Spain’s Mar Garceran was sworn in as a member of the People’s Party (PP) in Valencia’s parliament last September, becoming the first woman with Down syndrome to hold a position in the country’s regional parliament.
In a recent interview, Garcellan insisted that she doesn’t want people to treat her differently, saying, “I want people to see me as a person, not just in terms of my disability.”
According to News 24, Garcellan’s foray into politics is not new. She joined her PP at the age of 18 and has climbed the political ladder advocating for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
“Society is starting to realize that people with Down syndrome have a lot to contribute, but it’s a very long journey,” she said. el pais newspaper. “True inclusion has to start at school at every level, and if that doesn’t happen there will be no inclusion and no true integration,” she added.
Agustín Matia Amor of Daun España said he believed Garceran was the first person with Down syndrome to be a member of a regional or national parliament in Europe. “I haven’t heard from anyone else,” he said. “This is a huge step forward and an example of true inclusivity.”
Regional party leader Carlos Mazon has supported Ms. Garceran’s political journey and credits him with believing in her and giving her a seat in parliament. “He believes in what I believe in, and he’s given me a great opportunity that he’s going to take advantage of,” she said.
In an interview with Down España, Garceran said he hopes his new role will help eliminate prejudice against people with disabilities. ”
“Even people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can do anything,” she says. “We have a lot to contribute to society, and society is paying attention to it, but it’s a very long road ahead. There’s a lot to do, which is why our associations and families are active. What’s important is people. .”
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