NEWS AND EVENTS

My story is one of hope, encouragement and making the best of what you have!

Against all odds….

Sheri Brynard gives meaning to her life by trying to change people’s perceptions about people with Down syndrome in South Africa and abroad. She is:

• the only qualified person with Down syndrome with a tertiary teachers diploma (without any concessions made) in South Africa and the first in the world.
• currently working full time as an assistant teacher at Lettie Fouché School for people with disabilities.
• an international ambassador for all people with Down syndrome.
• a national and international motivational speaker with over 700 public addresses at conferences ranging from the United Nations in New York and Genève, to public addresses in India, Scotland, Jerusalem, Wales, Switzerland, Rome, Berlin and Brighton outside London.
• a speaker at educational institutions at the Royal Society of Medicine and students of the King’s College in London and Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury, in England.
• an interviewee on the Good morning New Zealand national TV-program, in New Zealand.
• a guest on national television in South Africa addressing the State President; a guest on TV shows including Pasella, Kwêla, Minki,  Ontbytsake and Die Groot Ontbyt;  and as part of TV productions Binnelanders and Getroud met Rugby (in 2020).

During these speeches and appearances, she has the opportunity to advocate for the rights of disadvantaged people and people with intellectual disabilities all over the world.  She truly believes that all people have the ability to choose to make the best of their circumstances and she is the living example of that.

Outstanding awards:

• Sheri has been nominated as a trailblazer for The Young Independent 100 in the SADC region, by Independent Media in South Africa. They are looking for young leaders in Southern Africa.
• The Presidential Award for people who have made a contribution to the lives of mentally handicapped people in South Africa – first time ever received by a person with a disability.
• World Down Syndrome Day Award for incredible efforts to change the lives and perceptions of people with Down syndrome internationally.
• Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year category winner for “Young Movers” – first ever winner with a disability, and first ever to receive a standing ovation.