2022 Ambassador Jonah Berger

This is Jonah Berger. He is our son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend, neighbor, student, and most of all, he is our teacher. When Jonah was born ten years ago, we didn’t know he would have Down syndrome. We didn’t know he would have hearing loss, and we didn’t know he would have Autism. But more than that, Jonah showed us all what we didn’t know about the world we live in. Through Jonah, we have learned that the world is both ableist and able to change; that people with disabilities and their allies have fought for the rights of people like Jonah and that there is still so much to fight for. Through Jonah, we have learned that there are so many more ways to communicate than the ones we thought we knew before he was born. We have learned to listen differently, to communicate differently, and we have learned that difference is what makes life beautiful. Jonah has taught us just how many ways there are to show love, to experience joy, and to express happiness. Jonah has taught us how to find peace at the ocean, pleasure in a blaring ambulance siren, the bottomless happiness of listening to the Beatles on repeat. He has taught us that just because Christmas is only one day on the calendar, it doesn’t mean you can’t listen to Christmas music all year long. He has taught us that it doesn’t matter what the world thinks, if it brings you joy, it brings you joy! He has taught us the absolute power of a hug, which he gives out generously and also orchestrates in others: just try to say goodbye to Jonah without him making you hug him AND someone else. He loves mayhem and mischief and has taught us to see humor in little moments we never noticed before. He has taught us the true meaning of hard work and perseverance, and the true meaning of bravery as he faces so many challenges and makes us so proud as he continues to learn, learn, and learn. From Jonah, we have learned that there are endless ways to love. He is so loved by so many, and we are all so lucky to know him.

We are so proud to celebrate Jonah as a GLOBAL Ambassador! Join us in supporting GLOBAL so all children with Down syndrome can reach their true potential!