Jenny, 22 years old, in the courtyard of her home. Despite her shyness, Jenny is a bright young woman who attended all special schools until the age of 18. Currently, she continues to receive support from a speech therapist to further develop her communication skills, although she still needs improvement in writing. Jenny's family consists of herself, her mother, and her 71-year-old grandmother, Caritad. Her father, Juan Carlos, 60 years old, has been divorced from her mother for many years but maintains a beautiful relationship with Jenny. Despite economic difficulties, the family lives in what can be considered a comfortable situation by Cuban standards, thanks to the financial support sent monthly by Jenny's brother, who lives and works in Brussels. Jenny lives in a spacious house with three bedrooms, a large living room, and a courtyard. In the courtyard, they have a small rabbit farm and some fruit trees for family use. During the week, Jenny spends her time helping her mother and grandmother with household chores, such as hanging laundry, cleaning the courtyard, and feeding the rabbits.

Maria is a very determined and sociable young woman. Despite her humble origins and the economic difficulties of the family, thanks to her mother's dedication, she has developed excellent communication skills and decent writing abilities. Cristina, 55 years old, is a divorced homemaker from her husband Luis, 48 years old. All three live in a modest house, with Maria and Cristina sharing the same bedroom, while Luis sleeps on a mattress in the living room. Here, Maria shows the scar left by the heart surgery she underwent at the age of 10. Many people with Down syndrome have a heart malformation that requires surgery. In Italy and the Western world, this operation is performed in the early months of life for children with this heart malformation, often leaving no visible scar.

Rudi, a 52-year-old lady affected by a severe form of Down syndrome, resides in the Tivolì neighborhood, one of the most impoverished areas of Santiago de Cuba. Her health conditions are extremely complex, with advanced dementia and significant motor difficulties that prevent her from being autonomous. After the death of her mother in 2011, Rudi lives with her sister in a modest dwelling characterized by limited space: a single shared room, a lone bed, and a very small kitchen. This situation highlights the challenges and difficulties that many people with disabilities face, especially in economically disadvantaged contexts.

Rudi, 52, along with her sister Ysella, 58, in their home in Santiago de Cuba, July 2023. Ysella dedicates herself entirely to caring for Rudi, never being able to leave her alone and giving up her own job. Unfortunately, the Cuban government does not provide any additional assistance for individuals with severe disabilities like Rudi. The only form of support available is a modest monthly payment of about 2000 pesos, which, due to the high inflation in the country, barely covers the cost of a few kilograms of chicken. Additionally, Rudi also suffers from seizures that require specific medications, but it becomes increasingly difficult for her sister to afford them.

Rudi, unfortunately, experiences severe limitations in autonomy, being able to speak only a few words and walk only short distances with the support of someone. Rudi's mother, concerned about her daughter's condition, decided not to enroll her in the special schools available in Cuba that could have helped mitigate the disabilities associated with her severe form of Down syndrome. Given the characteristics of premature aging typical of individuals with Down syndrome, who generally, in Western countries, live to an average age of about 60 years, it is likely that Rudi may also suffer from Alzheimer's. This condition manifests with a very high percentage, approximately 50%, in people with Down syndrome.

In a tender moment captured, Ysella and Rudi exchange affection, with Rudi smiling and appreciating her sister's caresses. Rudi takes great pleasure in listening to music, and Ysella gives her special moments by singing to her, while Rudi makes gentle arm movements that could resemble a dance. Unfortunately, the economic difficulties they face prevent them from being able to buy a radio to enjoy this passion more consistently. However, in those sweet and musical moments, Ysella and Rudi find a form of consolation.

The lack of associations that support individuals with disabilities beyond their school years prevents them from forming many relationships with each other. Their friendships are limited to neighborhood acquaintances. Here, Jenny embraces the neighborhood's senior grandmother (98 years old). In the next few months, finally, Jenny will have the opportunity to embark on a path to enter the workforce. This new phase represents a significant opportunity for Jenny, who will be able to experience new challenges and gain independence.

Jenny gazes at the photo of her Quinceañera on the living room couch, Santiago de Cuba, July 2023. The celebration of fifteen years (Quinceañera in Spanish) is a widely observed rite of passage throughout Latin America, symbolizing the transition from childhood to adolescence. In Cuba, the celebration may include a choreographed group dance, with 16 couples dancing around the celebrant, who is led by one of the main dancers. The fifteen-year-old girl is expected to wear an elegant dress, and her mother traditionally gives her a crown, while her father presents her with her first pair of high-heeled shoes, symbolizing the transition to a more adult age. This tradition is still prevalent in Cuba, although in some cases, instead of organizing an extravagant celebration, the focus is on the girl's preferences and desires.

Jenny takes great pleasure in caring for her nails, and her favorite color is blue. Periodically, she is accompanied by her mother to the esthetician, Maria, who is 68 years old, for a manicure or pedicure. Despite her vivacity, Jenny is never left alone, and whenever she goes out, she is always accompanied by her mother or grandmother. Usually, Saturday is the day of the week dedicated to rest and activities that Jenny considers part of being a woman, such as nail or hair care.

Jenny and her grandmother Caritad embrace in a gesture of great affection and understanding. In Cuba, many people with Down syndrome develop strong family bonds, creating deep and meaningful relationships. However, they often lack the opportunity to interact with the outside world or with others with the same syndrome once their school years are over. This is also the case for Jenny, who communicates effectively within the family sphere and with friends in the neighborhood but doesn't have the opportunity to establish connections with other people with Down syndrome. The absence of institutions or dedicated spaces to facilitate interaction among individuals with Down syndrome limits the possibility of expanding Jenny's social relationships and those of many others in her situation.

Maria gets ready before trying out her dance, Santiago de Cuba, July 2023. Maria faces a challenge with acute dermatitis that causes itching and burning all over her body. She is under medical care in Santiago de Cuba. Her family lives in very modest conditions and does not have the means to afford a real mobile phone for her. Maria has come up with a creative solution by using the box of medicine she takes for dermatitis as a substitute for a cellphone. Despite the difficulties, when Maria thinks about dancing, she experiences a sense of liberation that allows her to forget all the worries and problems she faces. Dance becomes a refuge where she can express herself and find an escape from everyday reality.

Maria at the inauguration dance for the committee of activities for special schools. On the occasion of the establishment of the new committee, an opening dance was organized, during which Maria performed with another dancer. Maria eagerly awaits the start of the employment training program in October, but her biggest dream remains to become a professional dancer. Despite the challenges she faces, Maria continues to pursue her passion and hopes to achieve her goal of dancing professionally.

Enrique is a young man (41 years old) with Down syndrome who lives in the center of Santiago, together with his mother Marisa, who is 68, in a modest home. The house is simple, with a small living room, two modest bedrooms, and a small kitchen. Enrique has a severe form of Down syndrome, reflected in his limited ability to speak and interact with others. However, thanks to his experience in special schools, which he attended until the age of 20, he is able to understand everything that is said to him and demonstrates reasonable autonomy in basic daily activities.

Rudi at a friend's house of Ysella, Santiago de Cuba, July 2023. Rudi claps to the rhythm of music, prompted by Elvis, a santera friend of Ysella. What sets Cuba and its people apart is the profound sense of solidarity that characterizes them. Despite the conditions of poverty that also affect those living nearby, these people offer their help to the sisters to the best of their ability, providing them with some food or, as in this case, a simple invitation to their home.