The Mexican school of down's art

November 23, 9:25 AMHartford Special Needs Kids ExaminerDanna Mann

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The John Langdon School was founded in 1972.  It was the first school of its kind in the world, a school dedicated to the care, education, and support for families.  Sylvia Garcia-Escamilla created the school  for children, adults and youths who had Down's Syndrome, making this a safe place for them to go.  In 1967 her first son Eduardo was diagnosed with Down's.  Sylvia had no place to turn as there was no government or private institution for children with special needs.  In December 1972, Eduardo passed away in a tragic accident, but Sylvia kept the school going knowing she still had to provide a place for the others that had joined.  At this time there were 10 students who attended her school.  Currently the Foundation provides direct care to 500 individuals and indirect care to 2000 every single year.  

The school moved to a better facility in 1993, the Mexico City Government donated the land.  To date there are now 5 associations in Mexico City, 55 associations in various Mexican states, and 30 in other Latin-American countries.  In 1981 and again in 1983 the Foundation organized the first two International Congresses on Down’s Syndrome.  It gained the participation on great researchers including Professor Jerome Lejeune, the man who discovered chromosome 21. Other countries followed and the Down’s Syndrome International was created. 

The School provides education programs, early interventions for families, speech therapy, play rooms, sports and leisure,  music, dance and theater,  computer sciences and workshops.  The Mexican School of Down Art was developed to promote expression and creation.  It started as a recreational activity, then a workshop, and then finally as formal education.  The Mexican School of Down Art is the Foundations keystone program.  It is home to 200 valuable works of art, which have been recognized by national and international artist.  The art has been exhibited in Mexico, United States, Europe and Canada. 

Artistic expression for the students has allowed them to turn their language disabilities into shapes and colors.  The can express their dreams, hopes, fears, and feelings through their artwork.  They are given a voice and are heard by the masses.                                                                                                                                                      

This is a facility that showcases the creative and intellectual abilities of individuals who are seen as disabled.  They have feelings, hopes and dreams just as the rest of us do, except have a hard time conveying that to others.  Their artwork speaks volumes, and should be more publicized.  Please help support John Langdon.  It is a wonderful program, you can donate or purchase some of their artwork in the form of posters, cups, calendars, totes and much more.  You will be helping promote creativity and you will also have a piece of valuable artwork.