I have one more chromosome than you. So what? | Karen Gaffney | TEDxPortland

Karen Gaffney left the Rose City and the World in awe with a captivating talk that explored the history, current state and progress of Down Syndrome. Her idea? Inclusion. Further, we must refine our vocabulary and eradicate “the R word” as the word “retard” has no place in our daily language.
Karen is the President of a non-profit organization dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, the workplace, and the community for people with developmental disabilities. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon, and earned a two-year Associate of Science degree from Portland Community College. Karen has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Portland on May 5th, 2013, for her work in raising awareness regarding the abilities of people who have Down syndrome. She is a fearless open-water swimmer having successfully swam the English Channel, escaped Alcatraz (16 times) and conquered Lake Tahoe in 59-degree water. Karen swims to raise funds and awareness of what people with Down syndrome can do. www.karengaffne...
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@juliahales8899]

My name is Julia Hales I am 37 years old and i have Down syndrome I just watched your video about Down syndrome. I feel very exited about your talk. I have been doing lots of presentations about Down syndrome at the Butterfly Ball of the Down syndrome Association Perth WA Australia. I would like to gave a talk like you did for Perth WA. You are an inspiration. I would like to be more of a role model to all people with Down syndrome around the wold. Thank you for what you did

[@charissadubin9355]

What would you like people to know about Down Syndrome?

[@isidoramartinez6510]

Julia Hales how do you feel?

[@MrsTrohman666]

And now you have your own documentary on ABC! You should be very proud of yourself!!

[@ISkepticI]

This is impossible this shouldn’t be possible how are you typing right my brother can’t do this you’re a liar!!!!! He can type just not the mental capacity to do this I feel bad for him and this is insulting This is a joke don’t believe have a brother I don’t lol 💀

[@adamlightfoot5897]

Is there different stages to down syndrome like the cognitive function abilities or can only certain people with Ds function with a regular IQ?

[@downinfrontpls]

Karen, thank you so much. What a role model you are.

[@MeriahNichols]

please! PLEASE! Caption this so that it is accessible! The 'cc' feature here garbles Karen's words

[@kelkulz]

+Meriah Nichols Did it get fixed?

[@tasha5045]

+Meriah look above !! An awesome person captioned it :)

[@tasha5045]

Whoops, he beat me to it! Yay!

[@katharinedavis4947]

I can understand most of it . My hearing is imperfect. K

[@johnsmith_treeler9031]

I think it's fixed now

[@tashaadolph677]

beautiful ❤

[@gregorysimm1]

No limits! So inspiring as the proud father of a 21 year old daughter with Down Syndrome who has a job in open employment, dances with the amazing Merry Makers Australia and has a wonderful outlook on life.

[@Xindi86]

♡

[@hannaatkinson6804]

Hi Karen, My name is Hanna Atkinson and I am almost 21 years old you and me have one thing in common and that is we both do public speaking and I have Down Syndrome as well. I am not afraid of impacting people who dose and dose not have a disability. You captivated us by showing our talents to the world. I will share my public speaking video to you. With The best regards, Hanna Atkinson.

[@hannaatkinson6804]

Hanna Atkinson Here is the link to my speech in High School and in Colorado and my Scholarship interview as John Lynch Foundation: Hannah Atkinson - KZbin with the fameous Jhon Lynch Hanna Atkinson's 2014 Commencement

[@johnnyhigh4676]

@@hannaatkinson6804 You guys are amazing!

[@caterinamorris5925]

Bless you, dear. You are an amazing woman. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!

[@DreamlessSleepwalker]

>dose and dose not >You captivated us by showing our talents to the world. ???

[@czernm20]

@@DreamlessSleepwalker please, dont ruin peapol dreams.

[@alexandraburris2876]

Amazing video. I wish everyone would watch this. I just want to add one thing: As a Disabled person myself, I want to emphasize that whether or not our lives are worth living does not hinge on what we can do. Plenty of Disabled people will never be able to go to college, have a job, etc. Our lives are all worthwhile regardless. :)

[@wit1059]

Who's the folk that disliked this? You're really disappointing.

[@Fucknuts4u]

just worry about yourself how about that

[@shillian4770]

they have down syndrome get it, cause its point down?

[@josephwritessongs]

@@Fucknuts4u I guess we found one lol

[@DogGran]

Fucknuts your name fits.

