Spain welcomes first ever parliamentarian with Down syndrome

Being the first member of the Parliament having Down syndrome, Mar Galcerán has left her mark on the political history of Spain. She struggled for decades to make sure that those who had intellectual impairments were involved in the discussion. The 45-year old, who was elected as Valencia’s regional legislature, is convinced that her skills not be defined by her impairment. The world is beginning to understand the immense value those with Down syndrome provide. However, it’s a long path.

Historic entry into politics

It has taken her decades to do this. Galcerán entered the conservative People’s Party (PP) at the age of 18 because she was inspired to its support of tradition. She reached the party leadership slowly. Her dedication showed in the May of last year when was included in the candidates list of PP for the regional elections in Valencia as the 20th name.

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Galceran’s landmark achievement

As she was involved in the list at 20th number news and reports leaked out that she had secured a seat in regional parliament after a short time. The leader of PP said on social media by welcoming Mar and also said that there is good news for politics – obstacles are being overcome. With this accomplishment, Galceran becomes one and only first person with Down syndrome to work in politics.

Other history creators

Éléonore Laloux is the first person in France having genetic disorder who was appointed as a city council member in 2020. Similarly, history was created by Fintan Bray in Ireland in 2022.

In Spain, Galceran is continuing the legacy of Ángela Bachiller, she is the country’s first city councilor who have down syndrome in 2013. She served as a councilor for Valladolid. Galcerán expects that her involvement in the regional parliament will function as a spark to clarify misconceptions about people who have Down syndrome in especially.

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Down syndrome

It is a genetic disorder. This syndrome is caused by the abnormal cell division which results in the additional full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra copy leads the physical characteristics and developmental abnormalities of Down syndrome. In simple terms, Down syndrome is developed with the presence of an extra chromosome.

Physical feature of Down syndrome

• A smashed face, particularly near the nasal bridge
• Short neck
• Eyes of almond shape with an upward slope
• Tiny ears
• A tongue that extends from the mouth
• Little white patches on the iris
• Tiny hands as well as feet
• Very short height as a kid and adult
• Weak muscular tone as well as loose joints

Types of Down syndrome

1. Trisomy 21: instead of the normal two copies of chromosome 21, every single cell in the body contains 3 copies of the gene.
2. Translocation Down syndrome: it is caused when the chromosome 21 got attached to another chromosome.
3. Mosaic Down syndrome: some cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21.

Mental age of person with Down syndrome

Individuals who are diagnosed with Down syndrome are generally intellectually and physically disabled. Their mental capacities as an adult are usually comparable to those of an 8 or 9 year old child. They also have a very high level of social as well as emotional awareness. It also includes the various disorders or mental health issues like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, oppositional behaviors, depression, and tic disorder.

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Other health issues

• Loss of hearing
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Infectious ear
• Diseases related to the eye
• Birth abnormalities of heart

Treatment

For those with Down syndrome, there isn’t a single approved treatment or therapy. The goals, capabilities, and limits of each individual are considered while building a treatment plan. Early intervention and educational therapy is considered as a best treatment for Down syndrome. Early services provided to children will frequently help newborns and children with Down syndrome help to develop their physical as well as intellectual abilities. These early services involve speech, occupational, as well as physical therapy services for children having Down syndrome and these children may also require extra help and attention as well as additional school support.