Puerto Rican couple with Down syndrome on life without limits

A couple from Puerto Rico with Down syndrome speak to David Begnaud about how they live their life without limits.
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[@virginia6793]

How can you not be proud of these two? They are both so accomplished and beautiful.

[@brothertn708]

👍🏻

[@brandyyolidio4213]

Down Syndrome or not, they are hard workers and go getters, I would proud of anyone accomplishing the things they have.

[@ifonlyunu994]

❤

[@agsoftexascleaners4115]

Qpl washability v

[@Nonikim61]

She is beautiful! 😍 Anyone else see any resemblance to Juliette Lewis?

[@stephg1145]

Don't set the bar low for neurodivergent people. They're different, not incapable. With the right nurturing, they can do great things!!! So sweet.

[@Neyobe]

I agree that they are capable !! There are 3 kids worth Down syndrome and autism in my school but if we were to treat them like the others that wouldn’t be a good day

[@xniks101x]

Perfect comment.

[@macsh6434]

Yep. That key phrase was posted on the segment. "Defying Expectations".

[@Danny-be1ex]

Personally for our family having someone with DS did not end up this way, but he’s good I’m what he can do. He won’t ever live on his own, he cannot get married or raise children, but he’s good at writing his name, walking by himself, and making his own food (no stove or oven though). He’s been able to succeed in a program that let him explore more things meant for neurotypical people like having a job.. which he was t great at but he enjoyed and found new hobbies

[@DonnaChamberson]

I’m neurosexual.

[@Dreyden-]

You can't help it when you look at them smiling all the time, it's contagious.

[@bessie9755]

Yes I have a big heart for people with down syndrome they can do anything to anybody else can do they just need a little push up encouragement a little push to go to get out there so to speak remember that's only a metaphor it ain't literally it don't literally mean push them with your hand just means give him a big inspiring words to get them to get out there and just do anything that anybody anybody else can do I seen a movie about a teacher that's normal he married a girl with with down he married a girl with down syndrome he loved her with all of his heart and he didn't care that she had down syndrome or not it didn't bother him a bit he married her because she had a good heart from the outside in she was beautiful

[@peterbalac1915]

I worked on a big estate the factors step son had downs, such a caring loving and very funny young man and a great worker. As long as you carefully explained what you wanted him to do he would do it without fault, that lad bought joy to my life I really miss him.

[@angelicaloya7006]

Yesss!!❤

[@maryzylema9699]

I give their parents alot of credit for this. They treated them like they would have treated any of their children. They both are now strong individuals who have no gift limits and that is the greatest . 😍💖

[@c.erine78]

I have a daughter with CP, she is almost 40, I refused to treat her 'abnormal'. She had the physical therapy needed, but she is a strong woman who lives on her own.

[@maryzylema9699]

@@c.erine78 That's what being a great parent is all about😊

[@neddyconstant5816]

@@c.erine78 Go for you. I have a intellectual disability I live with my mom my brothers one Older & younger both adults dont Live with my mom anymore but do Work. I attend a program with Grown ups with special needs like Me. I live in Brooklyn ny. Time 2:26PM Sun 6/12/22

[@brandyyolidio4213]

For sure! Hope to see other nationalities showcased as well, they are out there, my sister is one of them! SOO important to see people like you, doing big things and living their best lives!

[@alexialanda27]

I knew someone who had DS and hated being treated and talked to like a child. I notice they do that alot in the U.S.

[@luckylaura12]

I’m so proud of these two!!!! They can speak 2 languages and are thriving in their careers - it’s just so inspiring

[@ed8329]

I am so impressed at their language skills! Inspirational for sure! They are so lovely.

[@_loss_]

america moment

[@luckylaura12]

@@_loss_ I’m not saying it as an American who speaks 1 language. I’m coming from the view point of these two individuals with a learning disability over came all odds and learned a second language. That’s incredible and they should be celebrated for their success. And don’t assume I know 1 language 😉

[@Quiblets]

​@@luckylaura12 ​​@Laura Love Very common to speak two languages in Puerto Rico. It's not really remarkable to any of us when both languages are taught and spoken on the islands.

[@benlevy48]

@@Quiblets As a Puerto Rican its remarkable. I have college educated cousins born & raised in Borinquen that can't speak English. Truth be told most Puerto Ricans from the island don't even speak English except for the younger generation.

[@atable2505]

They’re both very attractive people, what a power couple, inside and out

[@MikeTheD]

For real. Such an amazing circumstance

[@DontMessWithCaesar]

Attractive if you can look past the obvious downs 🤷‍♂️

[@nelajimenez9598]

They do look amazing

[@mogdor]

I don't think CBS would do this story if they were average looking Downs.

[@artStuHuerta]

the power of supportive parents! I'm so proud of this couple and their tenacious spirit!!

[@delecatedesertflair9072]

I agree with all of this! My son was diagnosed with autism when he was four. I was told by his doctor that he would always have learning challenges and he would never be "normal". He's twenty now. He's also in college, living on his own, with a full-ride scholarship. Don't ever set limits for your children, neurotypical or not.

