ALLIES, a new student organization at IU Southeast, presented an event called “Who We Are,” where individuals with Down syndrome spoke about their lives and capabilities within the community. Young adults with Down syndrome, their parents and students attended the event.
ALLIES was created by Callie Risse, special education sophomore, and Kevin Evans, elementary education sophomore, with group adviser, Matt Springer, coordinator of Disability Services.
Evans, vice president of ALLIES, said the group was formed to incorporate young adults with Down syndrome who do not attend IU Southeast into campus activities.
“Our mission is to form friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities, particularly Down syndrome,” Evans said.
The event introduced 10 individuals with Down syndrome who discussed their hobbies, responsibilities and experiences.
“I was never very familiar with disabilities and those that have them, but this event showed me that those with Down syndrome are just the same as we are,” Crystal Burks, elementary education freshman, said. “They are really funny and are just as able to achieve their goals as anyone else.”
Candice Boudreaux, business junior, said she joined ALLIES in hopes of becoming a more loving and patient person with her 18-year-old brother, Brandon, who has Down syndrome.
“It was very eye-
opening for me,” Boudreaux said. “I never really saw my brother’s potential until I attended this event and heard the capabilities of the others with Down syndrome. I learned that we are more alike than we are different.”
Two of the speakers were a couple with Down syndrome who have been dating for seven years. Kristin Stewart, 27, and Craig Dusel, 25, discussed their relationship and the similarities between their relationship and other couples.
“Kristin makes me laugh all the time,” Dusel said. “She makes me feel happy about myself. We are very honest, and we always tell the truth. We like to go to movies and out to dinner like every other couple. Our relationship is great, and we are so in love.”
His mother, Cathy Dusel, said she was glad to see her son speak about his capabilities and interests to a group of people.
Craig Dusel has lived in his own apartment for four years and has worked at Goodwill for five years.
“Craig loves to talk,” Cathy Dusel said. “Any time he has an opportunity to interact with people he isn’t used to is a good experience for him to improve his social skills. A lot of people assume that people with Down syndrome do not live on their own, but that is not true in the case of Craig. He lives a very busy and full life.”
Each month, ALLIES invites group members with Down syndrome to experience a social event with students on campus.
“A lot of the people come straight out of high school and lose connection with friends, especially those with Down syndrome,” Evans said. “Our group wants to provide a social network on campus to get them incorporated into college life.”
Evans and Risse started the organization after creating a best buddies group at their high school.
Evans said the group is striving for more members to play an active role.
“This program has a lot of expansion room, and we are looking for students who are willing to volunteer their time to be a role model for individuals who have Down syndrome,” Evans said.
By COURTNEY
MCKINLEY
Staff
comckinl@imail.iu.edu