Abstract
The aim of the article is to provide Down syndrome (DS) learners with better educational opportunities by implementing the principals of self-advocacy, at school level. A literature review was done to obtain background information on the concepts of DS and the self-advocacy program. Qualitative research methods like art-based research combined with a narrative approach was implemented to get information from the participants because they could not always verbalise their feelings. From the findings it can be deduced that some of the principals underlying the self-advocacy movement can be used to enhance the educational opportunities of DS learners. The contribution this article makes is to apply the ideas of the self-advocacy movement to the education of learners with DS, as a possible way to give these learners a voice. The assumption is that if they can give input regarding their education, it will improve their opportunities to become valued human beings. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p576
Highlights
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21
After the third intervention she expressed the desire to learn to read and write, which was not important to her previously. This was a clear indication of the positive development in her self-concept, which gave her the confidence to speak about her educational needs
The positive results that emerged at the end of the third session are an indication that all the participants benefited from the interventions
Summary
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is characterised by unique features and abilities in the physical and cognitive areas of human development (DSSA 2011). Each person with Down syndrome has features that are shared with others, there are more differences than similarities between these individuals (Selikowitz 2008). The birth of the self-advocacy project in South Africa in 2009 started a new era of empowering young adults with Down syndrome (DS) and other intellectual disabilities in this country. A forum was set up by Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) to provide these young adults with a place where they can stand up and speak for themselves, in order to have their rights upheld and be respected as individuals (DSSA 2010a)
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