Exhibition aims to break down Down’s Syndrome barriers
A piece of art by photographer Terry Harris.
A photographic exhibition showing a positive side of Down’s Syndrome is launching at the Peterborough Garden Park in March.
Peterborough photographer Terry Harris is showing ‘DS The Big Picture’ at the Garden Park in Eye from March 16 until May.
He was inspired by his daughter Lucy, who was born in 2007 and diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome almost immediately.
He said: “It never really fazed us. We often think we are extremely lucky as Lucy does not have any of the major problems often associated with Down’s Syndrome. That said, she does have her problems and they are sometimes difficult and upsetting. But on the whole Lucy has grown into a lovable bundle who completes our family. There’s no doubting Lucy has obstacles ahead, but we as a family are supportive of each other.
“The Big Picture is our way of sharing our experiences and letting every family around the world touched by Down’s Syndrome share theirs.”
The exhibition aims to help everyone, from new parents to people who just want a better understanding of Down’s Syndrome: an understanding built on fact and not misconceptions. Another key component of the campaign is to educate society as a whole and to correct dated and negative stereotypes of people with DS.
‘DS The Big Picture’ has secured the support of the two largest charities involved with Down’s Syndrome: The Down’s Syndrome Association and DSi (Down Syndrome International). DSA currently has over 7,000 members across over 140 affiliates in the UK alone. It also has an exceptionally large presence around the world due to its World Down’s Syndrome International organization (DSi).
The exhibition is supported by an official website www.dsthebigpicture.com which will include full HD video and pictures with an interactive gallery to spread the message around the world, allowing overseas visitors to view and leave messages.
With around 7 million people with Down’s Syndrome living worldwide, DS is the most common and recognised form of learning disability. But most people with Down’s Syndrome face a harsh reality of low life expectancy, physical and psychological abuse, stigma and segregation, and limited life opportunities as children and adults. People with Down’s Syndrome living in poverty face these challenges, but they are also faced across the spectrum of wealth due to educational, political, medical and social barriers.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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