[@elisaz5334]

My son was also diagnosed with autism at 4 Nonverbal the specialist said he would never have a conversation with me ..he is 6 now and is starting to talk so much 🥲🥲this comment gave me so much hope for my son’s future 💙

[@delecatedesertflair9072]

@@elisaz5334 these wonderful children will always have their challenges. My advice to you is to never accept what other people say your child's challenges will be. My son was kicked out of several daycares due to "behavioral problems". Rather than giving in and keeping him at home where his interactions with other children were limited, I went searching. I went to maybe ten or more daycares and talked to the staff. I finally found one that, not only took him in, but nurtured him and worked with his limitations. I knew he was loved and cherished there. When he got to kindergarten, the school immediately put him in special ed. I told them I wanted him mainstreamed by second grade. When he was in first grade, I met with the teachers weekly. I asked them about his progress and reminded them that I wanted to mainstream him. They told me every week that he was right on track. At the end of the year, at his IEP, they told me that he was deficient in several categories and they would be advancing him to 2nd grade, but they would be keeping him in the special education program. I told them to give me the standards for the areas in which he was deficient and I would get him up to speed. I told them that I wanted to hold him back in first grade but that I wanted him in the mainstream first grade class. They fought me and I had to appeal my case all the way up to the superintendent of schools to do what I wanted to do. They laid out the standards. I admit that I tortured that poor boy over the Summer. Every day I worked with him. By the end of the Summer, he was not only ready for mainstream first grade, he was ahead in many areas. He has never looked back. He has always worked hard, he has always been eager and curious to learn, and he has always been at the top of his mainstream class. In high school, he graduated nineth in a class of over six hundred. I was so proud of him!

[@elisaz5334]

@@delecatedesertflair9072 so true thank you so much ❤️

[@debbiebramwell]

That's right! Don't let someone put limits on you. Who does God sat He/you/me is? I love this comment! Reject all the lies!

[@jakoclown4175]

Sorry, POSSIBLE worst outcome. As to not have any surprises for you...

[@MissDukeCity89]

Instantly in tears when the dad started breaking down how proud he is.

[@mediocremaiden8883]

Me too

[@iaqh]

Yeah it's sad because people with this condition often end up lonely in life, I have a coworker with it that is still alone in his late 40s, I'm so happy for this couple that they were able to find someone.

[@antonio39776]

It is not only that. We don,t know what thet have gone through. Down syndrome has a lot of health conditions challenges. Only parents knows better

[@user-et5ov1et4e]

As a parent it’s hard not to

[@nalsra0]

Breaking “down”? 🤨

[@Music4EverKanekavi]

They are both attractive, they are capable. This truly brought a new perspective of what “disability” even means.. they have turned it into their greatest strength. So effing spectacular

[@MrMJmusicLover]

You don't have to be Beautiful to be beautiful on the inside. People are too conditioned by looks to describe success and stability and ugly as failure and drug addict.

[@SarahLynn__]

How come it's relevant they being attractive? hahaha.

[@billionairestatus539]

man looks at the outside GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART...

[@Music4EverKanekavi]

@@SarahLynn__ because it stood out to me, so I wrote it..

[@bec630]

@@Music4EverKanekavi Yea same, they are actually a really good looking couple

[@tiinaikonen7754]

My daughter has down syndrome too and yes she also can understand english very well and can speak basic stuff. Her native language is Finnish. She might not be as high functioning as these beautiful people in this video but she definitely is living very happy life full of all kinds of fun experiences and I believe she teach people just by her precense. She is very grounding and same time light to be with.

[@damian9303]

She sounds very compassionate and its good to hear that you’re raising her well, it’s nice you’re able to appreciate her kind spirited presence enough to spend time with her with all those fun experiences. Hope you all are doing well, god bless you and your family 😇

[@TeriHargraveartist]

Living her best life thanks to you

[@Zeno_334]

Your daughter sounds like an awesome young lady. You and your daughter's mom must be very proud. P.S. I live in New York City, where we have great private schools, but most of those schools are prohibitively expensive, and out of reach for the middle class. And the reason I mention this is because my wife, who teaches economics to college students, told me that Finland has a great education system. Finnish schools are the best in the world along with Singapore. I wish our school administrators would visit Helsinki to learn some of your norse teaching magic. :)

[@timskold-lx8gl]

Man that’s a proud father! God bless these two

[@tb2328]

Fathers are more important than they know. Beautiful story.

[@stand4truth607]

Parents play such an important job in these children's lives. I have a relative with Down Syndrome, and it saddens me how he was raised. Their mom has always dumbed them down. You can't do that. You need to push them because they can be just as smart. He's about 13 years old and can't even communicate; he can't speak. The mom didn't teach him sign language. I pushed many times when he was younger. Now, she's the only one who understands him. He gets very upset when no one else can understand what he is trying to say. It's very, very sad. Not everyone is capable of raising special needs children. Their parents did very well!