[@ISkepticI]

Yeah I don’t know where the like button is I’m blind

[@pedazodetorpedo]

The part where she talks about chromosomes took me back to a high school biology lesson where one boy said that surely people with Down's syndrome ought to be superhuman "because they have more" than the rest of us.

[@AliRaza-sn8fy]

my son has down syndrome. 3 years old.what a lovely and jolly son.i love him more than my life his smile is priceless.

[@globaldsfamily3688]

Hi Ali. Our daughter is 2 years old and she too, is an amazing. She is spunky, kind and the light of our lives. We would not change for the world!!!!

[@notalie230]

@Karen Reed Aren't you just a joy to be around... Have your parents never taught you that "if you have nothing good to say, then don't say anything"? Or if your parents didn't, did your peers or society ever teach you that? Some people just lack basic manners or choose to "forget" them, which is sad to see.

[@prestigiousenterprise2234]

They're strong

[@SageGarlandSingerSongwriter]

@Karen Reed not everyone goes u college, gets married, and starts a family. Not everyone even wants to. But yes, some people with Down Syndrome do go to college. Yes, people with Down Syndrome fall in love. Yes, people with Down Syndrome can get married. Yes, people with Down Syndrome are often capable of starting families, (though sometimes stopped by bigots). And the best part is, whatever she chooses to do, she'll stay a spunky girl all the way through.

[@retepshiels]

May the Lord continue to bless you and use you to inspire all of us. I look after a community for people with Intellectual Disabilities and I can say with great confidence every life matters ... they bring colour into our grey lives each day ... :)

[@jewelciappio]

If I ever have a daughter with Down’s syndrome I would be so proud if she turned out to be anything like this lady. She has more compassion and reasoning skills than most non downs people I know.

[@adelasoyejoshua154]

What if she didn't turn out like this? Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are, and whatever they turn out to be, whether average or exceptional

[@PennyGreenDHG]

Karen, as brilliant and eloquent as ever. So proud to know you and call you friend! Rocking that extra chromosome.

[@bridgetsnedden7069]

A very powerful speech, incredibly moving and inspirational. Thank you.

[@arthurhumphries2639]

EVERYbody has value, has something to offer. Karen validates that; i.e. helps us look beyond the surface to the heart and mind. God bless.

[@SolaceProject]

Thanks Karen, you are an inspiration to me and my 1 month old daughter.

[@CallCurtFirst]

Fearless young woman and a powerful speaker. You go girl !

[@nathanmcgrady3417]

Definitally not a girl, and defo not young

[@CallCurtFirst]

@@nathanmcgrady3417 - bored are you? I guess little boys like you with nothing to do go around nit picking comments... FACT she's 42 = young woman. FACT "you go girl" is universal rally cry to any age woman. Read more little boy and learn.

[@tadeov1546]

Wow she is so smart im so proud of her

[@shafgoogle2697]

👍🏻

[@cccharlotte_3]

Shallow God shes still smarter than you

[@Spacekid_Productions]

@@shallowgod5539 Nope the highest recorded iq of someone with Down syndrome was 83 there r many types of Down syndrome some a lot worse than others, a severe Down syndrome would be around 60 but I’d say she has 70-80

[@Sophie-tq5hn]

There’s nothing wrong with people with Down’s syndrome but you shouldn’t shame people for aborting downs foetuses because in many cases the parents aren’t going to be able to cope with a downs child, yes they are more work and some people just can not do it. It wouldn’t be fair on the child or parent. Everyone has a right to a choice about what child they want to bring into the world. I for one know have downs people in the family and know of some wonderful people such as yourself with downs but personally I wouldn’t keep a downs foetus because I know I wouldn’t cope and would grow to resent the child.

[@baci87]

Then put the child up for adoption if you couldn’t cope. Why should the child forfeit their life because you couldn’t handle it? That doesn’t take their right to life into consideration.

[@Austrianjiujitsu]

That is a cause worth marching for.

[@livingmybelovedlife8447]

What a well spoken young woman and so brave!

[@lisahenig2833]

My nephew and niece are expecting a new child who will have Downs. You have provided us with reassurance and additional excitement over the impending birth. THANK YOU, KAREN!!!

[@jrzzrj]

What a sweetheart.....I think I'm in love......

