Tag: Down Syndrome

Posted on

Tomfoolery: Gestures Matter “Hand In Hand”

Poet Tomos Roberts - probablytomfoolery - shines a light on bullying, Down Syndrome, and public gestures. Poet Tomos Roberts, better known to his Instagram followers as probablytomfoolery, shared this today as part of his ongoing ‘Poem A Day 2022’ campaign. Like a lot of great writing, you think the point is one thing, and then, we realize it’s something even more. Continue reading “Tomfoolery: Gestures Matter “Hand In Hand””

Posted on

Baby Alba Was Rejected By 20 Families, And Then Along Came The Perfect Dad

Single dad Luca Trapanese and daughter Alba (image via Instagram)
Luca Trapanese has always wanted to be a father. But as a gay single man living in Italy, the laws regarding adoption are very stringent. Married heterosexual couples between the ages of 18 – 45 are the primary candidates to adopt, although single parents may apply under certain circumstances. Luca shared with the BBC, “They told me that they would only give me children with illnesses, severe disabilities, or behavioral problems.” And along came Alba. Alba was only 30 days old and had been rejected by 20 families, including her biological mother because she had Down syndrome. But Luca, who has volunteered and worked with disabled people since he was a teen, didn’t hesitate. After receiving a call about the infant, he rushed to the hospital to sign the adoption documents. “When I held her in my arms, I was filled with joy,” said Luca. “I felt that she was my daughter straight away. I knew I was ready to be her father.”

Being gay, single and Catholic, Luca feels he’s challenging the stereotypes regarding fatherhood and traditional families. Today, Alba is 18 months old and thriving. Like all children, she loves to play and dance around the house, explore new places like parks and museums, and go to work with her dad. Luca shares that she can be a bit stubborn at times, but that’s life with a toddler. “She’s brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment,” says the 41-year-old dad. “I’m proud to be her father.” “I’ll spend the rest of my life with a child that I love, and we’ll do so many amazing things together.” Fortunately, Luca likes to share his life with Alba on Instagram. Check out some photos of this awesome dad and daughter duo.

Posted on

Viral Video: Watch Down Syndrome Texas Teen Get His First Job

Texas teen Ben Sunderman, who has Down Syndrome, finds out if he got the internship he applied for at Embassy Suites in this video from Good Morning America.

This would be the 19 year old’s first job. His reaction to the letter is priceless.

My brother is mildly autistic so I smile watching the video unfold.

First, his mother asks him to read the letter. So he begins silently reading the letter.

Then, she asks him to read it out loud. Tasked with reading the letter out loud, he dutifully finishes his task (occasionally raising a finger to quiet his excited mother – precious) until he reaches the end and realizes the news.

Watch the first time experience unfold. This will make your day.

You can also see a local news report about Ben here.