On September 6, 2025, the iconic screens of New York’s Times Square will light up with the image of Amanda DSilva, a 22-year-old Indian-origin woman from Dubai, as part of a global Down syndrome awareness campaign. Selected from over 2,600 entries worldwide, Amanda’s photograph will be featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual Times Square Video Presentation, a powerful event celebrating inclusion and representation. Her story, marked by resilience, confidence, and a passion for breaking barriers, is an inspiration to many.
From Dubai to Times Square: Amanda’s Inspiring Journey
Amanda DSilva was born in 2003 and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to parents originally from Mangaluru and Mumbai, India. As the youngest of two daughters, Amanda grew up in a supportive family environment that fostered her independence and determination. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, Amanda faced challenges early in life, including health struggles and shyness.
However, her journey from a reserved child to a confident young woman has been nothing short of extraordinary. Amanda’s early years were marked by health difficulties that often made her sensitive to noise and hesitant in social settings. Despite these challenges, her family’s unwavering support and Dubai’s inclusive environment helped her thrive.
She attended a mainstream school under the GEMS Education group, which provided her with opportunities to learn alongside her peers. This inclusive educational setting played a crucial role in building her confidence and shaping her ambitions. Amanda’s mother, Anita DSilva, shared that her daughter has come a long way from hiding from guests to embracing the spotlight with charm and grace.
Today, Amanda works full-time as a hostess at a French restaurant in the Sofitel Downtown Hotel in Dubai. Her role requires her to greet guests with warmth and professionalism, a task she performs with confidence. She has even taken the initiative to learn French phrases such as “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), “s’il vous plaît” (please), and “au revoir” (goodbye) to make visitors feel welcome. Her dedication to her job reflects her determination to lead an independent and fulfilling life.
In addition to her hospitality career, Amanda has pursued her passion for modeling. Her love for posing in front of the camera began at a young age, and she has since become a freelance model, appearing in campaigns that promote diversity and inclusion. Her journey into modeling has been a testament to her ability to challenge societal stereotypes and redefine what it means to live with Down syndrome. Amanda’s selection for the NDSS Times Square Video Presentation is a milestone in her journey, placing her on one of the world’s most visible stages to advocate for inclusion.
Amanda’s family will join her in New York for this momentous occasion. Her parents and her elder sister, who resides in Canada, will be by her side to celebrate her achievement. For Amanda, this event is not just a personal triumph but a chance to represent the global Down syndrome community and inspire others to embrace their potential.
The National Down Syndrome Society and the Times Square Video Presentation
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), founded in 1979, is a leading human rights organization in the United States dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through advocacy, resources, and community engagement, NDSS works to promote inclusion in education, employment, health, and wellness. One of its most prominent initiatives is the Times Square Video Presentation, an annual event that showcases photographs of individuals with Down syndrome from around the world.
On September 6, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Eastern Time, the NDSS will present an hour-long video featuring over 500 photographs of children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 U.S. states and 11 countries. The video will be displayed on two large Jumbotron screens above the Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square, at the heart of Times Square. Supported by ClearChannel Outdoor, which provides the screen space, the event serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance for the Down syndrome community.
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Amanda’s photograph was chosen from over 2,600 submissions, a testament to her inspiring presence and the impact of her story. The video presentation is more than just a visual display; it is a celebration of the lives, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome. The event will also be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page, allowing global audiences, including viewers in the UAE from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM UAE time, to join in the celebration.
The Times Square Video Presentation serves as the opening ceremony for the New York City Buddy Walk, a flagship NDSS initiative launched in 1995. The Buddy Walk is the world’s leading Down syndrome awareness and fundraising program, with over 150 events held annually across the United States and select international locations. The New York City Buddy Walk, taking place at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, brings together communities to advocate for inclusion and raise funds for NDSS programs. Amanda’s participation in the Times Square event underscores the importance of visibility and representation in advancing these goals.
NDSS has described Amanda’s picture as “contagious,” noting that her smile has the power to uplift and inspire. Her inclusion in the video presentation highlights the organization’s mission to shift public perceptions and create a future where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated for their abilities and contributions.
A Message of Empowerment and Inclusion
Amanda DSilva’s story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis of Down syndrome is not a limitation but a part of the diverse tapestry of human experience. Her achievements in hospitality and modeling, coupled with her upcoming appearance in Times Square, challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the potential of individuals with Down syndrome when given the right support and opportunities.
Her mother, Anita DSilva, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating that having Amanda’s photo displayed in Times Square is a rare and special opportunity. She hopes Amanda’s story will encourage other families to believe that a diagnosis does not define a person’s future. With acceptance, support, and access to inclusive environments, individuals with Down syndrome can achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.
Amanda’s journey also highlights the role of inclusive communities in fostering success. Dubai’s commitment to supporting people of determination, as they are referred to in the UAE, has been instrumental in Amanda’s development. From mainstream schooling to employment opportunities, the city has provided her with the tools to thrive. Anita expressed gratitude for Dubai’s inclusive policies, noting that they have allowed Amanda to study, work, and be treated with dignity.
The global Down syndrome community is also inspired by Amanda’s story. Her appearance in the NDSS video is a beacon of hope, showing that individuals with Down syndrome can break barriers and shine on international stages. Comments from supporters on social media reflect this sentiment, with many praising Amanda’s courage, talent, and infectious positivity. One admirer wrote, “You are truly inspirational! Your journey shows that nothing is impossible,” while another noted, “Amanda’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.”
Amanda herself has expressed her excitement about returning to New York and seeing her image on the Times Square screens. In a statement shared through her mother, she said she “can’t wait to see Times Square again, this time in the brightest way possible.” Her enthusiasm and pride in representing her community underscore the personal significance of this milestone.
The broader impact of Amanda’s story extends beyond her individual achievements. It serves as a call to action for societies worldwide to foster inclusion and provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The NDSS Times Square Video Presentation and the Buddy Walk program are powerful tools in this mission, using visibility and community engagement to drive change. By featuring individuals like Amanda, these initiatives challenge outdated perceptions and promote a world where everyone’s potential is recognized and valued.
Amanda DSilva’s journey from a shy child in Dubai to a confident professional and model featured on the global stage of Times Square is a story of resilience, determination, and hope. Her participation in the NDSS Times Square Video Presentation on September 6, 2025, is not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for the Down syndrome community and an inspiration for families worldwide. As her image lights up the iconic screens, Amanda will stand as a symbol of what is possible with support, acceptance, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.