Media Release

Dubai, Aug 25: In an inspiring achievement, 22-year-old Amanda D'Silva, an aspiring model with Down syndrome, has been selected to appear in a video presentation at Times Square, New York, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual NYC Buddy Walk advocacy event. The showcase highlights the talent and spirit of individuals with disabilities.

Though the family hails from Mangaluru and Mumbai, Amanda was born and raised in Dubai. A graduate of a mainstream high school, she now works full-time as a restaurant hostess at Sofitel Downtown Hotel, while also pursuing her passion for modeling.

Her journey has been marked by resilience, moving from a childhood of health struggles and shyness to becoming a confident young woman breaking barriers in modeling. Her appearance in the NDSS video is seen as both a personal milestone and a message of empowerment for the Down syndrome community.

The video will be displayed at Times Square on September 6 at 9.30 am New York time, and will also be streamed live on the NDSS Facebook page.

Amanda’s family hopes her story will inspire others and reinforce the message that Down syndrome is not a limitation, but a part of diversity that deserves recognition, inclusion, and support.