The Shortland Street Controversy

have the odd beer and she enjoys travelling around New Zealand to catch up with the family. Rochelle is very independent, catches the bus by herself, has flown on her own on occasions and likes to make her own decisions. At 23, she's achieved probably more in her life than any other 23-year-old I know. I very often remark how people with Down Syndrome are geniuses because they have people wrapped around their little finger. Take school for example where Rochelle got away with murder. Teachers would see her disability and not expect much from her and she played right into that. I knew she was more than capable as I would see her doing these things at home and outside of school. But if she couldn’t be bothered doing something, she would happily and deliberately play the disability card. She and her friends know how to use their disability to their advantage. One part that is often overlooked in the discussions about how valuable a life with Down syndrome is, is the impact they make on the people around them. Having a sister with Down syndrome has made me a better person. Like many other siblings of people with Down syndrome, I'm accepting, empathetic and have the ability to see things from other people’s viewpoint. I've spent my whole life being around people with Down syndrome and often think the world would be a better place if everyone had Down syndrome. I love being around these guys, there's always laughter, fun and positivity. Being Rochelle’s sibling has brought me many opportunities, from coaching swimming with Special Olympics, to camps where I've made lifelong friends. As a committee member for Special Olympics Canterbury, it makes me proud to see Rochelle running the meetings and contributing to the discussions we have. It's great that she's on the various committees to advocate for her peers. It bothers me when people refer to Down syndrome as a curse. How can a happy child who rarely argues back like most kids, loves routine and brings laughter everywhere, possibly be a curse? The understanding of this disability is, so so wrong. I am disappointed that so many people have such a wrong impression and ignorant storylines on shows like Shortland Street do not really help to educate the community about how great life with Down syndrome really can be. I wonder why other storylines are portrayed with more sensitivity than this, but it just reinforces why I don’t watch this programme and never will.

By Andrew Oswin

Andrew Oswin appearing on the September 1st edition of Newshub.

I had an interview on national media with a reporter which got put on television for the 6pm Channel 3 news. This got filmed for the Auckland Newshub. I got asked to do this as a Representative of the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association. I spoke a little bit about one scene that got filmed on Shortland Street which was disturbing to the Down syndrome community. I gave my opinions, thoughts, views and perspectives. I shared about my experiences living life as a person with Down syndrome and what I value in the community. I think that we need to hear from people with Down syndrome to promote their voice, to share their stories, to value diversity in life, to have equal rights, to be respected and have acceptance in society. The message I would like to give to the wider community is that we will not tolerate discrimination against us and to accept us as equal individuals.

Andrew Oswin is a member of STRIVE and Canterbury Down Syndrome Association Committee.