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Celebrated on this (21), the International and National Day of People with Down Syndrome draws attention to the importance of inclusion, respect and appreciation of differences. In Rio Branco, it has transformed these principles into concrete actions, offering adapted teaching and daily care to children, young people and adults served by the institution.
With around 140 students enrolled, the work carried out at the Dr. Chalub Leite Center, attached to APAE, seeks to develop autonomy and strengthen students’ self-esteem through adapted pedagogical activities. Teaching respects each student’s learning time and uses practical methodologies to facilitate understanding of content.
Down Syndrome Day reinforces stories of overcoming at APAE Rio Branco | Photo: Dell Pinheiro
According to the president of APAE Rio Branco, Lázaro Barbosa, the date represents more than a symbolic celebration. “This date reminds us of the importance of ensuring respect, inclusion and opportunities. Here, our students are received with affection and attention, because we believe in the potential of each one. What we do is offer conditions for them to develop and feel part of society”, he stated.
In Rio Branco, APAE’s work shows that inclusion happens every day | Photo: Dell Pinheiro
Pedagogical director Sanmarah Alves explains that the method applied at the institution seeks to make learning more accessible and meaningful. “Our daily lives are challenging, but we try every day to make them happy. They come here wanting to express themselves, wanting to show that they know how and that they can do it”, he highlighted. She adds that the activities go beyond the traditional teaching model. “Our teaching is concrete. We work with games, workshops, conversation circles, films and practical activities. Only then do we do the pedagogical intervention in the notebook. Each line written, each advance, is a victory.”
Between challenges and achievements, APAE students show strength of inclusion | Photo: Dell Pinheiro, ContilNet
In addition to academic content, the institution also develops projects aimed at practical life and preparation for the job market, through Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) and Youth and Adult Education (EJA). For Sanmarah, pedagogical work involves care and patience. “Here it’s not just about teaching. It’s about loving, respecting and having patience to wait for each person’s time. They have the capacity, yes. They can learn, yes”, he reinforced.
Among the students served are Naiana Pedrosa de Moraes Cordeiro, Gudson da Silva Lins, Flaviana de Souza Barros, Arlan Ferreira Gomes, Emanuelly Yasmin Souza Oliveira, Francisca Geiziane Martins do Nascimento, Tiago Moribe Lima, Ocilanio de Souza Barros and Renato Anute de Lima, who represent real stories of learning and overcoming within the institution.
The date also reinforces that Down syndrome is not a disease, but a genetic condition related to trisomy 21. In Rio Branco, APAE’s work shows that inclusion happens every day, through respect, affection and the certainty that each person has their space and value in society.
With advisory information
