Benoni woman challenges Down syndrome stigma

She asked people to create opportunity for people with Down syndrome

March 20, 2018

Johané Scott 2 minutes read

Kerisha Nagiah (26) has Trisomy 21 Down's syndrome. She prefers to call it 'dance syndrome'.

With World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the City Times spoke to Michelle Nadar and her daughter, Kerisha Nagiah.

Kerisha (26) has Trisomy 21 Down syndrome, although she prefers to call it “dance syndrome” as she loves musicals and dancing.

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Michelle shared some insight into what it really means to have a child with Down syndrome with the aim to challenge the stigma.

She said she found out Kerisha had Down syndrome when she was born but it was confirmed when she was three weeks old.

When asked how she reacted, she said she was shocked, experienced some fear and some disappointment.

Michelle explained she was 23-years-old when she had her daughter,she added that she didn’t know what Down syndrome entailed and had limited knowledge.

“All parents want their child to be perfect and I only knew one or two people with non-verbal Down syndrome,” she said.

Michelle said she and Kerisha’s father made a conscious decision to treat her exactly the same as her siblings, even before they were born.

“We couldn’t treat her differently. Keri is a blessing,” she said.

The proud mom also said she has learned a lot from her daughter because she believes Kerisha sees the world differently.

“She understands people and she believes every person must be respected and loved,” said Michelle.

She also admitted that Kerisha often wants to spoil her family and friends with gifts and said it can get expensive.

Kerisha said she has never experienced blatant discrimination because she has Down syndrome.

She said she had a job at a local coffee shop but Michelle explained the owners relocated to the Western Cape.

“She could remember all of the orders and she worked around the challenges,” she said.

She said Kerisha is looking for a new opportunity.

“I would like to ask people with businesses to create opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Keri had me and my family in tears one day when she said ‘I just want to show the world what I can do’,” said Michelle.

She asked for a little patience and said everyone has something to add.