Down Syndrome Advocacy in Rwanda

“When my son was born my husband and I were so scared. The doctors never said Down syndrome, but you could tell something was wrong. We didn’t know anyone with Down syndrome. We were so worried.”

You could take the above quote from the mouth of just about any of the 220,000 moms giving birth to a child with Down syndrome worldwide each year. But the level of fear and worry changes drastically depending on where you live.

In the densely populated, mostly rural, tiny mountainous country of Rwanda, Edwige Musabe says it’s like Trisomy 21 doesn’t even exist. Her discovery of Down syndrome starts with the quote above; at the 2008 birth of her first born son, Yuhi (pronounced “U-ee”).

“Mental disability is invisible in Rwanda. The government doesn’t talk about these people. They’re not included. The parents don’t want to talk about it, because of the shame. They believe they’re to blame. They’re hidden in plain sight,” Edwige recently told me on FaceTime from her Rwandan home.

Related: Advocates Urge U.S. Congress to Increase Funding for Down Syndrome Research

Edwige, her husband, Gilbert, and their son Yuhi were among the very lucky. “Although we love Rwanda and will stay here, we had lived in Canada for many years and knew we would have to go there to get the answers we desperately sought,” Edwige says. There are at least 400 identified people with Down syndrome living in Rwanda. But with a population of 12 million and the statistic of Trisomy 21 affecting at least 1 in 1,000 births every year, simple math proves that number to be a low estimate.

9-year-old Yuhi is doing well, but his parents can afford to send him to a private school that accepts him. He has not received any early intervention, therapies, or medical care that most Americans with Down syndrome receive for free.

A number of troubling policies and stigmas have led to that low estimate. Rwandans must leave Africa to get an official blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Yuhi was officially diagnosed in Canada. Babies born with heart defects are turned away from hospitals there. Doctors tell them heart operations are reserved for typical children. “Parents can’t afford to send their child to India for heart surgery. Sadly, these children die,” Edwige explains. Early intervention, special education, OT, PT, speech? Nonexistent, unless you can afford it privately.

Read below to find out what you can do to help people with Down syndrome in Rwanda!

But Edwige had seen the possibilities in Canada, and wants better for her countrymen. A natural advocate, she started investigating how to start a national organization to support parents and their children with Down syndrome. She found Down Syndrome International (DSi) through Dr. Mutesa Leon, whom Edwige says is the only doctor in all of Rwanda knowledgeable about Trisomy 21.

Down Syndrome International (DSi) is a non-profit based in the United Kingdom, but serves member organizations in 23 countries including Albania, Bangladesh, Botswana, Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

DSi Outreach Coordinator, Nathan Rowe, says they give financial, advocacy, and organizational assistance to mostly grassroots groups. “Some are made of a group of parents who meet regularly and work voluntarily, while some have a few paid staff. Generally organisations are made up of parents and family members or other people who have a personal interest in improving the lives of people with Down syndrome in their country,” Nathan Rowe explains.

Related: Social Media Gives Self-Advocate Voice

Dr. Mutesa Leon and Edwige used a small amount of funds from DSi to start the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization (RDSO). With the money they hired a permanent secretary, and opened a small office building with a telephone in the capital city of Kigali at the beginning of 2017. “People don’t use social media in Rwanda, so radio and telephone is how you reach the most people; even in the most remote parts of Rwanda. The wealthiest radio stations have allowed us to spread our message for free. We tell listeners to call us, visit us, or go to their nearest hospital for resources, and lots of people are calling,” Edwige explains.

The first World Down Syndrome Day celebrations in Rwanda on March 21, 2017.

A group of about 100 families also met in the capital city for World Down Syndrome Day 2017. “It was an amazing experience. For the first time, we didn’t feel alone. The more people we reach, the more we can advocate, and the louder our voices will be heard” Edwige says.

Edwige says a lot more needs to be done. Donations are important, but Edwige says free expert advice on how to advocate and provide services for their loved ones would be even more affective. “My dream is to have a center for my son Yuhi and all Rwandans living with Down syndrome. They could go there for therapies, education and social interaction. We need experts to teach us about best practices. Dr. Leon is also trying to get doctors to come here to do heart surgeries to save our children,” Edwige explains.

