John Langdon Down Foundation: Teaching the Visual Arts for the integral formation of adults with Down syndrome

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
NGO Name: John Langdon Down Foundation - Location: Mexico

THE CHALLENGE

Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in pair number 21. It occurs in about 1 in every 690 births and is the most common cause of intellectual disability. An estimated 180,000 people with DS live in Mexico. The presence of this extra chromosome continues to have effects after birth and throughout the life of the person.


In Mexico, there is a significant lack of programs and resources to provide alternative specialized care as well as job training for people with DS. Developing autonomy and self-reliance is still one of the greatest challenges for people with DS.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Visual Arts program provides artistic education to youth and adults with Down syndrome to promote their social integration, reaffirm identity, and further develop their self-confidence.
The program aims to:

  • Foster the development of abstract thought through artistic creation.
  • Promote artistic expression and communication through visual arts.
  • Encourage the complete participation and inclusion of people with Down syndrome into society.


Students of the Escuela Mexicana de Arte Down are trained in various techniques that comprise the plastic arts, such as drawing, oil painting, mixed media, engraving, pyrography, lithography, etching, and sculpture, all while developing their emotional and communication skills and other key soft skills.

In their own words

The first work my son did was one of the days I remember the most, the joy and happiness I saw in his face filled me with happiness.

Father of one of the beneficiaries

Thanks to the art program of the Foundation we have been able to impact 30 families, the impact of this program goes beyond all the barriers that we have put as a society to people with Down syndrome, it is a space where they are free to express everything they feel and also to show us the potential they have. Parents are the first to be surprised by the incredible work their sons and daughters are doing, they feel proud and motivated to keep going. 

Psychologist of the Mexican School of Down Art