An Irish artist has unveiled a massive 60-foot mural in Dublin's city centre as part of Down Syndrome Ireland's 50th-anniversary celebrations.
The striking piece is located on the gable end of a building at the junction of Harcourt Street and Clonmel Street in Dublin.
It features 21-year-old Amanda Butler from Mullingar, who said: "I am so excited to be part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s anniversary. I am grateful I have been given the chance to shine."
Amanda lives with her family on a farm, enjoys cooking, is an excellent swimmer, and loves music – particularly Westlife and Bruce Springsteen.
She's currently attending college and hopes to find work in hospitality, retail, or helping to take care of others in childcare or adult daycare service.
The artwork comes as part of a new campaign, The Upside, by the charity which focuses on four key aspects of life for a person with Down syndrome: health, education, employment, and life in the community.
Ireland has the lowest rate of employment and one of the highest poverty rates for people with disabilities in the EU, according to a special report released as part of the campaign.
Barry Sheridan, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland said: "The Upside aims to highlight just how much further we as a society have to go to call ourselves truly inclusive, despite the tireless efforts of so many during the past 50 years.
"It will show both the shortcomings and progress of living with Down syndrome in Ireland across four aspects of life: health, education, the workplace and life in the community."
