Disabled Romanian children given chance to shine
During Romania’s communist era, children with disabilities were shunned, often locked away in institutions or kept at home and deprived of schooling and social interactions.
Recent shows in which children with Down syndrome had the starring roles illustrate how much that has changed since communism fell in 1989.
At one event in Bucharest, youngsters with the genetic disorder staged a fashion show parading their own creations. The children also performed with a ballet ensemble on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in early December.
“The two shows were their chance to shine, to feel important and talented, to feel they bring a contribution to the world we live in,” said Georgeta Bucur, who leads the Down Plus Association, which promotes the inclusion in Romanian society of people with Down Syndrome.
Since the pair of events, there have been others in the Romanian capital.
Bucur emphasized the positive impact such events have on children with Down syndrome, though she said that societal prejudice against them still exists. She also stressed the love and warmth the children give to those around them.
“They teach us a new lesson every single day,” Bucur said. “Spending even a little time together with them will make anyone change their views.”
Children with Down syndrome perform in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, rehearses her routine before performing during a show featuring children with Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A child with Down syndrome gets a hug while presenting ponchos displaying drawings inspired by children, during a fashion show dubbed "heART Couture" in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, seen through a hole in the stage curtains performs during a show featuring children with the Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, takes a break between acts during a show featuring children with Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Children with Down syndrome hug before performing in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Ballerinas of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, wait to go on stage during a show featuring children with Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Boys with Down syndrome pose next to ballerinas of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble before performing in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, waits to go on stage during a show featuring children with Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Being born with either a mental or physical disability in pre-1989 Romania was almost equivalent to a life prison sentence. The unluckiest ones were surrendered to state care immediately after birth, which usually meant a lifetime inside institutions.
Most of these facilities were outside cities and sometimes housed more than 350 people, with children and adults often housed together. UNICEF has said these institutions did not offer minimally decent living standards.
In 1992, legislation was passed recognizing the rights of Romanians, opening up new opportunities in education and employment.
During the recent fashion show, dubbed “heART Couture,” children showed off drawings they did themselves or which were produced by a professional designer who created images interpreting the kids’ suggestions. Most showed portraits of wide-eyed characters, and messages written in English focused on love and family.
Many of the children beamed as they received applause and cheers.
The two-hour dance show featured ethnic and classical dances, with children and adults wearing traditional Romanian folk costumes as they performed alongside members of Bucharest’s Arabesque Children’s Ballet Ensemble.
“People with Down offer everyone sincere and unconditional love,” Bucur said. “Living alongside them makes one overcome the focus on materialism, enjoy the small things in life and care for one another.”
A child with Down syndrome prepare to show skirts displaying drawings inspired by children, during a fashion show dubbed "heART Couture" in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A girl with Down syndrome wipes her eyes before performing in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A boy with Down syndrome leans against a wall before performing in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, smiles before going on stage as children with Down syndrome pass by, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
A ballerina of the Arabesque Children's Ballet Ensemble, seen through a hole in the stage curtains performs during a show featuring children withDown syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A boy with Down syndrome plays with the strings of his hat in the changing room during a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Hats are placed on a table in the changing room during a dance show featuring children with Down syndrome, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Youngsters with Down syndrome wait before performing in a dance show, in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Text from AP News story, Disabled Romanian children given chance to shine, by Vadim Ghirda and Andreea Alexandru