[@lienbijs1205]

Parents always play an important role in children's lives. But not only parents, the whole social environment is important and you, as a relative, also could play a role to make the a better life for your relative with DS. It is not too late, you still can. I don't know your country but at least you can talk to his school about your concerns.

[@stand4truth607]

@@lienbijs1205 Absolutely! I have tried, but there isn't much I can do. If the people who are with him every day don't do anything. I can't do anything they don't want to do. I can't go against the mother's will. He also has older siblings who live with them and are unmotivated to see him succeed. To be fair, they're like that even in their own lives..

[@canyougetthat507]

Hopefully they won’t let them breed

[@AngelaVEdwards]

That’s really sad. These people can do so much if they’re allowed.

[@Ohsnapsitskevin187x]

sadly this sounds like a aunt of mine .

[@angelicaduncan9694]

Sophia is the DEFINITION of a beautiful, outgoing, over the top, eccentric Puerto Rican individual. That’s just how the majority are. Very talkative, very friendly. She’s so talkative and confident…and I’m absolutely dying at her accent. Her VS and L’Oréal contract?! And Chris, with his own coffee line??? What are we even doing with our lives? 😭 I mean these two are amazing. I giggled at Sophia the entire time. She’s hilarious lmao!!!! Just wow

[@dianebaugher3919]

I was proud of myself for changing my sheets yesterday 😂

[@raysha9932]

People say we do talk alot and we loud but we proud

[@QUEENBEE200384]

@@tgentryc347 Why is being Puerto Rican a “disability”?

[@dianebaugher3919]

@@tgentryc347 its "their" and wow....really?? Hate much?

[@dianebaugher3919]

@@tgentryc347 thats the back of the house lol no address and why are you replying on this video

[@missywalker8595]

That reporter did such a good job talking to these amazing people with respect and dignity

[@Suedepants100]

Why wouldn’t he talk to them with respect and dignity?

[@juliaschaefer4303]

because people are horrible. and think people with disabilities aren’t human / don’t deserve respect. people are just like that sadly.

[@MrWhitty2000]

It's neat how natural these two are on camera and in life, just wow. Bravo to all the parents.

[@waleskagracia4891]

As a Puerto Rican I have to say that in my experience as a culture we tend to treat people with disabilities the same way we treat any other person. We encourage their independence in many different ways. These two are sweethearts, and precious. They make us very proud and are an inspiration.

[@melaniep.]

Wepa Boricua! That's what I said too!! Lindo día 😊

[@rebeccaramos6384]

Thank you Waleska. I could not have said it better. They are beautiful and indeed our culture is warm and embracing.

[@la_meme83]

It's all about being open minded and diversity.

[@umhi5743]

I really love Puerto Ricans, they’re so nice (but crazy for sure 😅)

[@rebeccaramos6384]

@@umhi5743 Not so sure about the crazy part, some of us are logical , disciplined and indeed rational. Thanks for sharing ! 🌹

[@HAHA-kk2xy]

I need to stop making excuses about my struggles... these people are freaking inspiring and amazing!

[@la_meme83]

There's no room for negativity.

[@sidneycarrizalez8906]

I agree for myself

[@nelsonrodriguez2263]

Makes me feel guilty, ❤️

[@mariolewis4226]

Yeah stop being lazy

[@EmmaOakleyLuna]

She is so sweet, gorgeous and feminin!

[@vp400]

she behaves more normal and matured than 99% of the tiktok stars!!

[@jameswest8280]

😂 so true.

[@Sad_bumper_sticker.]

Misogynistic comment.

[@jameswest8280]

@@Sad_bumper_sticker. ?

[@Aurora-rt1oe]

@@Sad_bumper_sticker.how? Lolll

[@user-mj6er2gn7i]

Where do you even know what that word means😂😅😅​@@Sad_bumper_sticker.

[@mymyskipper1071]

The way he smiles at his dad is everything

[@marquishoward3529]

With all of the bad news we have gotten so used to hearing nowadays, it’s a breath of fresh air to hear positive inspiring stories like this. God bless these two amazing people

[@supernova7848]

💚

[@Cy93]

Fr tho 😭♥️

[@leilaeveable]

I hate how the reporter talks to them like children.

[@jacksonsinclair2615]

Bad news they've separated

[@Rose7576_]

I’m glad they’re demolishing the stereotypes and proving that they can do anything. They’re an adorable couple and I hope they stay together :)

[@bunkyman8097]

I have a downs syndrome brother. What i know is that love iswhat is important. Thats what counts. They will stay together because their lives are ruled by love and happiness. Watch how he loves his dad. I cry tears of joy for them. May their god bless them forever!

[@anaz5918]

The only downside is a lot of them can have heart problems hopefully they stay healthy and live and long happy life together.

[@bunkyman8097]

Ana Z, Agreed, my brother had heart surgery in his teens and all was well.

