DOWN SYNDROME IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS: IDENTIFYING ASSOCIATIONS AND PROGRAMS

Abstract

To consider the difference is to identify that people have their own strengths and weaknesses, and these should not be fully emphasized. From this point of view, the following question arises: how has work with people with Down syndrome been occurring in the main associations/institutions in the contexts of Spain, Brazil, and the United States? The objective of this study was to present and discuss actions and programs of the main associations/institutions that Brazil, Spain, and the United States treat people with Down syndrome, in order to identify how these people are considered in these programs. This theoretical essay is characterized by a bibliographic review of works made available on the Internet, such as Google Books and Google Scholar. Other databases were consulted, such as the National Down Syndrome Society of the United States, Down España Magazine, and the APAES Message Magazine. The data indicate that in Brazil a large concentration of Non Government Organizations (NOGs) was identified, as well as the Associação Nacional de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE). In Spain, the Down España Federation took place, which counts with 83 associations. In the USA we observed the National Down Syndrome Society that has in its interior 350 groups of affiliates around the country. Keyworks: Down Syndrome. Educational Programs. Contexts.