Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation (APDSF) has featured ‘Our Lives, Our Voices’ Self-Advocate – April Koh – in their newsletter celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. Read on for April’s feature in APDSF’s newsletter.
Meet 26-year-old April, who has been representing the community since 2019 as a self-advocate for ‘Our Lives, Our Voices’, a self-advocacy programme organised by Movement of the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and Down Syndrome Association (Singapore). April meets the group every week to discuss and exchange ideas on how to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs).
When asked how she would describe herself, April replied, “Happy and helpful!” with a big grin on her face. Her mother, May, agrees. “April is very happy-go-lucky. Even when she’s struggling, she will not see it as a problem and will continue trying until she makes it. She never gives up.”
As a child, April battled multiple medical conditions. The doctors were not hopeful and said she would not be able to make it. “But April is a real fighter. She survived and continues to surprise us everyday with what she can do,” said May.
Energetic and fun-loving, April grew up as a budding gymnast, and took up swimming, cycling and bowling. She also taught herself how to draw and paint. “My dream is to design T-shirts for my favourite Korean pop bands!” says April excitedly, while showing her collection of original designs that she drew from scratch.
Learn more about MINDS’ ‘Our Lives, Our Voices’ Self-Advocacy Programme here.
Read the Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation’s newsletter here.
Featured in the November 2021 issue of MINDShare – our monthly e-newsletter. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories and updates from the MINDS Community!