Dubai girl with Down Syndrome to appear on Times Square screen

Early next month, Dubai resident Amanda DSilva will see her face beam across the giant screens of New York’s Times Square, joining hundreds of others in one of the world’s most visible celebrations of inclusion.

The 22-year-old, who has Down syndrome, has been chosen to feature in the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation on September 6. Her photograph was selected from more than 2,600 entries for the annual event, which showcases over 500 children and adults with Down syndrome from across the US and 11 other countries.

The one-hour video will play on two massive screens above the Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. It will also be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 5.30pm to 6.30pm UAE time. The event serves as the curtain-raiser to the New York City Buddy Walk, a flagship awareness programme that has been running since 1995.

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Born and raised in Dubai, Amanda attended a mainstream Gems school and now works as a hostess at a French restaurant in Sofitel Downtown Hotel. She is also a freelance model, having appeared in shoots that celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Speaking through her mother Anita, she told Khaleej Times she is “very excited to go back to New York” and “can’t wait to see Times Square again, this time in the brightest way possible.” 

Amanda is the youngest of two sisters. Her elder sister, 26, who lives in Canada, will fly to New York to join the family for the occasion.

For Amanda’s mother, the recognition is both personal and symbolic.
“This is such a proud moment for us as a family,” Anita said. “Amanda has always been determined. She works hard at her job, greets guests with confidence, and even learns new French words like bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), s’il vous plaît (please), au revoir (goodbye) every day to make visitors feel welcome. It’s her grit and joy that inspire us.”

Anita praised Dubai for enabling Amanda to thrive. “Dubai has given Amanda the chance to study in mainstream schools, to find employment, and to be treated with dignity. The city’s support for people of determination is remarkable, and we are so grateful.”

Founded in 1979, the NDSS is the leading human rights organisation for individuals with Down syndrome in the US. Its Times Square presentation has become one of the most powerful visual platforms to showcase inclusion, watched live by thousands and virtually by families worldwide.

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