• On World Down Syndrome Day, the District Secretariat for Social Integration commemorates this date by extolling the capabilities of Álvaro Hernán Macías, an official of the entity, an example of inclusion.
• Thanks to Asdown Colombia, Álvaro works in the Secretariat and currently works in the District Attention Center for Social Inclusion (CADIS).
Bogotá, DC, March 21, 2024. Álvaro Hernán Macías, a 32-year-old civil servant with Down Syndrome, works in the Secretariat of Social Integration. His overwhelming personality and unmatched joy inspire his teammates to give their best.
From the first hours of the day, Alvarito, as his colleagues know him, begins his work at the CADIS, District Care Center for Social Inclusion. This center develops training processes and interdisciplinary care to strengthen the development of skills that promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities, caregivers and their families.
“My position is a support assistant, I collaborate with my team in everything they need, preparing the spaces for workshops, keeping the attendance lists, in addition to all the documents that are saved or requested from the archive,” explains Álvaro.
For him, effort, enthusiasm and dedication are fundamental in his professional growth. “I was born on July 18, 1991 and always with the support of my parents and my sister I have learned to get ahead, no matter what some think. I set out to study, have a stable job with the State and my apartment and I couldn’t. It has been easy but here I go.”
It was thanks to Asdown Colombia that Álvaro Hernán received the opportunity to work in the Secretariat. “When they offered me to work here, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. I joined as a contractor in 2014 and, a year later, in 2015, I was appointed as a provisional employee,” he recalls with pride.
But its charm is not limited to the workplace. Alvarito also enjoys other hobbies, such as being a disc jockey and preparing his own fast foods, such as homemade sandwiches or hamburgers.
The entry into force of Law 1996 has allowed Álvaro Hernán Macías to carry out significant legal acts, such as obtaining bank loans and signing employment contracts with all social benefits. This law guarantees that people with disabilities exercise their rights and are protagonists of their own lives.
Álvaro’s dreams have no limits. On World Down Syndrome Day, as he goes about his daily tasks, he leaves us a clear and moving message: “I wish the best for all people, with or without disabilities. May they achieve their goals and do what they are passionate about. Be kind, sociable and continue pursuing your life projects. Live happily with your loved ones!”