Reagan Johnson/Winonan

Kathleen Forney and her husband David debunked myths at last Tuesday’s Down syndrome clinic. The couple’s son David was their inspiration to inform students at Winona State University about the disease.

Kathleen Forney said the goal of her presentation was to “change the way you think about Down syndrome.”

The Forneys described the dangerous stereotypes associated with the syndrome and why they are not true.

Kathleen Forney, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, urged students to remember that people with Down syndrome are people first.

“They are not their disability, and their disability does not define who they are,” Forney said.

She also explained that even though people with Down syndrome may share similarities, they are still very much individuals.

“They are not cut out of one cookie cutter,” she said.

The couple discussed the common misconception that people with Down syndrome are always happy because of their positive nature. The Forneys explained that people with the disease have the same range of emotions as those without it.

David Forney made a point to discuss the belief that people with Down syndrome are not capable of holding a job.

“People with Down syndrome have an incredibly good work ethic,” he said. He emphasized that people with Down syndrome may have challenges but are capable of learning and have many talents. While abstract concepts may be more difficult for those with Down syndrome, they have amazing memory skills, he said.

The couple said those with the disease are still able to live full and meaningful lives. They are capable of living semi-independently or independently and have special skills of their own that help them find jobs.

The couple urged others to learn about the topic and recognize that those with the syndrome are still capable of great things despite the challenges that they face.

The clinic was organized by Project Compass, which provides classes and activities for individuals with disabilities. The event had around 40 attendees with only a few empty seats. Most attendees said they were special education majors and chose to come because they were interested to learn more about the field they are going into.

Contact Reagan at [email protected]