SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Down Syndrome, also known as “Trisomy 21,” is a genetic variance involving an additional 21st chromosome. That particular chromosome has 3 strands of DNA instead of 2 strands, giving a person with Down Syndrome more genes than the average person.
This explains why we celebrate our friends with Down Syndrome on 3/21 – 3 (for the extra chromosome), and 21 because the 3rd chromosome is a replica of the 21st chromosome.
There are several individuals in our community and at our schools with Down Syndrome. The students pictured are David and Amareaha in their “workability” uniform. They are helping to run the coffee business at South Tahoe Middle School. These students attend several classes throughout the day in the general education setting with their peers. Our special needs students are involved with many aspects of our school, including being involved with the morning show Timberwolf Television,(TTV), which gives the daily news to our entire school. The girl diving down the slide is Kamila, who goes to Tahoe Valley Elementary.
The important thing to remember is that individuals with Down Syndrome are just like the rest of us. They have the same feelings and dreams as the rest of us. Most are typically very happy and kind and tend to bring a lot of joy to those around them.
Some of the physical characteristics of people with Down Syndrome are their slightly shorter stature and beautiful almond shaped eyes. These individuals also have tongues that are more forward in their mouth, which makes it difficult to enunciate words and speak clearly.
The best thing is that we are all constantly learning new things and there is much to learn about acceptance and kindness from our friends with Down Syndrome.
