Should Down syndrome people be educated?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely they should be educated! This is no different than educating a child who is blind, or one who is paralyzed, etc. Years ago children who were born with Down syndrome didn't have a life expectancy nearly as long as those of the last few decades with this condition do, so many parents didn't feel the need to educate them. But there have been so many advances made in this field that people with Down syndrome live to be much older than they did years ago.

Children born with Down syndrome are far more intelligent than most people realize, and they deserve every possible chance at fulfilling life, just as anyone else does. You don't just shut away a child born with Down syndrome and deprive them of a chance of the most normal, productive, and happy life possible. Children with Down syndrome are far from stupid; their insight into many things sometimes far surpasses that of so-called "normal" people because they have the ability to see things as they really are, without preconceived notions. They have their own opinions, just as we all do, but they tend to be more fair and open-minded in their opinions. That, to me, proves they have a definite intelligence that deserves the same opportunities afforded to those who don't have Down syndrome. Also, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that children with disabilities must be placed in the least restrictive environment. And it's been proven that many children with Down syndrome even thrive in general education classrooms!

Those with Down syndrome enjoy the same activities as the rest of us do. They love to listen to music, read, play and watch sports, sew, cook, etc., and even use the internet. Many of them are able to be left home alone for days at a time, and many of them even hold paying jobs when they become adults, and there are also some with Down syndrome who become actors. So to deprive them of an education would be cheating them of a full, rich life, with all the advantages that other people have. To not educate a child with Down syndrome would also deprive the parents of the satisfaction of knowing not only has their child received every possible advantage, but also the comfort all parents want in knowing their child has the ability, intelligence and education to take care of themselves when they, the parents, are no longer with them.

Also, another important factor in an education is the socialization that comes with going to school. While it's understandable for parents of Down syndrome children to want to shield their child from those who can be cruel at times, it is so important for everyone to be able to socialize with others, including those born with Down syndrome. And, while many with Down syndrome are able to attend the same schools as other children, there are special schools available for those who do require more specialized schooling. And those children also deserve every possible chance and advantage at a happy, fulfilling, and satisfying life. Another thing to consider is, no matter what a person's level of intelligence, they still deserve an education.

Look at all the great minds of the world, from Einstein to Hemingway and on to the rest of us, where would any of us be with no education? An education is not just for those with a ''normal'' IQ, but for everyone with the ability to learn. And almost every single person born with Down syndrome not only has the ability to learn, but often far exceeds the expectations of others in what they are capable of learning and doing. And, many with Down syndrome even get married - yes, married!

There is an award winning documentary that is very informative, which is "Monica and David". This documentary follows the life of a couple, both of whom have Down syndrome, before and after their wedding, and shows how well they function in their lives as a married couple. They have the same issues in their marriage that we all do, such as joy, love for each other, sharing household responsibilities, both shared and individual interests, etc. And, even though they have the occasional spats as we all do, they tend to be more tolerant and forgiving of each other's faults.

The rest of us could actually learn a lot from them if only we would just pay attention to them and realize they do have intelligence, empathy and compassion for others, and all the other qualities that makes each of us unique individuals. The more educated a person is, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, the happier, more productive and fulfilling life they live. And, as science has proven, the happier a person is, the longer their life span is in general. So, yes, those with Down syndrome absolutely should be educated.

Not only is it their right to be educated, it's also our duty to see to it that they get an education.