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Ashley DeRamus
by: Connie DeRamus
Ashley is a pretty, petite, 30 year old blonde. She loves swimming, acting, fashion, shopping, sailing, ziplining, gospel music, singing, and public speaking. She talks excitedly about the future projects she is planning, much like any young entrepreneur would. She talks about the places she has been and the people she has met, much like any traveler would.
When people meet Ashley they are immediately struck by her beauty, personality, poise, and sense of humor. Along with a deep compassion for anyone with special needs, these qualities inspire parents who have a child with Down syndrome. She gives them hope. They meet Ashley and realize their child can have a wonderful, fulfilling life.
Ashley lives her life to the fullest and will eagerly share her story with others. She will tell of the 43 Swimming medals she has won at the Special Olympics state games, the places she has recited the Pledge of Allegiance such as the Rose Bowl Parade, the Grand Canyon, and aboard the USS Massachusetts Battleship at the HMS Bounty memorial service, to name a few.
Most recently she had the honor of being interviewed at the United Nations in New York City concerning job opportunities for adults with special needs and empowerment.
Ashley would tell you her most special memories are of the time she spent aboard the HMS Bounty Tall Ship during the summer of 2012.
SHE DOESN'T HAVE
SPECIAL NEEDS
She's Just Special
Captain Robin Walbridge arranged for Ashley to have an area with a table to take donations for her bracelets as the Bounty stopped in ports from Savannah to NovaScotia.
While on the Bounty, Ashley raised enough money to award scholarships for four babies to attend the Bell Center for Early Intervention for 1 year. She loves the babies, the staff, and meeting the parents of babies who are starting their journey in life in early intervention just like she did.
In addition to fundraising and advocacy Ashley and her mother, Connie DeRamus have recently started a clothing line specially tailored for young ladies with Down syndrome. When Ashley was growing up, Connie would always have her clothes altered, which was quite expensive. She just couldn’t find clothes that fit her unique build and Ashley always wanted to look her very best.
They realized that there needed to be a line of clothing dedicated to individuals with Down syndrome. A line that made the most current fashions available to these young ladies.