Mar Garcellan recently made Spanish history by becoming Spain’s first member of parliament with Down syndrome.
According to a report from guardian, Garcellan has long harbored political ambitions. She joined the conservative People’s Party at the age of 18 and rose through the ranks of her party.
In May 2023, she was added to the PP’s list of candidates ahead of the Valencian regional elections. Shortly after, she won a seat on the local council. Mr. Garcellan will be sworn in as a local councilor in September 2023.
Mr. Garceran’s political success and his position as the only person with Down syndrome in the Spanish parliament marks an important moment for the representation of people with Down syndrome in Spain, Europe, and the world. Garcellin is also believed to be the first person with Down syndrome to become a member of a regional or national parliament in Europe.
“Society is starting to realize that people with Down syndrome have a lot to contribute. But it’s a very long journey,” she said. guardian.
Mr. Garcellan spent more than 20 years in the civil service, focusing on policy related to improving the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. She also worked at Ashindown, an organization that supports children with Down syndrome.
Garcelán’s role as a member of parliament follows the efforts of Angela Basirer, a woman with Down syndrome who became Spain’s first Valladolid city councilor in 2013. Mr. Bashirer is a pioneer in local politics.
According to Down Syndrome Australia, Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder. There are approximately 13,000 people with Down syndrome in Australia, and the birth rate with Down syndrome is 1 in 1,100 live births.