The Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) continues to call for Trinidad and Tobago’s society to make room for everyone, not just the able-bodied and intellectually fit.
The call was reissued by DSFN Founder Glen Niles as he spoke at the annual ‘Fashion With Us’ charity event at the Hyatt Regency on Tuesday.
He said the event was just one example showcasing that persons with Down syndrome and other disabilities can fit in if they are allowed to.
“As a developing country, we need to change, and we need to come to terms with the fact that everybody belongs here. Everybody has a right and can no longer continue segregating people, thinking that you are taking good care of them when we are really cutting them off from the rest of society.”
Chair of ‘Fashion With Us’, Lisa Ghany, endorsed Mr. Niles’ statement: “This really is inclusivity. You know, as Glen said in his words to us, you know we have to create these opportunities for our kids. And things like this show the rest of the community and now, with social media, the rest of the world what our children are capable of if given that opportunity.”
Ms. Ghany shared some information about the origin of the annual fashion showcase: “This was a dream created some three years ago when we were very lucky to have an international self-advocate model from Canada who came to Trinidad and Tobago, and that’s how the idea was born.”
Professional model advocates accompanied the snazzily dressed members of the Down Syndrome community as they strutted down the runway.