Ava is face of new awareness campaign

A SOUTHSIDE mother whose daughter is helping to front a unique new awareness campaign is hoping it will make people realise that children with Down syndrome are no different to any other.

Ciara Leahy, the mother of Ava, one of the children featured in the 21 Faces campaign, says she is delighted to be involved as it means a lot to her family.

“Obviously we are very proud of our little girl and delighted to show her off at any opportunity,” Ciara said.

“When Ava was born eight years ago it was hard to find any child with a disability represented in the media and it made me sad.

“I am delighted now to say that this has slowly started to turn around. People like those in the Down Syndrome Centre are very involved in helping to change any outdated and preconceived ideas about Down syndrome.”

She also spoke highly of the Down Syndrome Centre and the hard work they do.

“Without the centre we would be paying privately to access the therapies to enable Ava to live the best life she can.

“The centre also acts as a hub for the parents and facilitates great talks and information too. We try and fundraise for them when we can, as we would be lost without them. Their staff are also wonderful. We can’t praise them enough.”

The Down Syndrome Centre launched the brand new campaign called 21 Faces, which features 21 children with Down syndrome, to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of children with Down syndrome while asking people to take a second look and see the child past the condition.

The campaign aims to challenge misconceptions and personalise the discussion around Down syndrome. 

Portraits of each of the 21 children, aged between 10 months and nine years who use the services of the Down Syndrome Centre, invite viewers to see the uniqueness and individuality that the children represent.

Ava’s profile states that she is the eldest of two, who has a younger brother Dylan, who is six-years-of-age years.

She loves music especially Taylor Swift, Macklemore, Katy Perry and Sesame Street, Peppa Pig, swimming, basketball and dancing and dislikes loud noises.

The testimonial by Mum, Ciara, adds: “Ava is a happy, fun loving child although like all children she has her moments!

“Ava and her brother Dylan like to play together and definitely miss each other when one is not around.

“They get on great although like all siblings not always. Ava is extremely sociable. She never forgets anyone’s name when she meets them and enjoys meeting new people.

“She goes to mainstream school and has a full time SNA. She loves school and is getting on well. She is also a member of Laker’s, does dancing class and swimming lessons. She goes to Friendship Club as part of Carmona Services and has really enjoyed her time at camps in The Down Syndrome Centre as well as attending Occupational Therapy there. She is a busy girl. She has great speech and can mimic most people very well.”

Ciara adds: “Myself and her Dad were initially worried when she was born as we did not know what to expect. I wish we could have seen into the future right now and we would not have worried at all. We love her to bits and are delighted with her and the person she is becoming.”

Ellie Reilly, Occupational Therapist, says her sessions with Ava are always filled with fun and laughter.

 “She is such a funny kid and always up for the craic,” Ellie enthused. “She loves a challenge and has worked so hard on improving her handwriting. Ava is also the politest child I know, she never forgets her manner.s Ava is such a joy to have.”

Lorraine Murphy from the Down Syndrome Centre said the idea behind the campaign is to celebrate the development of the children of 21 Faces and feature testimonials of the “champions”, the parents, siblings and friends who support them.

She also said that 21 Faces will be publicised around Dublin City and that already they have been getting great feedback on it.

“21 Faces is currently being featured in an outdoor poster campaign,” she said. “The campaign has also been displayed by Dublin Bus and has caused quite a stir.”

The Down Syndrome Centre is asking people to support 21 Faces and the work they do by texting DSC to 50300 to donate €4 or by making an online donation at www.downsyndromecentre.ie/21faces.

REPORT: Aaron McElroy