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@bunkyman8097 Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)#

[@melindaperkins8836]

@@anaz5918 my aunt who had Down syndrome had heart problems but she lived to near 60 before she passed but with her she had a peak of age where she was working talking and smart and could play with my mom growing up but as my aunt got older her brain regressed backwards due to the disease and when I met her she talked some but mostly slept and had a hard time putting her shoes on the right feet and was basically back to a child age :/

[@Pulsonar]

2:30 got me ❤ Daddy is so proud, the way he talks it’s like he cannot believe how things worked out, even though it’s obvious he and his wife have worked extremely hard to give their son every chance in life 😊

[@user-vc6tm4of8f]

What a sweet , loving and humble couple , it's hard to find a true love , but you can see it in their eyes that they love each other so much, so happy for them both and what they've accomplished in life already . Wish you both the best in life and continue to support and love one another . Such a beautiful couple .

[@shatteredteeth]

there’s a chef with down syndrome at my work, & before meeting him i was pretty ignorant to how developed ppl with down syndrome could be. he’s the first person i’ve met in real life to break those stereotypes for me. he’s incredibly charismatic/witty & high functioning. he does his job very well and is easy to talk to. i’m sure it’s challenging at times but with good support growing up, they can def live happy, normal lives !!

[@mattlawson714]

I think the stereotypes are enforced by parents and caregivers, who assume what these people are capable of, and what they are not capable of. They make the choice for their children instead of letting their children grow.

[@melissaoiler2414]

​@@mattlawson714 Justin & angel

[@wanderingandroid]

what does the chef make? cereal?

[@mindflud8219]

@@wanderingandroid the guy in the video literally has his own food truck and you're still gonna ask lame questions like that?

[@zaragray6199]

I worked with them everyday....

[@garfieldharrison510]

This was fantastic. I have a Son with Down syndrome. So this was inspiring.

[@brendilladederp]

These two have Down syndrome and are bilingual, that’s so cool

[@lolabae6522]

And your son is smart and capable as well never loose faith 🙏 prayers

[@AideGDiaz]

They are a blessing! I have a 2 year old son with down syndrome 🥰

[@MikeTheD]

Bless you. I bet.

[@onekajun437]

Congratulations to both of these two for their accomplishments, their ambition to do what they love, and their parents for raising such wonderful children.

[@mareikemars4137]

That's exactely the kind of video I love to watch on KZbin 🥰 ! So much positivity and good vibes. What a wonderful couple!

[@rezopolis]

yeah good comment sadly I got dragged by political and war-related videos, and this puts my mood down so much, tou have no idea I feel the importance of these topics and they are magnetic to me, but at the same time, I just get so sad and demotivated, its crazy idk

[@JB21-]

My 4 year old daughter has severe autism and she’s non verbal. This makes me so happy! Good for them ❤️

[@fallback3206]

Stay strong and know that you are a blessing in each other's lives. I know that it's hard, but I also know that it's very rewarding. I hope that you find peace and joy in being a parent.

[@adriennem9832]

My son too was non verbal for a long time at that young age. Stay strong. Keep working at it. Sign, pictures, electronic talking pics. All kinds of awesome aids for our kids now. Peace

[@JB21-]

@@fallback3206 I needed that more than you know today. Thank you 😊

[@aprilshorty4094]

I can only imagine how stressful it must be but God doesn't put anything on you that you can't handle ❤🙏

[@avrgwaterbottle]

that's great and all, but autism and down syndrome are not the same thing nor are they similar.

[@johnanthony2333]

Bless you, Sophia and Chris! Imagine where we would be as a planet if only people saw the world as this amazing couple does.

[@karenlindley9265]

💞♥️🔥💙❤️🙏💟

[@baddie1shoe]

That’s so right. We all need to try to take all the bits of joy we can. It’s a reminder. ♥️

[@kathleenking47]

They also are BILINGUAL😊

[@karenlindley9265]

@@kathleenking47 ..Great way to be in reality..😘😍😉❤️🙏♥️💙

[@michaeldelarm1630]

I imagine the wrold would pretty crazy if everybody had down syndrome

[@SmartStart24]

Adorable and inspiring couple. And they seem so compatible in personality and sense of humor as well, I love it 🥰 God bless them and their families!

[@queenmontano585]

Oh my heart. It melts. Their smiles are contagious

[@uf9309]

We need more happy stories like this

[@Redacted_762]

True but we can't bury our heads in the sand about the series issues the US faces and our toxic government enables.

[@cooliipie]

@@Redacted_762 Like ?

[@MrRiveraRosa]

David Begnaud always bring us the best and positive stories. God bless him.

[@karenlindley9265]

🙏💖💟💗💓💗😍

[@erikadlloyd5586]

It feels nice to hear just good news

[@Tomas-ql9yo]

Wow love them I am in awe Kudos to their families And all of us couldn't be more happy for them They set an incredible example

[@Pardee416]

These two are so amazing. They both have awesome parents who must have supported & encouraged them every step of the way. Beautiful couple. I wish them the best in their careers & life ❤

[@Wtfwhatisthis]

So proud of this couple, and their parents! It’s amazing how nurturing parents can make all the difference.

