GREENFIELD, Wis. — Kathryn Burish loves nothing more than to relax on her couch and watch her favorite TV show, “Friends.”

“I love living on my own,” said Burish. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kathryn Burish and Hannah Rahmanpanah both have Down syndrome 

  • Both women live on their own, which helps them be independent 

  • Burish and Rahmanpanah said having a disability doesn't stop you from living like others

She said having her own space is key to her growth and independence. 

“I cook,” said Burish. “I clean. I do everything.” 

She also works at a T.J. Maxx. 

“One of my interests is starting my own fashion line,” said Burish. 

When she’s not at work or at home, you’ll likely find her next door, visiting her good friend Hannah Rahmanpanah. Rahmanpanah also lives on her own and has two jobs. 

“I work at Pick ‘n Save,” said Rahmanpanah. “That is my first job. I’m part time in the floral department and sometimes I’m bagging.” 

While both young women have worked hard to live independently, they are thankful to have each other just steps away. 

“I don’t feel lonely and I feel like I’m right at home,” said Rahmanpanah. “So, for me, it feels right.”

They want people to know that having Down syndrome doesn’t mean you can’t live a full life. 

“I feel people who have Down syndrome are just like everybody else and having that disability is not scary,” said Rahmanpanah. “We all deserve the same respect as everybody else does.” 

Respect and inclusion are what both said they deserve. 

“Being someone with a disability doesn’t define who you really are,” said Burish. “You’re learning new things. You’re learning different skills. You’re getting taught to be independent, even with a support worker.” 

By letting people in to see their lives and friendship, they said they hope to prove we are all more alike than different.

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