[@Autumn_Forest_]

I could never abort my child, no matter what difference s/he had.

[@JMeGiggles]

This was beautiful. Well done Karen!!!

[@PatGoltz]

I have a nephew with Down Syndrome. His language development was superior for a "normal" child. Don't call him the R word. The learning style of people with Down syndrome is different. We don't provide for it. It is our fault. My nephew is a wonderful human being, someone whose birth healed many things in his family. I hope someday he will live in the same city as I so I can spend significant time with him. When he was born, I was jealous my sister got to have him and not me. She refused to allow any tests because she wouldn't ever have an abortion anyway, and I have a wonderful family member as a result. This is a wonderful talk, and I shall share it widely. I would like to learn about the escapes from Alcatraz. Intriguing. Thank you for making this video.

[@fuelai831]

You sound like you have a wonderful family, I'm glad your nephew has a great support system and is surrounded by people who will love him unconditionally.

[@WolffBachner]

An amazing , brave woman and a credit to the human species. Bless her.

[@geoffreywitte3784]

Absolutely wonderfully inspiring and so deeply helpful and encouraging. Love and gratitude.....my grandson has down sindrom...he is loved very much...and absolutely not only do all lives matter...we are responsible for human life because we have...life....

[@michaelmayhem1805]

She is a better speaker than most politicians! So glad I came across this talk. Very enlightening and inspirational!

[@yukiharuhadeishi1029]

Beautiful! :) I love her wonderful, positive and inspiring messages! She is fantastic, fabulous!

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

I suspect Karen Gaffney had parents like Temple Grandin's. They understood that their daughters(with Downs and Autism respectively) were unique and made sure to address - as soon as possible, whatever issues might impact their full development...Karen learned to swim very early on. Which gave her strength, physical stamina and better lung power. Temple's parents played sharing games with her, since autism creates social disconnection in people who struggle with it. The results of course from these enlightened parents? Who I am sure often went against 'the professionals who warned them not to expect too much': Two accomplished women who are living full, contributing lives. In part because their parents defied the tyranny of diagnosis. BTW, A CHILD IS WAITING is a wonderful film, not seen often enough. But in it, one of the characters who has a mentally challenged daughter tells a colleague, "You know, when the doctors first told us about Rose, we were devastated. We thought it was such a tragedy. I mean, we had such plans for her. But you see, Rose doesn't know she is a tragedy. So...the tragedy must be...within us.." In other words the perceptions of society, the workplace, and often the medical profession. THAT is the issue.

[@shelleymagnussen1959]

How about aborting children likely to be criminals? It's just as outrageous as aborting anyone who supposedly has no purpose in life while there is a two-year waiting list to adopt downs babies. I am visually impaired and the product of a difficult pregnancy. Thank God I was born in a place and time where abortion wasn't available. If it was, I WOULD NOT BE HERE! It grieves me that so many people are not here who should have been because of the selfishness of narrow-minded parents. It is discrimination of the worst kind. For crying out loud, if you don't want your baby, at least let someone else be blessed with him or her. The fact is that people don't want to see these babies, thinking taking its life will solve the "problem." It never has. Ask anyone who's had an abortion. They will either cry or get really defensive. If you ever find yourself in a courtroom with your "Normal" child, standing before a a judge in an orange jumpsuit, remember this video.

[@erichbrough6097]

Thank you, Dr. Gaffney, for kicking all our behinds and teaching us by your fierce, humane eloquence to see the brilliant humanity of our friends that rock the extra chromosome! You rock, period!

[@justinoiler9749]

Melissa oiler Mike Oiler Danielle pullin Luis Luciano Misty brown Scott brown Megan Ellis Mike Ellis Michelle story Kevin story Crucita pino Justina Marie Thompson Breyonna pfieffre ILene Ransom Kenny COBBS Angela jo dallipcala Alexis L atoaf Jose ADAMA Edward Mike Louise Paula Karen Angela

[@cynthiaward5725]

We have a beautiful, vibrant 2 year old granddaughter who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Brighton Noelle is our bright light and a tremendous joy in our lives. Our family has been forever changed. Thank you Karen and you are certainly correct: All lives matter. Blessings

[@annprince5298]

Yes it is the right for a woman to choose but not when they told extremely negative and outsmarted information. That is not giving g a full picture is it lives matter!

[@davidpawsey5449]

You are amazing and inspiring!!! Thank you!

