Leaders in Action: Individuals with Down Syndrome Who Are Making Headlines
October 24, 2024
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome whose contributions have a significant impact on our lives and communities. It is also a time to dispel stereotypes and share truths about common misconceptions.
While long-standing perceptions of individuals with Down syndrome are being challenged, there is still much work to be done to achieve a society that recognizes individuals with Down syndrome as the valued community members, achievers, innovators, and leaders that they are. Here are just a few examples of remarkable individuals with Down syndrome who are making a meaningful impact on our lives and communities.
Chris Nikic: The Ironman Triathlete
In November 2020, Chris Nikic became the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon when the 22-year-old completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run in a race in Florida. His finish time was 16 hours, 46 minutes, and 9 seconds, well under the cut-off time of 17 hours. In July of 2021, Nikic accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2021 ESPYS. This significant victory helped push boundaries and reshape what it means to be an athlete with Down Syndrome.
Colorado Athletic Resource: Special Olympics Colorado
Special Olympics Colorado is a resource for active children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports. This winter, Special Olympics Colorado will offer basketball, speed skating, figure skating, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and alpine skiing. Home – Special Olympics CO
The Stars of the Docuseries “Born this Way”
Sean McElwee, Rachel Osterbach, and John Tucker are just three of the stars featured in the Emmy award-winning reality show Born This Way – a docuseries that follows seven young adults with Down syndrome living in Southern California and overcoming obstacles to their achieve goals. The show sheds light on important topics such as entrepreneurship within the Down syndrome community, the significance of people with disabilities participating in the democratic process, and what it means to be a family member of someone with Down syndrome. This Emmy award-winning show shines a positive and realistic light on a diverse group of engaging individuals while simultaneously challenging perceptions and misconceptions about the Down syndrome community.
Colorado Employment Resource: Easterseals Colorado
Easterseals’ Workforce Development Services in Colorado tackles employment barriers for people with I/DD living in Denver. The program works with individuals to teach vital job skills, increase employment opportunities, and help those employed to stay employed.
Ellie Goldstein: The Fashion Model
When she was born with Down syndrome, Ellie Goldstein’s parents were told she’d never walk or talk, but she has been proving them wrong ever since. At age 22, she became the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. When the first barbie with Down syndrome came out in 2023, Goldstein was asked to be in a promotional photo shoot for her. She continues to be a model and advocate for people with Down syndrome.
Advocacy Resource: Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a nonprofit that celebrates people’s individuality through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. The organization hosts an annual fundraiser called Be Beautiful Be Yourself which is the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.
Mia Armstrong: Actress and Author
Mia Armstrong is an actress, model, voiceover artist, and author, all of which are more impressive given that she is only 13 years old. Armstrong became the first child with Down syndrome to provide the voice for the cartoon superhero, Eon, on the show “Action Park.” She calls Down syndrome her superpower. This year, she added author to her resume when she wrote the picture book titled “I Am a Masterpiece,” which she wrote with the intent of inspiring kids and parents with and without disabilities to be proud of their own stories.
Education Resource: IN! Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education
IN! creates inclusive college opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities in Colorado and works to help students find successful employment opportunities after graduation.
Judith Scott (1943 – 2005): Artist
Judith Scott was an American fiber sculptor, born deaf and with Down syndrome. Scott was institutionalized for most of her life, but in 1987 she was introduced to Creative Growth, an Oakland-based nonprofit organization that advances the inclusion of artists with disabilities. From there, Scott quickly became internationally renowned for her art at the age of 43. Scott used fabric as her form of creative expression to create complex sculptures using yarn, twine, and strips of fabric. Scott passed away from natural causes at the age of 62, but her legacy and art continue to inspire people worldwide.
Colorado Art Resource: Access Gallery
Access Gallery provides creative, educational, and economic opportunities for people with I/DD to access, experience, and benefit from the arts. Access Gallery supports young adults and artists with I/DD via their efforts to integrate their work into the community.
Rocky Mountain Human Services in a non-profit organization that provides case management, direct services, and flexible support for people and families from birth through the lifespan. To read future articles on living with and supporting individuals with an I/DD, subscribe to our newsletter.
