Author Archives: Mary Snyder-Vogel

It’s no secret in the developmental disorder world that individuals with Down syndrome are often among the kindest, most precious individuals to walk the planet. In an online article published by the National Association for Down Syndrome, one academic researcher wrote that, if people with Down syndrome ruled the world, “affection, hugging and caring for others would make a big comeback.”

Working at Kennedy Krieger—both as director of Social Work and of the Brightside Program for individuals with Down syndrome—I am so incredibly fortunate to share in the lives of so many of these incredibly caring and unique individuals. Sure, everyone has their bad days, and those with Down syndrome are no different. But, in the grand scheme, their exuberance and caring demeanors make me feel so lucky to know them. And Alexandra Carter is no different.
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