[@carolinecardwell2163]

Inspiring woman with truly inspirational message! This story is deeply moving and makes me cry every time!

[@pnw-elle]

We have a foster baby with down syndrome and while at OHSU, we met Karen. She is an awesome beautiful lady.

[@cricketwireless177]

Sentence structure Professor Gaffney is smarter than normal hominids

[@orangeruby3543]

WOW HOMIE WITH AN EXTRA CHROMIE

[@eileenervin7473]

This speech is moving! She's a great motivator!

[@mariafernandasalazar33]

People with down sindrome can achieve wonderful things as the rest of neurodivergents but if we dont let them they simply will achieve their main goal in life, spread love and empathy in human specie and contribute to the balance of our ecosystem

[@janepalos6281]

Your story is amazing indeed! God bless your endeavor!

[@DolceVita]

I am so impressed by her - but why shouldn't i be right? My preconceptions about DS are showing!

[@mrnaughtycat]

Special needs life’s matter

[@lenniebruce]

'All Lives Matter' I really am glad to hear that from a fantastic individual :)

[@coreykuefler-terweeme7268]

I love your speech Karen. Well done!

[@jillbrummell6294]

You are as very well spoken person. And your speech is indeed inspiring. However not all people with downs are as lucky as yourself and find life much more arduous and challenging and have many cognitive difficulties. The spectrum is vast as all people are unique .

[@nandinii.]

This made my day! So inspiring

[@upliftingvoices]

Thank You Karen for sharing your inspirational thoughts.

[@sarakoyano7052]

Beautiful, Karen Gaffney -Thank You!

[@jasonstarrising]

Well I have one more than you do like get on my level *NOOBS*

[@tbmctbmc5628]

She is super awesome. Very intelligent

[@NatandGeorge]

She looks much younger than her 40 years!

[@martycoomber7897]

I'm so happy for her..very impressed!💖

[@aubreetanner9543]

This is why people use #AllLivesMatter, not because they want to include themselves.

[@junbh2]

I so wish that was true. Unfortunately, it's not usually why people use it.

[@debbieweybright5074]

Karen Gaffney you rock! Glenn Weybright

[@drillerfromdeeprockgalacti1434]

Rocken an extra chromosome more like

[@patriciapoole2571]

Thank you Dr Gaffney, this is an amazing, inspiring talk.

[@CSAcitizen]

She's amazing and pretty too.

[@yawnwarrior]

Bet you think your cousin is pretty too, Reb

[@brianc1985]

wow such an inspiring speech needs to be translated to many languages as possible!!

[@yourfriendyuni]

She is so engaged with her audience. Better than most public speakers!

[@HayleyGoleniowska]

Thank you Karen.

[@licimatt5484]

I hit the like button 1min in, the moment she said all lives matter! Brilliant! The world desparately needs to rethink the way we think of disabled peoples' right to life!

[@SilkenScribbles]

She is sooooo inspiring!!! Beautiful, simply beautiful!

[@natalyshiakalli5701]

Hello Miss Karen Gaffney, my name is Nataly Shiakalli Iam 26 years old and I leave in Cyprus. Iam so happy watched this video due to the fact, you give an excellent message all over the world explaining the meaning of Syndrome down you are clearly explained the skills, in a BIG WORD you people of syndrome down you do understand everything, you can do everything, you listen to everything, you hear, you learn you go to school you are special people with different successes...you can participate to everywhere...schools,universities, programs,competitions and win!!! because you worth again for me you are special special people you smile you say I can everything! We people could understand and come to the same situation like them because can happen to everyone this...we support..encourage...understand and learn more and more of the skills of those people due to everyone's has different gifts...talents...characters and social skills...Thank you very much with respect!

[@DogGran]

Who disliked this?! Y’all need professional help. She’s amazing.

[@cbmondello3294]

thank you dr gaffney for your continued contributions

[@AB-qi1oh]

ALL LIVES MATTER. WE ARE ALL unique beings with potential and purpose. I wish you nothing but the best Ms Gaffney as you continue to spread this beautiful message God Bless Mia Rose.

[@masairhuntingclubsheikhupu6767]

so proud of u sister ..... amazing .....solute to yours bravery

[@ShellyColours2]

Very inspiring!!! May God Bless and protect the little ones in the womb from abortions. Their lives matter and they are worth saving.

