The UN estimates that worldwide, each year 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with Down syndrome – a genetic condition that develops when a child is born with an extra chromosome. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. According to childrenshospital.org the extra chromosome has developmental effects on the child's brain and body, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues.
Andrew Romero has been an instructor at the Lady Hochoy Vocational Centre in Port of Spain for the past 11 years and has interacted with many children and adults with Down syndrome. The centre caters for special-needs people ages 16 and up, and offers classes in areas such as computer literacy, woodwork, art and craft, sewing and hairdressing.
He told Newsday while people with Down syndrome may be living with a developmental disorder, they are just as capable of making valuable inputs to their communities and nation as anyone else.
“I always look at my students as people who can make meaningful contributions to society. Maybe their capability is a bit limited, but they must be given a chance. I know they can excel in different fields of work if given the opportunity, whether is in the private or public sector. They have to live like anyone else.”
There are three types of Down syndrome:
• Trisomy 21 is the most common type and occurs when every cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
• Translocation Down syndrome develops when each cell has part of an extra chromosome 21, or an entirely extra one attached to another chromosome instead of being on its own.
• Mosaic Down syndrome, the rarest type, occurs when only some cells have an extra chromosome 21.
Romero said because his students are usually at varying levels of the disorder it can sometimes be challenging working with them. But seeing them improve in whatever they are doing is always very rewarding.
“I do love working with them. Some of them are very slow and others are high functioning. Most of them always need your full attention, but they all have the ability to learn, even if it is at a different pace.”
He said in addition to learning new skills at the centre, students are encouraged to monetise these skills and to become as independent as they can in spite of their limitations.
[caption id="attachment_945794" align="alignnone" width="759"] Players of the Lady Hochoy School perform at the National Schools Panorama, Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain on February 24, 2019. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
“We also bottle and label peanuts and sell to groceries. It is a big revenue earner for the school. Also, they sell their artwork, what they make in woodwork workshops, refurbished old furniture, they collect glass bottles and sell. Pre-covid they were very busy.”
Romero teaches only boys and said because it is a small group, he is able to give them
