Alderson awards celebrate the little wins of Canberrans with Down Syndrome

Christian Perryman has appeared on a children’s TV show, Tessa McGuire has landed her first job, and Lauren Murray has been appointed to sit on an important board.

Those big achievements are among the myriad reasons people in Canberra with Down syndrome are being nominated for Alderson awards.

But no achievement is too small to be recognised in this unique awards program. It simply has to be a big deal to that person.

Nine-year-old Christian Perryman, who attends a mainstream school in Canberra, has been recognised for appearing on ABC children’s program Giggle and Hoot as Pirate Christian.

“My classmates, they had no idea I was a pirate,” Christian beamed.

The appearance dazzled his peers and helped him and his mother have conversations…