
Emma at the United Nations in New York
Emma shares her experience of speaking at the United Nations and visiting New York.
I am so excited for the World Down Syndrome Day Conference on 21 March. It is a great opportunity for self-advocates like me to speak up.
I want to share my experience of speaking at the United Nations and tell you why you should go to New York.

I was so happy to be chosen to speak at the United Nations.
I went with my support person. She helped me make a schedule so we knew when we needed to be at the United Nations for my speech. We also planned how I wanted to spend my free time in New York.
New York is AMAZING!
I couldn’t believe how tall the buildings were. It is so different to where I live in England.
It is so beautiful in the evening when everything is lit up. One evening we sat on the balcony at our hotel bar drinking cocktails and looking at the lights.


I was so excited to arrive at the United Nations building. Wow! It is such a big place.
First, we went through security which is similar to security in an airport.
Once inside there are lots of meeting rooms and a cafe where you can sit outside if the weather is nice.
There is lots of art and statues. Make sure you allow enough time to look at everything. I saw a statue of Nelson Mandela.
I did my speech in the General Assembly room.
The room was full of people from different countries, speaking different languages.
You can see the speaker on the big screen and you can use the special headsets to listen to the presentations in your own language.


When it was my turn to speak I went up to take my seat on the panel.
I could see lots of people watching to hear what I had to say.
My speech was about my right to vote.
I felt so proud to be there and to have this chance to be heard.
Afterwards, I answered some questions, then everyone clapped and said “Well done”.
My advice to speakers is to be yourself and enjoy your moment. Share your experience, because no one else can tell your story for you.
Take a deep breath and be strong. You will feel so proud of yourself!
I loved taking part in the conference, meeting new people and hearing thier stories. It was an amazing experience!

My top sightseeing tips for New York:
The High Line is a public park built on an old rail line high above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It is full of nature, art, and design.
I loved Times Square. We enjoyed looking around the clothes shops and trying some different foods. I had my photo taken with Micky and Minnie Mouse!
I loved riding the subway. We don’t have anything like this where I live. We found it quite easy to use and accessible.



I would love to go back to New York for another conference.
But next, I am off to Berlin in Germany to attend the Global Disability Summit.
I have never been to Berlin before. Get in touch and let me know what I should add to my schedule.

If you would like to come to New York for the 14th World Down Syndrome Day Conference on 21 March visit the conference website and click ‘Register to attend’.
You can also apply to speak at the conference about support systems (applications close on 15 February).
Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day:

World Down Syndrome Day.
On 21 March each year, we speak up about the things that matter to people with Down syndrome around the world.