To learn more about the other countries Down Syndrome International supports click here, and to donate to those countries click here.

If you are interested in donating to Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization specifically, please reach out to Edwige Musabe at emusabe.ed@gmail.com.

What have you noticed about the similarities and differences in caring and advocating for people with Down syndrome in different countries? Share your experiences with me below! I’d love to share your story on Inclusion Evolution!

November 2, 2017November 5, 2017

Social Media Gives Self-Advocates Voice

David Feit is a Facebook aficionado. The 39-year-old electronics firm assistant with Down syndrome has exactly 5,000 Facebook friends, and uses the social media platform like an open diary. The self-proclaimed “Funcle” (or Fun Uncle for those of you who aren’t in the know) first caught my attention by seeking me out as a friend, and then engaging me in conversation with each “Like.”

“Half of my Facebook friends I went to school with. Some are old friends, and went to school with my sister. Some friends live in my old neighborhood. I have a lot of parents with children with Down syndrome on Facebook” David described when we chatted via phone the other day.

I have about 10 teens or adults with Down syndrome that are my Facebook friends. I love seeking out self-advocates to get their perspective on Down syndrome and life in general. Only a few of those friends engage with social media in an truly independent way like David, and fewer still use it to advocate for themselves and others.

Read Related Post Here: Communication is Key to Self-Advocates’ Pursuit of Goals

“I think that David has learned a lot about the world from being able to navigate the web. He learns about people, places and things going on in the world. This is mostly the world of sports and movies, but he also reads about injustices in the world and it really upsets him and we talk about it,” explains his mother, Suzanne Feit. “David has had a lot of practice advocating too. He’s advocating for everyone in the world. There are no boundaries. He will advocate for himself, and everyone else who he thinks is being wronged.”

One of David’s recent post:

It’s obvious when you read David’s posts that they are authentic, and somehow he knows more about Facebook graphics than me. “I roll with technology changes. I’m nothing like my father, who cusses at technology,” laughs David over the phone. David’s mother started an assistive technology nonprofit when he was 4-years-old, but it was David who taught her how to Facebook. “My mother taught me and then I taught her on Facebook and texting. I’m the king of texting. I take the best picture of my nieces and nephews. I just know how to capture them. They’re my world,” David explains.

Let’s face it, Facebook and other social media platforms are here to stay. Facebook has led to the fall in power of tyrannical leaders in some countries, as well as a political groundswell in our own. It can provide a new world of independence and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Read Related Post Here: Self-Advocate Uses Fame to Spread Message of Inclusion

Especially individuals with Down syndrome, who can sometimes struggle with intelligibility. Self-advocate, John Franklin Stephens, used his Facebook account to share a testimony he gave to Congress pleading for increased funding of Down syndrome research. The thought-provoking video has been viewed millions of times, and is now spreading through the news media and social media in countries where Down syndrome is being effectively eliminated through prenatal testing. Read here.

But what about parents’ legitimate fears that social media may be misused or unsavory characters may take advantage of their child?

Advocate and parent of a teen with Down syndrome, Jawanda Mast, says those are fears all parents must face. “Our 17-year-old daughter, Rachel, wanted snap for a while and her dad helped her get that set up a few months ago. She does a lot of that on her own and has really enjoyed being able to connect to her friends. We watch her social media to be sure she is being responsible and others aren’t trying to take advantage of her. Facebook is not cool with the teenage crowd, but if she does want it we can help her with it,” Jawanda explains.

“What’s going to work on literacy more than being on the web and writing to people. I trust the universe to help and don’t live in fear. I do monitor his comments on Facebook when I see something that is inappropriate. I tell him that he must be appropriate and we work hard to help him understand that he is responsible for his actions and his words. Not much unlike the rest of the world right now, don’t you think?” David’s mom, Suzanne Feit says.

Read Related Post Here: Independence for People With Down Syndrome is Just a Click Away

My own 5-year-old son, Troy, is often better at navigating the iPad than I am. Although I limit his screen time, I realize that it’s that very same technology that will likely some day help him live independently like David. “I would encourage people with Down syndrome to have a Facebook, because you can communicate with friends and family about how blessed you feel to have them in your life,” David says.

