The Ronnie Series
Our first short documentary is here!
Last year, we decided to tell a bigger, more inclusive Down syndrome story with our global storytelling project called This is Down Syndrome. So far, we’ve told over 150 stories using photography, and on World Down Syndrome Day, we’ll be releasing our very first story in documentary format. The first of thousands to come. We understand how important stories are in strengthening our collective humanity, and we are so honored and thrilled to get to tell some of the best stories out there. These stories work to connect the world through compassion that is sowed when we see an individual over a diagnosis. Because knowing and understanding Down syndrome is not the same as knowing and understanding a person with Down syndrome. Join the movement; share LaTasha’s story.
The Ronnie Series 12/12: Amber/Friend
Change the world by being yourself.” Ronnie brought this quote to life for me. I am a music artist and have been since I was in the 6th grade. I’ve had so many moments of doubt and fear about sharing my music with the world and then, I met Ronnie.
The Ronnie Series 11/12: Rashida/Sister
In September of 2021 I had the honor of accompanying Ronnie to New York as he prepared to walk in a runway show for Fashion Week. I will never forget the laser focus that he had in the days leading up to the show. He turned down French fries from his favorite food spot and listened intently to all instructions that he was given…
The Ronnie Series 10/12: LaTasha/Sister
"I’ll never forget when Ronnie came home one day and magically knew how to do laundry! I mean for such a long time, I was the only one washing, drying and folding. Then one day during his sophomore year of high school, he came home and folded every towel in sight! Ha!
The Ronnie Series 9/12: Monica/Teacher
Excitement! That’s how I felt when I knew Ronnie was going to move up to high school and become a part of my class. I remember hearing the progress he had made in middle school and being completely stoked to see how far we could go as he entered his high school career.
The Ronnie Series 6/12: Manda/Educational Associate
Even though there were a lot of challenges when I first worked with Ronnie, it didn’t take long for him to become one of my favorite people. Meeting Ronnie at Kelly Lane Middle School, I eventually learned, no matter where Ronnie will go, he’ll succeed. His big personality allows him to make an impact on everyone he interacts with and he makes everything fun.
The Ronnie Series 5/12: Brian/Teacher
"I love me some Ronnie Brown! Watching his evolution over the last ten years has been amazing. People like Ronnie are the reason I teach. He taught me that no matter how tough a situation can be, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and amazing things are possible.
The Ronnie Series 4/12: Daniel/Principal
The only time I have ever hear Ronnie say 'no,' is when I ask him if I can have whatever pair of fashion conscience shoes he is wearing that day, and he tells me, 'I Say No.' Nothing makes me smile quite like those interactions.
The Ronnie Series 3/12: Amy/Special Olympics Coach)
"I SAY YES. Three simple words that changed the culture and climate of a campus, a community, a state and a nation. Ronnie Brown coined this phrase and it quickly became a defining moment for the Unified Champions program at Hendrickson High School. Unified Champion Schools is a Special Olympics program that promotes and encourages inclusion of EVERYONE on a school campus beyond the scope of just sports.
The Ronnie Series 2/12: Maggie/Speech Pathologist
This is Texas. Friday Night Lights was filmed here in Pflugerville. Football and Homecoming are a big deal and ‘big deal’ doesn’t really begin to cover it. The 2,500 students of Hendrickson High School nominate and vote for their Homecoming King and Queen.
The Ronnie Series 1/12
Name: Ronnie
Age: 19
Hobbies: Listening to music, playing sports, painting, racing go-karts, and eating fries