10 Inspiring Famous People with Down Syndrome

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10 Inspiring famous people with Down syndrome

The proverb “never judge a book by its cover”  basically means that you should not judge someone or something based solely on what you see on the outside or what you perceive without knowing the entire situation. However, this article details the various people who have become an inspiration to many even though they have down syndrome. As we are all aware that  Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 which is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans.  

Therefore the individual that has been listed in this article displayed to the whole world that disability is not inability. This is because they were able to achieve success in life even though they are disabled. However, most of them being advocates for the disabled have spoken out by saying that if they were not allowed to do something in their life then they would have accomplished nothing. Therefore, we all should understand that even though one is disabled does not mean that one can accomplish anything in life. Everyone has a different way to make something out of their life.

Here are some of 10 Inspiring famous people with Down syndrome;

1. Chris Burke

Christopher Joseph Burke was born with Down Syndrome when the disorder was less known.  His parents, therefore,  chose to raise him at home and cultivate his talents with the assistance of his siblings. Later on, he became best known for his role as Charles “Corky” Thatcher on the television show Life Goes On. 

However, Burke has been the National Down Syndrome Society’s Goodwill Ambassador since 1994. Additionally, he has published two books about his life and experiences as a person with Down Syndrome. Therefore, he has been an inspiration to many and has helped to raise awareness of the capabilities and potential of people with disabilities.

2. Jamie Brewer

By RedCarpetReport –Wikipedia

Jamie Brewer is a model and actress from the United States. Brewer is best known for her roles in American Horror Story. However, Brewer was the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the red carpet at New York Fashion Week in February 2015, for designer Carrie Hammer.  Being a passionate advocate for disability rights she was amazed by the fact the fashion industry included the disabled. She, therefore, stated out of the experience, “Amazingly, the fashion industry is including individuals with disabilities.” “It’s an incredible opportunity for women, especially disabled women.” “Young girls and even young women when they see me and say, hey, if she can do it, so can I,” she said another time. Being a role model for any young woman to encourage them in being and showing who they are is a true inspiration.

3. Frank Stephens-Actor, Author

Frank Stephen is a disability advocate, actor, and athlete from the United States. He has Down syndrome and has frequently served as a spokesperson for those who have the genetic disorder. He is an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. In addition, in 2016  following the Coulter incident and a discussion with comedian Gary Owen about an offensive routine that year, he received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

However, Stephens has appeared in several plays for ArtStream, a local theater company, and also appeared in feature films such as Touched by Grace and Dawn.

4.Madeline Struart-Model

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Madeline Stuart is a Down syndrome model from Australia. However, she has walked various runways for Fashion Week around the world. She is therefore said to be not only the world’s first professional model with Down syndrome.  But also the first professional model with Down Syndrome to work with major brands and has been featured in several fashion campaigns. Additionally,  she is an advocate for disability awareness and inclusion and has worked to increase visibility for people with Down Syndrome. She also promotes self-love, body positivity, and acceptance. 

5.Sarah Gordy- Actress

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Sarah Gordy is not only an English actress, and television presenter but also a campaigner who has Down Syndrome. She is best known for her roles in the films The Theory of Everything and Holby City. Additionally, she has also appeared in several television programs, including Call the Midwife and Casualty. Sarah is an ambassador for the Down’s Syndrome Association as well as a prominent advocate for disability rights. She is also a member of the International Board of Directors for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

6.Sujeet Desai, musician

Sujeet Desai was born with Down Syndrome. Despite his disability, he has achieved success in his personal and professional life. He has been featured in multiple Indian newspapers and magazines for his accomplishments, including a job as a computer programmer and his involvement with the Special Olympics. He is a role model for people with disabilities, showing that anything is possible with hard work and determination

7. Marte  Goksøyr-Playwright

Marte Wexelsen Goksøyr is a public speaker and disability activist,  who is also best known for her work as a writer—specifically, a playwright. Her most well-known work is her adaptation of Cinderella, which is based on her own life and is performed at one of Oslo’s most prestigious theatres with live music from the naughties pop band Hellogoodbye.

She was born with Down syndrome and thus took a public stance against disability stigma and selective abortions. Additionally, Goksøyr has received numerous awards, including the Bjrnson Prize, which she received as the first Norwegian woman.

8. John Cronin- Entrepreneur

Regardless that John has Down Syndrome, that did not stop him from being a high entrepreneur. He is the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of John’s Crazy Sock. John started this business with his father to spread happiness and also to share his story. Thus his main purpose was to show the world that disability is not an ability, by proclaiming that people with Down Syndrome can achieve more once given the opportunity.

Additionally, he has not only been featured in national media but also in multiple documentaries, books, and television shows to share his story of success against the odds. However, through his work, John Cronin has made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals with Down syndrome and their families. And has been honored by the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society for his advocacy and entrepreneurial spirit.

9.Pablo Pineda- Writer, Teacher

By Drivaspacheco Daniel Rivas Pacheco –Wikipedia

Pablo Pineda worked as a Spanish actor before deciding to become a teacher as well as a writer. Pineda not only holds a teaching diploma but also a BA in education psychology. On the other hand, he is said to be Europe’s first student with Down Syndrome to earn a degree. Nonetheless, at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, actor Pablo received the Concha de Plata Award for his performance in the film Yo, también.

He currently gives conference presentations about the labor-integration plan that the foundation is implementing with him where he is working. He is also a disability rights advocate. Pablo delivered a speech about the social inclusion of people with disabilities in Colombia in 2011. He also published El Reto de Aprender in 2013. (“The Challenge of Learning”).

10. Judith Scott-Sculptor artist

Even though Judith was born deaf and with Down Syndrome.  She was a well-known artist on a global scale. Scott was an American Fiber sculptor. Judith not only discovered her passion and talent for abstract fiber art but also a new way to communicate when she was enrolled at Oakland, California’s Creative Growth Art Center.

Her artistic abilities and unwavering focus were quickly recognized. Thus, Scott’s work has become extremely popular in the world of outsider art, and her pieces command high prices. Therefore, most of the museums have permanent collections of her work.