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I AM EQUAL :: PHOTOSTORY

My Photo Story: Mindy M.

I live with my parents and I’m 29 years old. Salt lake city is my hometown and I have three pugs.

I have downs syndrome. Sometimes people been teasing me cause I look different. I went to many schools. I was vulnerable and it would make people want to tease me when I was in school. One time a boy spitted on me on my glasses. Another time a girl pinched me hard on the shoulder and it hurt. And other students would call me slow. And when people do these things it kind of makes me a little sad and hurt.

I am equal!!

I love my family and they are precious to me. I like to go to the movies with my brothers and listen to my favorite singer Taylor Hicks. I’m happy when I see my dogs run outside. I like to write plays and take pictures and I got a blue ribbon on my latchhook rug that I made. I’d like people to treat me like a mature young adult and with respect. And I think people should treat others the same way.

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Learn more about Down Syndrome with these resources:

The National Down Syndrome Society

National Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Education Online

PUBLISHED: June 20, 2011 by jasonbeckett
This entry was posted in Bullying, Disabilities & Disorders, Down Syndrome, Photo Story and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.
  • Lenaya

    This is beautiful. It actually almost brought tears to my eyes. So inspiring.

  • Kent Deleone

    Beautiful.

  • luxana

    Thanks for sharing, and been a strong person. it inspire me to be strong like you.

  • http://www.goodiebasketsgalore.com Annette Christensen

    Thank you so much for sharing, my daughter Katy has Down Syndrome, she is 8, and the most wonderful treasure I could ever have in the world. I am not sure what I would do if someone spat on her, I might get arrested! I’m so sorry that happened to you, people are so intolerant and I am fighting for tolerance! Keep sharing your story!

  • Jenny

    Hello there Mindy, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story with me. You are a beautiful soul and I am very proud that you didn’t allow those insecure people to stop you from being a happy beautiful lady. Sending you my love!!

  • Anni

    Mindy, YOU inspire me. YOU are perfect in my eyes. thank you for sharing your story. God watch over you and our little Isabel, aka Rizzo.

  • Melissa

    Mindy, some people need to be taught, and by gently guiding their interactions, you can show them how they should treat you no differently than anyone else. My older sister, Karen, was born with Diwn Syndrome too, and while it affects her physical and mental development, she is still just KK to me. When people behaved inappropriately and said mean things, I would like to remember that we stood up for her. She is such a beloved person in my life, as I am sure you are to your family. I consider myself very lucky to not only have Karen to grow up with, but her group of very cool friends, all a little didn’t from me, but Equal just the same. After all, who said that being a certain way makes any one person our group of people more valued, worthy our important? Thank you for your essay. It made my day! You are a beautiful young lady!

  • Greg

    Mindy you are a very inspiring person. I am so sorry that some people can be so mean and cruel, but don’t ever forget God made you the way you are because he knew you would be strong enough and be surrounded by a wonderful family, to overcome your challanges. Like my niece Isabelle you are proof that angels do exist here on earth. May God continue to bless you and your family.

TBA CHARLESTON, WV
TBA ATLANTA, GA
TBA RICHMOND, VA
I live with my parents and I’m 29 years old. Salt lake city is my hometown and I have three pugs.

I have downs syndrome. Sometimes people been teasing me cause I look different. I went to many schools. I was vulnerable and it would make people want to tease me when I was in school. One time a boy spitted on me on my glasses. Another time a girl pinched me hard on the shoulder and it hurt. And other students would call me slow. And when people do these things it kind of makes me a little sad and hurt.

I love my family and they are precious to me. I like to go to the movies with my brothers and listen to my favorite singer Taylor Hicks. I’m happy...  » READ MORE «