[@stephaniecorelli3034]

Their culture helps too!

[@joanbelmont5450]

Not necessarily the case. Down syndrome is an spectrum. Most could never function at the level of these two, no matter how much love, opportunities, challenges and education they receive.

[@mycrz]

No, parents with money can make all the difference.

[@jamesfranko1568]

@@stephaniecorelli3034 wtf? lol

[@Hero4fun77]

Yes, good parents can make alot of difference. I wish my parents knows how to raise children. 1 is schizophrenie, gold digger and feels almighty and 1 is alcoholic, usually at work and can't communicate well with children. Life is unfair.

[@77jesusislord]

The parents deserve so much of the credit. I have a cousin with downs who is almost 30 and can barely take care of herself because her parents have babied her and treated as a child her entire life. She’s very vocal and outgoing and Intelligent but, unfortunately, didn’t stand a chance with her parents treating her the way they do.

[@joannwilliamsjackson1021]

Wrong! THEY deserve credit for what they have accomplished! If you accomplish something, is it your accomplishment or your family's accomplishment?

[@a.w.s.9227]

@@joannwilliamsjackson1021 I hear that, but science has proven much about nature and nurture.... although there were natural abilities (nature) present, their parents have made all of their success and accomplishments possible (nurture). They built the foundation and their children have had the security and training and support needed to fly! It is a collaborative effort and a ton of hard work that would not have been possible without the daily love, constant work, teaching, discipline, faith, and nurturing provided by their parents. Yes, their accomplishments are their own, but not their's alone!!! It would be absurd to not give credit where credit is due to both the children and their parents. Truly beautiful what awesome, loving, supportive parenting can do for a child. Another way to think of it: If an architect spends much time and effort designing a very special and intricately detailed house. Only this house is on a flood plain, experiences severe temperature swings, and needs to be hurricane, tsunami, monsoon, and earthquake proof, and the requirements will change and evolve unexpectedly so the architect keeps adapting and finally after years of work designing and practicing different models the day comes and it's time so they source all the supplies and zoning and get all the permits and pay for everything, lay the foundation after building up and preparing the land properly, running all the utilities, all while working for their other clients in addition to caring for their own needs and managing their home and relationships and friendships, and once all this work is done, the builder comes and uses all the materials, blueprints, amd special instructions already there to build this incredible house while in communication with, working with, the architect. To come and give credit only to the architect for this amazing accomplishment would be unfair, the resilient and successful structure was only a concept and a foundation until the builder came! Giving credit only to the builder would be equally unfair as they had no part in the research and design, no part in carefully sourcing all the materials and writing many instructions and carefully laid out plans..... Long story short, so much love and hard work and persistence from the parents ❤️ 💖 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 and so much resilience and love and hard work by the kids (now adults) ❤️ 💝👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 both deserve praise where it's due ❤️ 😊

[@philippebien5429]

To be fair. In the states they have a lot of special type homes for these adults to live in. While they may always have that teacher in the background and who probably drives them. They tend to work a little less than part time, manage expenses-shop for food, clothing or just for fun. They do activities to keep their bodies and minds active and healthy etc. This also gives them a chance to basically live in a dorm like apartment. Meanwhile family is always welcomed 24/7. If you ever see a group of them at your local stores, you will noticed most times the older one's are even more self sufficient at what they do.

[@villagranvicent]

There are levels of DS. Obviously these 2 have the mildest, they can live independently. Others need full assistance to survive and their life span is pretty short, so don't blame their parents like if this condition was their fault.

[@iprobablywontseeyourreply.7193]

Isn’t there a spectrum though? You can’t judge everyone with a mental disability the same. Much like autism, Down’s syndrome comes with a wide range of skills and developmental capabilities. Don’t judge your family members bc just parenting a special needs kid is hard enough I’m sure they’re doing their best, have been the ones going to see all of the doctors and specialists and know better about their child’s capabilities.

[@erinnicole477]

They're absolutely gorgeous!! Go girl!! and Chris what a stud!!

[@sailor_marsxo]

They’re really down for each other ❤

[@branbjorn]

OH HELL NAH😭

[@branbjorn]

That’s actually a very wholesome pun

[@CharityS-Minnesota]

So glad that society is finally taking down the road blocks that have stopped folks with Down syndrome for centuries!! I am positive we have missed out on some very talented & inspiring people because of societies fear of them!!

[@karenlindley9265]

❤️💚♥️💞😘

[@zippymufo9765]

Most people with Down Syndrome aren't this high functioning. They're exceptions to the rule.

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

👍👏

[@cocot9414]

And the kindness is admirable. BTW Sophia is a handful in a good way.

[@Tao_Tology]

Just in time for genetic "screening".

[@ESeda-lo1dv]

Chris’s dad taught me fourth grade English and History class. Mr. González was a great teacher. He retired at the end of my fourth grade, and gave away hundreds of Yu-gi-oh! cards he had stashed through the years. In addition to being a chef, entrepreneur, dancer, and much more, Chris also plays several musical instruments. I lost count of how many, but I remember going to the local tutor center for a presentation from the band and seeing him playing. 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 weeepaa

[@MrRiveraRosa]

Mr. Gonzalez must had been an outstanding teacher.