Do you allow your child with Down syndrome to use social media or technology? How has it made them more independent or led to inclusion? How do you monitor their use of technology? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017

What I Should Have Asked When My Son was Born with Down Syndrome

We had a lot of questions when Troy was born.

Troy on the right, with his typical twin and Trenton

Why was this happening to us?

What health problems will he have?

Would he be high functioning?

Will Troy ever play with his typical twin brother?

Would we ever be happy again?

All of these questions focused on how Down syndrome would negatively impact our lives. Most of them revealed my husband, Trenton, and I’s utter ignorance when it came to Troy’s diagnosis. Some of our doctors and a quick Google search didn’t help matters. They seem to perpetuate only the pathology of Down syndrome; completely missing the beautiful life and possibilities that I held in my arms.

Of course hindsight is 20/20 and the reality is, just like parenting any child, you never know how your life will change until you walk down that path. So, if I could go back to that sad, scared mama almost five years ago I’d whisper one question into her ear:

How could Troy transform our family for the better?

It’s not a question that doctors or Google could ever answer. It’s not a question that even came to mind in the midst of the overwhelming grief of what should have been. It wasn’t until I could let go of the should’ve/could’ve beens, that I realized how beautifully made my son is and how Down syndrome can open unexpected doors for myself and my family.

Acceptance of Down syndrome became our silver lining.

Ironically, we didn’t accept Down syndrome that easily. We wrestled with the idea of it constantly those first few months of Troy’s life. It wasn’t until we accepted our son, that we accepted Down syndrome. You may have heard the sayings “my son is not Down syndrome” or “when you’ve met one person with Down syndrome, you’ve met ONE person with Down syndrome.”

These sayings are at once completely true and false. It wasn’t until Troy’s personality revealed it self (that first smile, the way he looked around for his brother whenever he wasn’t near, later when he woke up early every morning just like his Daddy, or loved to bust a move like his Mama), that we realized we would be happy again. Troy is unique and ours. Down syndrome doesn’t define him, but Down syndrome has found a place in our heart and has emboldened us to live better.

Read a Related Post Here: How Having a Son with Down Syndrome Pushes Me to be “That Mom”

Our family has become champions of Troy and all people who are different or vulnerable to misunderstanding. My husband had just graduated from Medical school when Troy was born. All he saw when he looked at Troy then was health problems related to Down syndrome. Now, he sees someone who loves life in spite of all that. This has changed the way he doctors, and sees his patients. It’s made him more compassionate and caring.

I’ve fully embraced my role as lead advocate in our household. I created this blog because of Troy, and will now train as a special education advocate to help other families. Although each of our loved ones with Down syndrome are unique and different, there are issues that bind our community together. We must stand together to ensure our loved ones get the support they need to be included in every aspect of society, whether that be school, employment, or our health care system. Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine myself presenting in front of my state legislature about a bill that I advocated for, but this fall I will do just that.

Read a Related Post Here: 5 Ways You Know You’ve Become Your Child’s Best Advocate

Even Troy’s twin brother already has a sense of advocacy. Hunter gives me daily reports about what Troy did in school, and is quick to tell us what Troy is saying when we can’t decipher his sometimes jumbled words. They say siblings of individuals with Down syndrome often lead lives of service and honor, and I can see that already in Hunter’s actions.

Troy leads by example. He’s always polite and congenial. When Troy walks into a room, everyone takes notice. He’s loud and boisterous. He wants to be heard, and he will. As will we!

I don’t think much about how life could have been with two typical boys, but when I do I realize we may not have been as close, strong, and empathetic as we are now.

How has Troy transformed our family? In countless, magical ways…that’s how!

October 30, 2017October 30, 2017

Down Syndrome Blogs Sure to Inspire

In the beginning there was Google. It’s what every new mom turns to these days when they receive their child’s Down syndrome diagnosis. Like it or not, moms want information and Google provides it fast.

