She is also a member of United Way's Speaker Bureau. Her volunteer work proves she is a true community hero. Many people look at me and see only my challenges. They think that because I have Down syndrome, I should be using United Way services instead of helping out.
Many people are ignorant when it comes to developmental challenges.
My volunteer work gives me the chance to educate people about my abilities while volunteers in the day cares. Needless to say, she loves children and the children love her. She is involved with the Association for Community Living and the United Way Speakers Bureau. In 1996, she also received the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Volunteer Award. Needless to say, all of these activities keep Astra and her parents quite busy, but it is an excellent opportunity to learn.