[@thedisabilityallynyc2342]

Very very cool to hear about his Dad ! Thanks for sharing ;)

[@linm9598]

Fantastic story about these wonderful people who are living their best lives. Wishing you both lots of love & good luck for the future💕🇬🇧💜

[@gailrodgers3079]

My aunt and uncle had a Downs child many years ago. I'm 68 and he was older than me. The doctors told my aunt to send him to an instituion and forget about him and she said no. She said that if she could train a dog, she could train him...and she did> Every family riunion he was there to say hi to everyone. He had learned to take care of himself and cook simple meals. Considering he had grown up during the point of time, most downs kids were sent away and there was no programs of any kind for them he did so well. I'm not sure if these incredible people had special training, etc. but their parents had access via the internet to learn and grow and find techniques to help them. Child that excede their expectations are so special. I have an autistic son who is high functioning but he is so amazing and I am so proud of him.

[@garymay1781]

I have a Brother in law that is Down Syndrome, I am a 42 yr old Grown man, And this brought tears to my eyes, God Blessed these Two!

[@Love_my_3]

Having a special needs child this really hit home. What a beautiful story. This story gives hope to people like me.

[@ronniebattle1310]

Encounter Ministries KZbin page (Mark Hemans)#

[@militarysergmarine7772]

Hi pretty you good?

[@kcsunshine7408]

Love them! Been following Sofia for about 3 years now and she is a light!

[@danasmith6688]

I absolutely love this couple!!! I’m so proud of you and your positivity!!! You are an inspiration!

[@robyndudley9684]

I smiled. I teared up. Great example of parenting that believes in all their children can be capable of. Beautiful couple!

[@shavme3120]

My son has Down Syndrome, he’s a teenager now. He’s my Best friend and also cheers my day up.

[@timothytherealenglishspot9613]

I went to high school with a few kids that had Down syndrome. Nothing seemed wrong with any of them besides their slowed speech and eyes that are set further apart. Is downs really a disability?? Edited: I mean does Down syndrome stop the sufferers from doing everyday things like taking care of themselves without any limitations.

[@OhHohohey7120]

My younger sister has Down Syndrome. To me she is the most beautiful human being on earth❤

[@ansnfbsknanssshshbsnsndnd5438]

@@timothytherealenglishspot9613 it varies depending on the person. Some have very low iq and can't speak, some have a low end of normal iq and can function. It's a spectrum

[@abeck7929]

My son has autism and he completes me!

[@TylerShacklefordDurden]

Therapy pets work too.

[@isthatyoursandwich]

Focus on the abilty and not the disability. Love this couple. Wishing them the very best❤

[@steveb7429]

Wow, such beautiful people inside and out. I love their happiness and love for life, it is infectious. They can teach humanity a lot with their thoughtfulness and kindness ,for those who are willing to learn.

[@doglife3]

Being a parent to twins with down syndrome this is such an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm so proud of these two! My God they are amazing!

[@KellyDsWorld]

((((Mama Bear)))) xoxoxo

[@pattimurphy5151]

You vaccinated them!

[@xxxPrayxForxPlaguesx]

God bless you and your family. You and your children are capable of so much. I wish you all the best in life :)

[@anicholeRL9861]

This couple is truly inspiring! You sound like a wonderful mama yourself. You can do this for your twinkies as well! Children and adults with downs are so beautiful, joyous, sweet, kind and loving! They can go so far!

[@Neyobe]

@@pattimurphy5151 …

[@Darwinq84]

Man, they are much happier, loving and purer than 99.9% of humans on earth!! They sure are a gift to this world..

[@HK00088]

Yeah bro

[@kaiallen1069]

how are they "purer"

[@GrantPearson]

​@@kaiallen1069 He just means they seem to be free of negative energy that normal people sometimes struggle with like feeling insecure, envious, resentful, annoyed, etc. That's the same impression I get from people with Down syndrome. They give off positive vibes and it's very endearing.

[@martymcgoober3106]

I used to do volunteer work at my school in the special education department, and I consider Down syndrome a blessing more than a curse. The kids with Down syndrome were the most caring, happiest people I have ever met in my life.

[@anthonyf1548]

This made me cry happy tears lol I’m so happy for these too and I wish them nothing but good vibes in life 😊🙏🏼

[@mindy2215]

Beautiful story! She is adorable! They both seem to have wonderful parents who are a key to their success.

[@josephinejonesbrown5784]

Americanstakenotice

[@revokednetwork4212]

@@josephinejonesbrown5784 we own the island

[@Gabriel.1985.]

I thought she was too, such a sweet person and they are a perfect match!

[@mantis_toboggan_md]

​@Josephine Jones brown You do know that Puerto Rico is a US territory in North America, yes?

