being able to fundraise and to raise awareness of their contributions and needs is truly inspiring.
“I feel proud to be going into a field where I am making a difference in many students’ lives, especially those with disabilities,” added Hosein, who expects to graduate in 2023. “Through the Educators Club, we hope to make a change and bring more knowledge to a topic that needs to be talked about more.”
