It's hard not to smile while speaking with Naa'il Mohamed.

At 20, he is friendly and confident, willing to talk about his favourite activities, or food, with anyone around him.

Naa'il has Down syndrome and while he isn't shy about his condition, he doesn't allow it to define him, as he has competed in swimming heats for the Special Olympics, sings, recites poetry and is enrolled in the woodworking programme at a vocational centre.

Speaking with Newsday at his St James home last Monday, Naa'il and his father Abu Walid Mohamed spoke about their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future of those with special needs in TT.

"Life is going good. I'm in class, I do reading and work on my numbers skills and counting. ," said Naa'il

[caption id="attachment_945790" align="alignnone" width="719"] Naa'il Mohamed has taken part in Special Olympics as a swimmer. - PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]

"Sometimes I even watch Netflix shows and listen to music."

While he has faced hurdles during his life, Naa'il maintains a cheery disposition and chooses to see opportunity rather than problems in his life.

Like most parents of special-needs children, Abu Walid said while his son has brought a sense of fulfilment to his life, it can be nerve-wracking, especially when he thinks about his future and the world that awaits him.

Recalling his thoughts after finding out about Naa'il's condition hours after his birth, Abu Walid said he was emotional as he did not know what to expect at the time.

Despite this, he said he is grateful for the support of his family, especially Naa'il's mother Sara and older brother Taarik.

"I came home from the hospital and was on the bed.

"Taarik was about six or seven at the time, he realised something was wrong with me and he asked, 'Papa what happened?'

"At that young age, I remembered I was crying and telling him that Naa'il was different.

"He didn't understand what I meant by different, so I explained to him.

[caption id="attachment_945789" align="alignnone" width="858"] Abu Walid Mohamed teaches woodworking to his son Naa'il. - PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]

"From the beginning my older son was aware of what's going on and I remember telling Taarik, 'Once I am alive, Naa'il is my responsibility, and I will take care of him but the day my eyes close. he becomes your responsibility,"

While this sense of unease is natural, Abu Walid insists people with Down syndrome are capable of looking after themselves once they are given the chance to show that they too can contribute.

He said from an early age, he noticed Naa'il's sharp memory and ability to develop routines.

Beginning his education at the Lady Hochoy School for special needs children, Cocorite, Naa'il enjoyed reading and writing.

Naa'il's time at the Lady Hochoy School has not only sharpened his academic abilities but also helped develop his skills as an athlete as he was exposed to competitive sw