[@joericesgirl]

Ok this couple is amazing and bilingual! That alone is super cool ! I have two nieces with Down syndrome and this is very encouraging to see what love and support can do for people no matter what life hands them.

[@jm7804]

Their positive attitudes are the best part for me. How could you be in a bad mood around either one of these two?

[@claireelizabeth465]

Beautiful parents and amazing adults they raised!! 😊❤

[@user-pz5yx3mm7t]

This brought tears to my eyes congratulations

[@usmchunter6219]

I do not see a disability! I see two people that can teach the world. Very inspiring.

[@ElberGalarga22]

Disability to get this bread cuhh 🤙🏽

[@johngumm]

yes let's teach them with much dependency on others they can seem like they live the dream

[@davidgammon4934]

@@johngummIt’s more so their IQ. They’re obviously far higher IQ than others with down syndrome. They’re probably within normal range.

[@StarOf.Martyrdom]

Clear your eyes a little, and then you might see!

[@EvgeniaM_]

❤❤

[@lynrosario6756]

True Puerto Ricans. So proud to be one myself. Definitely out going, talkative, very determined. I always told my kids never say I can't. You TRY. All things are possible & always stay positive. That has always been something I was brought up with. Now the grandchildren are being brought up the same way. Very independent. This made me smile & have a few happy tears. I have a grandson that is autistic & non verbal. He is being brought up just like the rest though. He is very smart. He's been in school all year. He is now saying words and having more eye contact. He's extremely smart. 🥰

[@militarysergmarine7772]

Hi pretty you good?

[@Rodewarrior]

Their not true Puerto Ricans their colonizers obv lol the true Puerto Ricans are brown ... Native Americans are true puerto Ricans. theese two are white.

[@kendall_knows_best2872]

Are you or are you one of these Americans who think because they great great grandad was that means you are.

[@fsoto2900]

What is there to be proud of?

[@chooyoo]

​@@fsoto2900i think having a healthy family is something to def be proud of

[@lauralockman8472]

So beautiful this made me cry

[@skindawg3615]

Respect to you both. Just brilliant. Thankyou, the impact this has had on me, just wow. So many people out there will be inspired by you both. ❤😊❤

[@ehhhhhe]

This is wonderful. I have known many amazing Downs people in my life. They are super intelligent, just differently! My cousin has Downs and she speaks 3 languages fluently! I am so glad to see Downs people being represented! 🙌

[@goldierule1350]

I worked with special needs children for over ten years & I will say that the way the parents raise their children does have a HUGE effect on how much they can achieve in life. Some of the parents that I met were so amazing. ✌

[@sabrinavargas7368]

What's your advice then on how I should raise my son? I have a 4 year old with DS.

[@ronniebattle1310]

@@sabrinavargas7368 Encounter Ministries KZbin page. (Mark Hemans)#

[@AnnA-jd4xm]

@@sabrinavargas7368 Don't coddle him!

[@creativesparks2164]

@@sabrinavargas7368 with any kid how you raise them has a huge affect. Working at a daycare you see Some 3 years old can’t talk well cause they obviously are never really spoken to while some can speak full sentences and hold conversations at 2. And some do only baby talk and are cry babies at 4 cause their parent respond to that. While others can verbally and clearly explain their problems and ask for help. Just raise your child like a human being. Speak to them all the time (clearly) and always have his brain going by teaching him new things and feel out what he responds to and his level of what he knows.

[@sabrinavargas7368]

@@creativesparks2164 thanks appreciate that advice:)

[@pjsretrogamesmusicandwrass5795]

They're beautiful, joyful, inspiring and vibrant , God bless them...

[@TexasAlabama]

WOW! These young people are crushing life!!! They are accomplishing so much more than I did even in my 40s! Way to go guys!

[@jwoz8517]

Yeah but why are we treating them like a charity case? everyone saying "So proud of these two!" They are just two normal people lmao

[@flautalee3090]

What a wonderful story! We all have challenges to overcome. This shows that it is SO important for society to never impose limitations on people. This guy is driving! They have businesses. she’s modeling ~~ She’s defying the stockiness shared by many folks with Down Syndrome by using a gym. Fabulous!

[@kristilicea1472]

They're both higher functioning people who have down syndrome and that's the way its always been. We've had actors and actresses who have down syndrome but a good majority of them like my brother don't mentally mature past a child. There were no limits put on my brother either my parents made sure of that he was able to do all the things he aspired to do in his life

[@tysan2808]

The fact that she has that edginess n sass like every super model made me smile.

[@texascowgirl9215]

She's one amazing girl. Keep up the great work, Sophia. Life is so much better without limitations.

[@cherylholub3100]

This story is beautiful.

[@whitneylevitan5202]

What a wonderful story! This really chocked me up! So proud of them!

[@TruthOverFear21]

We can learn so much from these powerfully motivated couple.

[@raquelpk2]

I can’t like this enough !!! My little brother has Down syndrome . He also has autism non verbal .

[@jac8495]

Amazing couple, so inspirational!!! I need to catch up to them😃. They make me realize how many limits I put on myself when I don't have to.

