Chairperson's Message

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

People with Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, are individuals who can lead a life ‘close to normal’ if they are given the best support from birth. My journey with Alan is a witness to this. People born with the extra chromosome may be slow to grow in their early life, and may have more sickness and medical problems than others. But through proper screening, early detection, early intervention and support from family and society, these individuals can develop their strengths, accelerate their potential and reach great heights.

The reality of our present society, however, is one of negative attitudes — resulting in low expectations, discrimination and exclusion. This isolates and segregates children and adults with Down syndrome from their peers, and is a barrier to successful integration.

In today’s society, much importance is placed on the intellectual development of a child and far less on the moral and emotional quotient — a major reason for failures in life in spite of professional excellence. Where children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are given opportunities to participate alongside their peers, all children benefit, and environments of friendship, acceptance, respect for everyone and high expectations are created.

Inclusion is the best remedy for many of the egocentric problems of today’s world. It is a two-way process that benefits all. The growing rates of disability are alarming, but proactive steps — awareness in society, positive attitudes and enforcement of the law — are necessary for the welfare of differently abled individuals.

May I request all good-hearted individuals to stand for this noble cause and be the ‘Voice for the Voiceless’, enabling them to lead a better life.

— Rincy Joseph, Founder & Chairperson

About our founder

Ms Rincy Joseph is the Founder and Chairperson of ALAN T21 Welfare Trust. She is a medical professional — a nurse specialist in maternal and fetal medicine — a counsellor, and the proud mother of Alan Joseph, a child born with Trisomy 21. She is also the author of the book Life @ 10.

After experiencing the trauma of negative counselling and social stigma, Ms Joseph initially grieved her son’s condition and the challenges it brings. She drew inspiration from those struggles and resolved to put all her effort into nurturing her child.

The positive impact of Alan’s life is what motivates her to help other children born with the same condition, and their families. As she says, “Not a single parent should be left helpless who wish to do their best for a child born with Trisomy 21.” The organisation grew from her medical knowledge and life experience: defying every odd, she raised Alan alongside his siblings, helping him achieve his best potential at every stage of life.