Mia’s speech to FN

Mia Johansen Forfatter av dette blogginnlegget.

26. mars 2025 09:47

Denne teksten er et blogginnlegg, og er ikke skrevet av Downs Syndrom Norge.

Ønsker du å dele dine erfaringer? Da kan du sende det inn her.

Hello My name is Mia, I’m 28 years old and I’m from Norway. It is a great honor for me to share my experiences and thoughts about CRPD. This is my first speech in English ever. Good language is very important. Without language, it is difficult to participate in society and decide over one’s own life. I was lucky. In kindergarten and primary school, I received very good language training. We worked systematically according to something called the Karlstad model. I learned to speak, read and write. That is why I can stand here today.

In Norway, it varies how good language training children with Downs Syndrome receive. Not everyone gets the same opportunity as me to develop their abilities.

In high school, I studied health and care. The first year was theory, then I was in practice at a day center for the elderly. There I got my job. I look forward to every day at work!

It is very important for me to be able to make a difference in society. I know many people with disabilities in Norway who do not get to develop and use their abilities either at school or at work. I have bought my own apartment in the center of my city. I would rather do everything myself, but I understand that there are some things I need help with. Many municipalities want people with intellectual disabilities to live in the same building in order for the help to be more effective. They want to save money. I don’t think it’s right that someone should be forced to live in a certain place to get the help they need. Nor can it be right for others to decide who you will live with.

I want schemes that can give me exactly the help I need to be able to live as equal a life as possible as everyone else.

The CRPD has not yet been taken into the laws of Norway. Our organizations are working to ensure that the CRPD is included in the Norwegian Human Rights act. They say that it will give us the strongest power.

In September, we have election in Norway. I have the right to vote, and will vote for the party that supports us best. Because one thing is clear: Better support, better life!

Thank you for your attention.

Det er organisasjonene Downs Syndrom Norge, Landsforbundet for utviklingshemmede og pårørende (LUPE) og Norsk Forbund for Utviklingshemmede (NFU) som sammen har forespurt Mia om hun vil tale for FN.

Se Mias tale her (26:33 – 33:25)