What is the need you’re filling in this community?
Dr. Mann: Forty years ago, people with Down syndrome lived to a max of 30 years old. Now the life expectancy for a person with Down syndrome is 60. With different communities and support over time, now people are living longer and are a part of society. They’re working at Jack’s and Steamers, they’re having purposeful, wonderful lives and they’re getting the same aging experience, but with a different physiology. This field of transitional medicine has been identified as a priority by the American Physical Therapy Association, but there’s still not a huge presence yet of providers for this group.
In what ways have you seen your patients overcome obstacles?
Dr. Mann: Jonathan, for instance, started riding a bike without training wheels this summer. That’s a pretty big deal. It’s taken a long time but he loves it.
One of our friends Stephen lives up in the mountains and just turned 25. He’s so excited because he’s going to college next year. A huge reason he’s going to college is he’s independent in his PT program. He does his exercises at the rec center like any other 25-year-old. The fact that he has Down syndrome and has overcome some health challenges to be so strong and healthy, he’s confident enough to move out of state for college next year. His parents and caregivers come in and say “This is a huge part of how he defines himself. He’s strong. He’s amazing. And that’s why he’s going to do these things.” We get to hear amazing stories every day.