By Luke Voogt
Like any mother, Belmont’s Jo Montano was nervous about sending her son Alex to school for the first time.
Alex started school a little later than most, at seven years old, but Jo soon found out she had little to worry about.
“The whole school’s just embraced him,” she said.
“He loves going there – we’re so blessed with the community we’ve found ourselves in.”
Jo will “Step Up” with scores of local mothers next weekend walking in support of children with Down syndrome – like Alex.
The event has been running in Geelong for four years and Jo helped bring it to the city.
“It’s about raising awareness about their potential to contribute to the community,” she said.
The event will raise money for Down Syndrome Victoria, which supported Alex’s transition into mainstream schooling.
“He’s just started Prep at Oberon Primary School. He’s still learning to read and write like other kids in the class are,” she said.
Jo and her husband found out Alex had Down syndrome after his birth, but knew he had an increased risk from prenatal screening.
She admitted being a daunted at first and worrying about Alex’s prospects of living independently and getting a job.
“When you’re given a diagnosis like this you think ‘what will their life be’?” she said.
“But the more Alex has grown, the more I’ve realised it’s not going to be as challenging as I thought.”
While children with Down syndrome have delayed development, Jo believes in her son’s potential.
“It takes a little bit of extra effort to get to the milestone but they will get there.”
The energetic Alex showed off his T-ball skills with his loving brother and sister in the backyard on Monday.
He may have even found a new calling, showing great interest in the Indy photographer’s equipment.
Jo helped start the Geelong Down Syndrome group for parents to “bounce ideas” about services providers, the National Disability Insurance Agency and more.
“It’s just great having someone to talk to who’s on the same page,” she said.
“Kids with Down syndrome are just normal kids and other people with children with Down syndrome understand. They just want to be included.”
Step Up Geelong will take place at Steampacket Gardens on 22 October.
Jo said about 200 people attended the walk last year. She encouraged anyone locals to visit stepupfordownsyndrome.org.au/vic and register for the event.
“A lot less wind than last year would be good too,” she added.