That’s why it’s so important that advocates like myself and the ones you’ll meet below win the Google Wars. Out-dated, misinformation about Down syndrome is rampant on Google. But slowly more and more blogs, as well as national Down syndrome organizations are putting an end to this misinformation. Some argue that the blogosphere is flooded with too many new moms sharing their journey with a child with Down syndrome. I say bring it on!

Read Related Story Here: Why I blog

It’s important that we advocate and share our personal stories, so that new moms and strangers of Down syndrome develop a new, better perspective of people living with Down syndrome. I started Inclusion Evolution to provide one more glimpse into the diverse world of Down syndrome. If I inspire one person, change one mind, then my goal is met. Other bloggers are doing the same, and below I share my top 10 favorite.

10 Most Inspiring Down Syndrome Blogs:

Cedar’s Story:

This has got to be the best diagnosis-centered blog on the web. One-year-old Cedar’s mom, Dawn, does a fabulous job sharing hundreds of diagnosis stories. The first place I turned when I learned about Troy’s diagnosis was the web, and I wish then that I would have had Cedar’s Story. Click here to read a diagnosis story from the Ivory Coast in Africa.

News Anchor to Homemaker:

Jillian Benfield’s raw emotion and eloquent words will have you coming back for more. I feel she and I could be best friends, and I don’t even know her. As I began reading her blog, I realized we had SO much in common. First, we both grew up in the same county in Florida. Second, we were both television journalist (albeit–she was much more successful), turn stay-at-home moms. But mostly it’s her first son, Anderson, who has Down syndrome that hooked me. Her “Mid-Week Moral” will cut you down deep, and bring you closer to her beautifully broken journey and your own.

The Sassy Southern Gal:

Almost every blog about Down syndrome has a baby or toddler in its starring role. But I’m hungry for sneak peeks into Troy’s future, so I’m always looking for reads on teens and adults with Down syndrome. 17-year-old Rachel fills me with such hope for Troy’s future. She’s the star of “The Sassy Southern Gal,” written by her mother and my advocacy mentor, Jawanda Mast. Jawanda’s blog shows Rachel’s journey of inclusion from her elementary school years to her present senior year. Rachel is an amazing self-advocate, and the blog show’s this transformation. Check it out here.

Grown Ups and Downs:

Another fabulous blog from a mother of an adult with Down syndrome. Brought to you by the co-author of “The Parents’ Guide to Down Syndrome,” Mardra Sikora inspires young moms to always dream big. Her son, Marcus, is also an author and amazing self-advocate. Check out his children’s book, “Black Day: A Monster Rock Band,” and all his adventures here.

A Day in the Life with Down Syndrome:

This is a new blog (like mine) with an extra special mission. To share families’ journey with Down syndrome. You can submit your own story and also learn about Down syndrome resources on and off social media. The author is Meriah, who first inspired me with a cross-disability blog now called Two Thirds of the Planet. Using her own disability as a compass, Meriah provides a unique glimpse into life with a disability.

This Life I Live:

The blogosphere is dominated by strong women sharing stories about their beautiful children with Down syndrome. It’s rare to find a father’s perspective, so Rory Feek’s blog is a rare gem. He writes it like an open diary about his wife who recently passed from cancer, his country music career, homestead farming, and his youngest daughter, Indy, who happens to rock an extra chromosome. Feek plan to homeschool Indy. Check out the one-room schoolhouse he recently built for her here.

Rory Feel with his late wife and daughter, Indy

Lexi Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too:

If you want more from a blog than just Down syndrome talk, then Stephanie’s parenting and lifestyle blog is your jam. It has the perfect mix of decorating tips, stylish clothes and toys, as well as updates on her son Liam who has Down syndrome. Click here learn about her son’s journey.

Stephanie and Liam from “Lexi Loo, Lily, Liam, and Dylan Too”

No BS About DS:

It’s common to find a Down syndrome blog that’s heavy on emotion, but as Troy gets older I can’t help but want more. Enter “No BS About DS.” Co-Author, Sruthi Muralidharan does a good job of including human interest pieces, but also scientific posts. Check out their Ask the Expert post with Dr. Brian Skotko here or their post about Miralax for Constipation here.

