Ashley DeRamus is just like every other girl—she loves to travel, hang with her girlfriends, shop, and the rare pleasure of a day at the spa; she just has an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as Down syndrome. Although she wasn’t treated fairly because of her condition growing up, Ashley didn’t let her Down syndrome stop her. Instead, she lives by the motto “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do—show them what you can do.” She has embraced her differences and uses her personal experiences to advocate for people with Down syndrome across the globe.
It started with Ashley by Design, a clothing brand she and her mom designed specifically for girls who had special needs. They traveled around the country selling her clothes at craftsfairs, for over a decade. Once they could no longer travel, due to Covid, they brought their clothing line into a local outlet mall. Ashley’s high demand for speaking engagements eventually led them to shift focus and step away from selling clothes.
The Ashley DeRamus Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs. Their mission statement is simple but profound: “Touching Lives and Giving Hope.” “We believe all individuals can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world,” the website explains.
Ashley has certainly changed the world as she’s explored the world advocating. She has done things many girls dream of, from riding a camel, sailing as a Coast Guard-certified tall-ship sailor on the HMS Bounty, visiting the Taj Mahal, singing in the choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Natalie Grant, Matthew West, and Lauren Daigle, and participating in the Thanksgiving Day parade. “Try it, go for it, do it,” Ashley says. One of her biggest accomplishments has been performing the National Anthem in all 50 states—the only person with special needs to have accomplished such a feat. She has also gone on mission trips to developing countries like India and even started a school. “There is probably not any Down Syndrome advocate who has done more for the community and internationally than Ashley,” shares Gary Kannegiesser, Director of Ashley DeRamus Foundation.
Her list of awards is practically endless, including awards from governors and Down Syndrome International. She has also been invited by Bill Gaithers, a well-known record publisher, to perform on a cruise to Alaska, which marked her 50th state. Additionally, she was invited as a guest to a California university’s talent show for kids with Down syndrome. “[I was] honored to be the opening of their talent competition,” Ashley states. As of late, she has a new job working as a Brand Ambassador for Sunshine Botanicals, a wildcrafted, organic skincare that seeks to help kids with special needs that often suffer from stomach and/or skin issues.
Ashley’s personal mission is “To let people with Down Syndrome have the same kind of spirit I have” and “to help more people.” She firmly believes the world would be a better place if people hugged more, danced more, and were happy like people with Down Syndrome. She is thrilled with the ways her foundation has been able to help others, including donating money to those affected by the flood in Texas.
Whatever your struggle, Ashley would tell you not to let the world define who you are and what you can accomplish. For example, she recently earned a certificate at Highlands College in Biblical and Liturgical Studies. Special needs people have special gifts and they can change the world.
To listen to her sing, visit her many videos on YouTube or keep an eye out for her this November on Natalie Grant and Danny Goekey’s tour!
