more-in Kozhikode: On March 14, France 2, the French national television, had its headline-grabbing moment when an unusual person presented the weather forecast for its news bulletin. According to an Agence France Presse report, Melanie Segard, a 21-year-old woman, provided a summary of the weekend weather. Ms. Segard was breaking new ground for the disabled as she has Down’s Syndrome, one of the most common forms of intellectual disabilities. Also known as Trisomy 21, the condition is caused by the presence of an extra, or third, copy of chromosome number 21. Though there is awareness about the disability in society, not many know that people with Down’s Syndrome can be professionals if they are properly trained, say doctors. Shaji Thomas John, paediatrician at Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode, and chairman, Down’s Syndrome Trust, said despite a marked change in the attitude of society towards people with the disorder, they do not get jobs. “There are several centres across the country that train people with intellectual disabilities in making household things such as soap and pickle. That is not enough. They should be given proper jobs. Many are still unaware that they are employable,” he said. Dr. John said people with Down’s Syndrome were generally slow learners, but if they were trained properly, they could work in companies. “They are considered outcastes. This attitude should change. Companies should come forward to offer them jobs. There are several successful professionals, such as fashion designers in developed countries, with Down’s Syndrome,” he added. The effort is to ensure that those diagnosed with the illness and those who advocate for them are included on an equal basis with others in society, and their voice influences government policies and action. To stress this point, the theme of this year’s Down’s syndrome Day that falls on Tuesday has been fixed as ‘My Voice, My Community’. Dosth Support Group - Calicut, Indian Medical Association, and Down’s Syndrome Trust are holding an awareness session and cultural events at IMA Hall here on Tuesday to mark the day. Group secretary Nasar Babu T. said Ramakrishnan Palatt and N. Uthaman, doctors who have done commendable work in the field, would be felicitated on the occasion. Differently-abled people aged above 14 can register with the National Career Guidance Centre for the Differently-abled, Thiruvananthapuram, at the venue and renew their insurance policies.

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