[@XaviSupremo]

This is absolutely amazing.May god bless these beautiful souls

[@SisShea]

This is one of the BEST stories in the news in the past week. What a gorgeous, inspiring couple. Love this broadcast.

[@loveaaliyah.7134]

It's stories like these that brighten my day! We need more positivity like these in our media. Thank you David and CBS!

[@elenafarina114]

But how beautiful it is to see the joy in their eyes and that of their parents!!! I wish them to always shine!!!

[@discoverer998]

I watched this story early ina the morning. Love and respect from Pakistan. Truly inspiring

[@chachanyg7217]

Oh oh my God....I can barely type cause I can't hold back these tears of joy and inspiration! My name is Chavon, I gave birth to identical twins 24 years ago with Down syndrome. The are super amazing 👏🏿 and are very independent as well, my dream for them is to have their own apartment...near me and their Dad...I knew from the time I had them God's greatness was all around them. So seeing this young couple warms my heart and soul 💓

[@missdaydreamss]

God bless you and your twins ❤️

[@AB-qv9ku]

What a gorgeous couple.

[@OriginalGaPeach]

Absolutely beautifully inspiring!

[@she_somajor1665]

Beautiful inspirational story living without limits.

[@shannanbeauleu3128]

This couple proves that nothing is impossible. Love this story. Both are so inspirational 💕

[@byrd7633]

I don’t know if I would’ve noticed, they look happier than most couples…

[@katiix]

They always do, people should take life lessons from them and learn to appreciate eachother. 💕

[@JaimeMesChiens]

@Byrd I think it would be difficult NOT to notice this ♥️ Also, being a professional model is not just being pretty; it is not an easy job. If you want to get known and be successful enough to model as a full time job, it takes tons-of discipline, hard work, persistence, and courage to consistently show up. Some are born with a natural beauty, but it takes far-more-than natural beauty to be successful. Sofia’s getting a L’Oréal contract unlocks the door to opportunity for her. Sofia works hard-as any other model and L’Oréal does not hire models because they’re inspiring to the non-traditional French standard; they hire models who both represent the brand and who will make money for the company. Sofia secured this job because if her ability, not her “disability.”

[@TylerShacklefordDurden]

@@JaimeMesChiens she's being used for corporate profit. Sexualizing a group already frequently victimized is only going to bring more horrors upon that community. But time will tell.

[@rezopolis]

You get completely overwhelmed by their pure intentions it's simply out of this world, they are really angels

[@mikac.7365]

What a amazing story!! And such amazing parents!!

[@arrowsminnesota6846]

Bilingual, runs his own business, drives. He can pretty much do anything. DS is not holding him back. What a good looking couple.

[@iloveturtles3552]

As a Puerto Rican I'm proud for them! 🇵🇷👏😁♥️

[@MrSupersmokesum420]

It can be any race and I would still be proud of them 💯

[@thebladethestoneandthearro47]

such a beautiful papa SO proud!!!!

[@SmuckersLLC]

It brings a little hope thanks!!

[@coralysdelmar764]

Que historia tan conmovedora, y que hermosa pareja. Ésta historia es prueba que una discapacidad no limita a una persona. El cielo es el límite!😍🙏🏻

[@TexasBlueAngel85]

This story is proof that using a child's limits and their "special need" against them does more harm than good. These parents are amazing and allowed their children to find themselves when society forces them to have limits. Kudos to the parents. I can't wait to hear more about these phenomenal humans.

[@TheChef470]

I lost it when his Dad started crying.......beautiful.

[@dawnagordon2333]

My grandson has down syndrome and it’s so nice that he has a role model here with these two if I ever go to Puerto Rico which is one of my dream someday I want to go eat at his food truck

[@MashaT22]

This is beautiful! Their parents clearly worked with them very closely to teach them as much as humanly possible so that they’d be able to live a beautiful, relatively normal life. I wish I could be doing so well in life! I find it remarkable that they are both bilingual like most people on their island. When I was I high school, an organization used to bring kids with Down syndrome to have parties/events with us. Many of those children were non verbal, others had limited langauge. There are different levels of functionality, but it’s incredible that both these individuals are not only able to express themselves and communicate in Spanish, but English as well - and that both parents had the foresight to ingrain that into their children so they’d be able to be more successful as adults and communicate beyond Spanish. Just two amazing people. I’ve heard their stories before. I really hope they will be lifelong partners. I’ve always hoped they’d be able to live closer to each other even if they can’t live together. I am truly hoping their parents will find a way, but I realize that’s often not possible while they themselves have work, families, etc. Still, it’s beautiful they’ve fostered a beautiful relationship and are committed to it from 3 hours away. Such a love story!

[@KQuinn672]

these parents did it well! encouragement...support...making them feel 'normal'...they will accomplish much!

[@nomysweetsummerchild3984]

Good for them. Two beautiful souls ❤

[@kimberlypearson2779]

I admire the courage of these two. I hope to see them together for a long time

[@maximomgwadira1687]

We need more news stories like this