A Very Special Day: World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. In a world which can sometimes seem cruel and unkind, I'm so glad there is a day observed worldwide, which recognizes the special gifts and wonderful nature of people with Down Syndrome(DS). It's also a day to highlight the fact there are many things people with DS CAN do. There was a time when people with this syndrome were institutionalized, or lebotomized, or just hidden from view. So while we may not think special days like this matter, they do.

Daily Coffee News has highlighted an event for today which I'm thrilled to know is out there. Spanish coffee company Cafento is organizing a barista competition for people with Down Syndrome.

http://dailycoffeenews.com/2014/03/20/down-syndrome-barista-competition-returns-in-four-regions-of-spain/

Prior to the competition, the baristas have 5 days of training where they can hone their skills in latte art.  Last year 21 baristas competed. Cafento is developing more of these events around Spain, and they are to be commended for it.

Sometimes it's not the special events which highlight what people with DS can do, sometimes it's just the day to day activities. In a recent article for Carroll Magazine, Anne Blue wrote about Erin Baldwin, a woman who struggled in a group home environment. Frustrated with her situation, her parents brought her home, and eventually figured a way for Erin to work, be productive, and do something terrific - roasting coffee.

http://www.carrollmagazine.com/articles/the-beans-of-empathy.html

Erin is the Chief Coffee Roaster for Furnace Hills Coffee Company. She and her life coach work together to roast coffee three times a week. Their goal last fall was to roast about 200 lbs of coffee a week.

www.furnacehillscoffee.com

Opportunities like the barista competition, and roasting in coffee companies, are growing for people with DS. So many want to work and prove what they can do. The coffee world can expand those opportunities. I encourage coffee houses, roasters, etc, to look into hiring people with DS. I promise you won't be sorry you did.

Charlie