Stephen Green lives in Nottinghamshire, in England, with his father. He’s 47 years old, and he was recently elected to serve on the Nuthall Parish Council. He also happens to have Down syndrome, making him the first parish councillor in the UK with Down syndrome.

A parish council is similar to a city council. They meet monthly, and have a variety of responsibilities and duties, and are able to increase taxes to raise money if needed.

It was the second time Stephen, from Nutthall, had stood for election to the council after narrowly getting beaten in an election eight years ago.

But when no one else stood for the seat, Stephen was elected to the council.

He said: “I want to help other people in the community I’ve grown up and lived in all my life.

“I stood before at the election so I’m very pleased to be councillor now.

“There will be some challenges but I’ve got a good support network around me.”

This is just an incredible achievement, for Stephen of course, but also for people with Down syndrome all over the world. It just goes to show that with determination, passion, and drive, there is nothing that can hold you back, whatever condition you may have.

And hopefully, Mr. Green’s role as parish councillor will show the world how much people with Down syndrome are capable of. The more people like him come forward and do amazing things, the more those old stereotypes and misconceptions can be smashed.