With photos, group to raise awareness on Down syndrome

WITH the help of a photo exhibit, the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI) hopes to raise awareness on Down syndrome.

“This is a really good advocacy for the children. He (Paulo Canivel) painstakingly went around and took pictures of all the children, five of whom are from Cebu,” said Aleli Ngo, president of DSAPI-Cebu.

Valentine's 2009 blog [1]

DSAPI yesterday formally opened “Emilio’s corner: Speaking in smiles,” a photo exhibit featuring 14 unique individuals with Down syndrome.

The exhibit aims to portray the different side of the condition as it shares the different stories of the 14 featured children and adults and the people whose lives they have touched.

“This exhibit just erases the stigma and misconceptions on Down syndrome. There is even one feature on a 45-year-old. This just erases the old concept that people with Down syndrome live only up to 25 years,” said Ngo.

For photographer Paulo Canivel, the exhibit touched a more personal note.

Leukemia

“Emilio’s Corner is inspired by my brother, Emilio, who had Down syndrome when he was born. He was born in 1997 but unfortunately we lost him three years later. He died because of leukemia,” said Canivel.

In memory of his brother, Canivel picked up his camera and started taking pictures of the different families with children that have Down syndrome.

“The children and the families have been so very accommodating. All of us, we share this same experience. We are just like one big family who share the same lives, the same experience,” said Canivel.

Taking pictures of children with Down syndrome is also very easy, he added.

“These children were light and easy to work with,” he said.

For people who look at children with Down syndrome differently, Canivel hopes that their views on these special children will soon change.

“What I’d like to say to these people is that they should give these children a chance. They should open their hearts. Sure they are mentally slow, but everybody should look beyond these deficiencies and see how much love these children can give. Napakalambing nila. They love unconditionally,” he added. (EPB)