Responsible for supervising sports lessons, I had ample interactive opportunities with the Down Syndrome and autistic community, their caregivers and coaches.
Most members welcomed me with passion, proving the prejudiced labels of isolation and hostility to be wrong. To my bewilderment, some were remarkably competent- a member with Down Syndrome graduated from university; a member with autism represented Hong Kong in Paralympic Games! Upon connecting with their caregivers, I gained in-depth comprehension of their hardships and stigma, highlighting the need of advocating for the Down syndrome and autistic community.
An inclusive platform, like Love 21 Foundation, resolved their sense of alienation and anxiety. Intriguingly, full-time staff remembered the names of hundreds of members and their caregivers. They reassured me that after some time, I would recall their names naturally as if addressing my family.
An accident cultivated my cultural sensitivity. While a girl with Down Syndrome was whining, I asked about her parents in hopes to comfort. Little did I know she came from a divorced family. My gesture of goodwill turned out to be catalyse of a breakdown, after which I apologised sincerely. It came to my awareness that each individual had distinct background and personal experience. I learnt to put myself into their shoes, approaching every interaction with respect and sensitivity.