Global Down Syndrome

two Florida state scholarships for children with special educational needs. However, the schools they considered that accepted the scholarships were too far away. Others didn't accept either of the awards or did not feel they were prepared to accommodate Valentina's needs. After much research, Guerrero and Elizalde found a Montessori private school that promoted diversity and inclusion. There, an individualized education plan that involves Valentina's parents and teachers, as well as a therapist and the school's principal, has allowed her to thrive. She is a curious, fun-loving, bilingual — she speaks English and Spanish — student who enjoys reading, art, and science and cultural activities. She wants to be a chef when she grows up, but she may have a future in education, too. "Valentina's favorite game is pretending to be a teacher," Elizalde said. "She lines up all her dolls and stuffed animals, and Oliver likes to sit in her class from time to time. That's actually how he began to learn English! She 'reads' them books and asks them to spell words. Oliver looks up to her a lot." Valentina's educational experiences, both positive and negative, demonstrate why advocating for greater academic inclusion is so important. "I do think there should be more academic resources and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome," Potamkin said. "I hope that with the work of families like the Guerreros and organizations like the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, this can be achieved in the near future." ENVISIONING A FUTURE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Guerrero and Elizalde want one thing above all others for Valentina's future: inclusion — in grade school, college, the workplace, and society. They are hopeful that vision is in reach. "We see a bright future for Valentina," Elizalde said. "She has already done so much, and, I think, as she grows, she will only continue to surprise us. When I see her on ads for major brands or featured in reputable publications, I envision her as a supermodel and lecturer, if she so desires. … Her potential is extraordinary, and she will become whoever she wishes to be. I hope she continues to achieve a high level of independence, often experiencing happiness and life to its fullest. Thinking about her future puts a smile on my face." Valentina is helping lead the march to an inclusive future, along with children such as Lucas Warren. Earlier this year, Lucas became the first baby with Down syndrome to win the Gerber Spokesbaby contest. Achieving true inclusion will take opportunity and resources. The latter, unfortunately, are not always forthcoming, as evidenced by the fact that Down syndrome is one of the least- funded genetic conditions by the National Institutes of Health. While traveling across America during a yearlong charity tour following her Miss World USA win, Potamkin observed the universality of yearning for opportunity. "Traveling all over the U.S. and meeting so many different people, I was inspired by the similarities we all share that bring us together," she said. "Even at a young age, it hit me that people want the same thing anywhere you go. They want to be happy, healthy, to love and be loved, experience joy, and have gainful employment." CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 A MOTHER'S SECOND ACT Before she became a mother, Cecilia Elizalde thought she had her professional life figured out. She achieved success in the Latin entertainment industry as a TV producer and then as the host of her own national music show on the PBS Spanish- language network, Vme. Then she had her daughter, Valentina, and her mission became advocating for a more diverse and inclusive world. "I was privileged to cover and attend major events like the Grammys and interview superstars, yet nothing ever felt as fulfilling as what I've been doing for the past six years," Elizalde said. "A year after Valentina was born, I decided to switch gears to focus on individuals who are differently-abled and getting society to celebrate diversity. I've been able to guide hundreds of parents through their new journeys and been invited to give conferences on topics stemming from our experience. I've written articles for notable portals, and I was honored to have inspired and be the first recipient of the Family Empowerment Award from Parent to Parent of Miami." Starting on May 1, Elizalde will take her advocacy a step further with a YouTube channel called "CECELIZ" for parents of children who are differently-abled. The channel, already featuring original content, will be a resource parents can turn to for answers to their questions. Parents will also be able to find information about a variety of parenting topics from physicians, therapists, researchers, educators, and spiritual leaders whom Elizalde will interview. "I will share thoughts, concerns, and achievements and will fill our social media platforms with encouraging posts that remind mothers and fathers of the possibilities," Elizalde said. "CECELIZ will be a place for families to access on their own time, at their own pace, from anywhere in the world." Check out Elizalde's YouTube channel at youtube.com/ceceliz. Valentina and Cecilia Elizalde 2018 ISSUE 1 OF 4 • DOWN SYNDROME WORLD ™ 24

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