Sruthi Muralidharan with her husband and son, Tejas

I Am River

River is a little boy with Down syndrome that lives between the United Kingdom and Tanzania. His mom and author of “I am River” blog, Hayley has an amazing way of sharing their unique story through words and pictures. I love this blog for it’s international flair and amazing prose. Check it out here.

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

My last pick for most inspiring Down syndrome blog comes from a volunteer-run organization and non-profit, Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN). They have a great website with resources for moms with children from birth to age 5-years-old. But they also share personal stories on their blog from hundreds of parents across the United States. Check it out here.

What are your favorite blogs? Share in the comments section below!

October 27, 2017October 26, 2017

“Born to Eat” Book Review Part 2: Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning for Children with Feeding Issues

“I want you to think about a food or texture that makes you feel ‘ick.’ Now, imagine someone bigger and faster than you pushing it into your mouth! Then, imagine you are strapped to a chair and can’t verbally communicate!”

Speech and Language Pathologist, Nikki Henry, treats children with oral-motor and sensory disorders, and says the nightmare description above can exacerbate feeding issues. That’s why she’s a big fan of “Born To Eat,” a book that creates a whole-foods family centered approach to baby’s first bite.

You can read more about the particulars of this approach in the first part of my book review for “Born to Eat” here.

The book is based on baby-led weaning, which allows baby to explore a variety of flavors, textures and shapes in a child-directed manner.

Henry says this approach can be particularly beneficial to children with certain feeding issues, because it allows them to become familiar with and manage a variety of textures.

Henry cautions that this approach is not a “cure all for sensory issues” but she strongly believes some sensory issues may be avoided.

“The bottle, breast, or spoonful of pureed food goes straight to the back of the mouth. This robs the child of experiencing the preparation phase before swallowing. When an actual texture is finally introduced they do not know how to manage it, which can sometimes produce anxiety and avoidance of specific textures,” Henry explains.

3 Steps to Begin the “Born to Eat” approach with a child who is delayed or has feeding issues:

1. First, Henry says “identify where your child falls in his development.” For example, if your 6-month-old child is developmentally at a 3-4 month level, then they are not ready to dive into solids.

Since Troy’s first bite it’s been a family-centered approach

“Keep in mind that it’s not just about food in mouth and swallow,” Henry explains. Fine and gross motor skills are essential in a child’s readiness to eat.

Your child needs to be able to sit with little support, and must be able to bring food to his mouth independently. Henry emphasizes the child should sit upright in a highchair with foot support, and the caregiver should always be near and watchful.

2. Henry recommends continuing breast or bottle while introducing solids.

The “Born to Eat” philosophy is “food before one is just fun.” This mantra may be extended for children with Down syndrome, who are slower to develop. Henry says this means, at this point, solids serve as a tool or exploration and perfecting texture management skills, not to provide all of baby’s nutritional needs.

3. Lastly, start with safe foods outlined in the book.

Henry recommends finger-sized foods (2-3 inch sticks) that they can hold and independently mouth. You can use larger chip size/shape foods as well (not actual chips).

“A good food safety test is if you can push the food into the roof of your mouth with your tongue it is okay. With my daughter we did a lot of avocado, green beans (strings off), bananas and even steak! When she was gumming the steak, we were confident that she couldn’t break a piece off but she definitely enjoyed all the delicious juices (and the nutrition it provided).”

Even children on gtubes can start BLW if they are cleared by their pediatrician.

“I do recommend oral exploration especially during the feeds to make the connection between the mouth, eating and feeling full. If oral feeds aren’t allowed at the time, try mouthing a toy, a rubber spoon/fork, and/or a sensory chewing tool (I like chewy tubes),” Henry says of children with gtubes.

When a child has no oral stimulation for an extended amount of time, it can be a sensory shock when they do finally eat orally. Henry says it’s important to know you child’s current skill level well and work closely with their intervention team.

Baby-led weaning allows our children to explore different textures, flavors, and shapes. Henry says this is the exact approach she’s taken with other oral-motor tools. The two approaches mesh well together, and will serve children well in the long run.

Disclosure: I received no compensation, sponsoring, financial incentive, or other inducements to write this article