Amanda’s photo selected for NDSS Times Square video presentation

Dubai/Mangaluru: Amanda Dsilva, a 22-year-old girl of Indian origin born and raised in Dubai, will be featured on the iconic Times Square screens in New York City on September 6, 2025. Her photo has been selected for the prestigious National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video Presentation.

Chosen from thousands of entries

Amanda’s photo was picked from more than 2,600 entries submitted worldwide for the NDSS annual call for photos. The one-hour video presentation will showcase over 500 photographs of children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 U.S. states and 11 countries. The images highlight inclusion and representation in the most visible way—on the giant screens in the heart of Times Square.

A journey of confidence and inspiration

Amanda’s mother, Anita Dsilva, shared her daughter’s inspiring journey. “Amanda has come a long way—from being a sickly child who used to hide herself from guests and close her ears to the slightest sound, to now working full-time with Sofitel Downtown Hotel in Dubai and part-time as a model. She has graduated from a mainstream high school and today, she is full of confidence and charm. Having her photo displayed at Times Square is a rare and special moment, and I hope her story encourages other families to believe that a diagnosis is not the end of the world. With acceptance and support, these individuals can shine.”

Event details

The Times Square Video Presentation will be held on September 6 from 9:30 to 10:30 am ET and will be displayed on two Jumbotron screens above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The programme will also be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page. Supported by ClearChannel Outdoor, the event serves as one of the most visible platforms to promote acceptance and awareness.

Kicking off the New York City Buddy Walk®

The presentation will also mark the start of the New York City Buddy Walk®, a flagship awareness and fundraising event organised annually since 1995. Today, more than 150 Buddy Walk® events are held across the United States and select international locations to raise funds and promote inclusion for people with Down syndrome.

About NDSS

Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, resources, and community engagement. NDSS works across education, employment, health, and wellness, creating opportunities for inclusion and awareness at national and global levels.

For Amanda, this rare recognition is not just a personal milestone but also an inspiration for families across the world. As NDSS shared in its release, “Amanda’s picture is contagious—one smile and your heart feels lighter.” #AmandaInspires

About the National Buddy Walk® Program 

Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk® Program has been the premier Down syndrome  awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by  the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of  people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national initiatives to support  the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk®events take place in cities  across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy  Walk®near you, visit https://ndss.org/national-buddy-walk-program.