The UN General Assembly chose March 21 as the day for Down syndrome awareness to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
Vivid is a support foundation that aims to create a community where people of all abilities can thrive.
The Vivid Work Crew at Echuca offers paid, meaningful employment in a supported environment where their workers can learn new skills and be a part of the community.
They are involved in various jobs that engage with the community.
Tayla Malluso, from the Vivid Work Crew, has branched out into un-supported work in the community.
“I work at Moama RSL on a Wednesday, and I do the menus, I like seeing all the customers,” she said.
“We do woodwork and painting at Vivid as well.”
Nicola Dawes, who is also a member of the Vivid Work Crew, does jobs along with other members as part of the supported employment.
“We wash the blue towels for the hospital here,” she said.
“We do all kinds of things.”
Sandra Dawes, mother of Ms Dawes, emphasised the importance of the wider Echuca community celebrating and raising awareness for Down syndrome.
“It’s good to bring awareness to people, and we’re actually very lucky in this town because we have many support groups and organisations available to us, which is good,” she said.
“I think it’s important for people to understand the disability because all the people with Down syndrome are different in a lot of ways.
“People with Down syndrome are human too, and they deserve to live as normal life as possible and be happy in doing that.”
Vivid marketing and fundraising manager Bel Anderson wanted to highlight that while the community should celebrate each other’s differences, the Down syndrome community wants to be treated equally too.
“Vivid celebrates all the ability and awareness for what Down syndrome is,” she said.
“They get up, they go to work and do the same types of jobs as everyone else.”
This year, Down Syndrome Australia is running a ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign where they want people to wear their craziest socks to create a conversation about Down syndrome.
Nicola Dawes and Tayla Malluso have worn crazy socks all week, some of which have vibrant colours to encourage people to start discourse around Down syndrome awareness.