[@aarchie8470]

Awesome speech. By a smart no nonsense young woman.

[@marlovilela5430]

Gracias Karen tus palabras me confortan y dan esperanza. Tengo un hijo con Down Syndrome se llama Cristiano y tiene 2 años lo amo con todo mi corazón y me gustaría mucho que algún día haga lo que tu en este video.

[@debohararusckowski]

What a powerful video! It may be a bit long, but well worth the watch!

[@AutiDiva8]

Outstanding! I hope she runs for Office!!!!!! #SheHasMyVOTE ♡☆♡☆♡ #LuMind 😇😇😇

[@plasticstrawz6901]

Mine too! 💙💛

[@Compuscience-Python-Prog-Exps]

I don't have DS, I have Asperger's and I used to be called such an awful word. But, like you did, I somehow Turned all the Tables on their Ends...

[@chasitymodo2307]

Very inspiring video Karen. Thank you so much for sharing. Adults, like yourself, blessed with Ds are paving the roads for our babies that are also blessed with Ds. Thank you!

[@noemilopez6360]

Wooo, me hizo llorar, tengo mi bebé de 7meses con síndrome de down y de verdad es muy inteligente y perseverante. Tal y como dice la conferencista.

[@ozen3348]

Does anyone have a good book recommendation on the condition?

[@livemystic1958]

Wow that was great! Thank you for what you are doing.

[@crazyanarchist5809]

ok karen you taught so many people to be brave. Keep on your career.

[@rolo8950]

Yes but the people you see doing things and working are on the more independent side of the spectrum. We must remember that having a down syndrome baby is a massive massive gamble because on one hand you'll have a child like her, where she's wicked smart and athletic.....but on the other hand you might be changing diapers for your child's entire life. Like there is a wide range of ability and disability and I don't fault people for terminating and not wanting to take the risk.

[@melissaoiler2414]

Mike Oiler Luis Steven Scott Brown Mike Ellis Kevin Story Melissa Oiler Misty Brown Danielle Pullin Megan Ellis Michelle Story

[@MagorzataWWegrzyniak]

Everything is possible

[@paulverdzekov421]

Really amazing. A great video to change perceptions

[@NigelPilot]

We live in a changing world with times changing behavior patterns and societies genes and genetic engagement will be a super way to link and find out more about people with down syndrome and change the effects from down to up syndrome love and bless share the love and feel the magic

[@nacht_owl]

Everyone here, I hope we can all ban together against Iceland. They claim to "eradicate" down's syndrome through abortion, and/or pressuring women to abort a child who have be born with it. Karen Gaffney is a beautiful soul, and so is everyone here, your relatives, yourselves, and my 43 year-old cousin with Down's Syndrome, Eddie.

[@wes4736]

The thought that eight years have passed, and the very real possibility that this video has saved lives by simply allowing others the ability to be born is genuinely inspiring.

[@ArthVaduh]

Great talk. Would love to see you around Microsoft giving a speech for people here :)

[@harpreet450kaur3]

Great Great Great Great true soul God Blessed you all greats proud on you salute you

[@anonmouse2259]

Adversity helps you realize your strengths

[@masairhuntingclubsheikhupu6767]

so proud of u sister ..... amazing .....solute to yours bravery

[@Vinkie]

Wish I could speak half as well as she can.

[@lauracarrasco7423]

Muy conmovedor ! Una leccion de vida ! Tengo un nieto maravilloso con down syndrome !!! Felicitaciones por tu valentia e inteligencia !

[@lisetteintheclouds7268]

Very well spoken and intelligent. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽💋👏🏽

[@Gabisifsmilia]

Our son has Trisomy 9 mosaic and one of the logo we used is: "what would you do with an extra Chromosome?" People should stop staring and realize that they are miracles because an extra Chromosome can happen to everyone.

[@connie1wilson]

Is she speaking from autocue or from memory? She rocks!

[@yvonneellison3711]

Well done Karen what an inspiration to all who have downs.

[@A1234561921]

God bless you beautiful angel!!!

[@coreykuefler-terweeme7268]

I’m doing a research paper on inclusion of intellectual disabilities in the school system.

[@victoriap2519]

I am just thinking what would happen to them if they are given just to themselves and nature, and not to schools, I guess they would rock the world! ♥️