Spain's Down Syndrome councillor makes history
Spain's Down Syndrome councillor makes history
Spain's first-ever town councillor with Down Syndrome is set to start work in the Spanish city of Valladolid on Monday, but many people with her condition in Spain find themselves unable to vote because of a legal loophole.
Thirty-year old Ángela Covadonga Bachiller will take up the new post after another councilman in the city in central Spain left his post.
Bachiller's decision to get involved in politics began with her participation in Valladolid's May 2011 electoral campaign.
Later, city mayor Francisco Javier León de la Riva described her as "an example of strength and of someone overcoming obstacles".Spain's Down España association — which represents some 80 Down Syndrome groups around the country — welcomed the news of Bachiller's new position, describing it as "positive" but "exceptional".
Association president Agustín Matía also warned there was a long way to go.
http://www.thelocal.es/20130729/spain-first-down-syndrome-councillor