Montserrat Trueta: a life devoted to inclusion
In 1984, Montserrat Trueta was one of the founders of the Catalan Down Syndrome Foundation (FCSD).
Together with other parents, she created this foundation to support their relatives with Down syndrome and others in situations of intellectual disability.
Throughout her life, Montserrat believed that challenges can be faced with optimism. She leaves behind a powerful legacy that inspires us to continue fighting for the right to full inclusion.
A life shaped by commitment
Daughter of Amèlia Llacuna and Dr. Josep Trueta, she was born in Catalonia but lived in exile in Oxford.
There she married Ramon Trias Fargas and had four children: Toni, Katy, Mireia, and Andy.
After the birth of Andy, who has Down syndrome, Montserrat accepted the diagnosis — but not the prognosis.
She began searching for methods and professionals to help her son achieve the best possible development.
Seeing the progress and benefits Andy experienced, Montserrat wanted to share this journey with other families.
She was convinced that a different prognosis was possible for all people with Down syndrome. And so, the FCSD was born…
General management and presidency
Montserrat served as General Director and Chair of the Board of Trustees from the very beginning.
In 2001, when her daughter Katy Trias Trueta took on the role of General Director, Montserrat continued as Chair of the Board while Katy assumed leadership of the organization.
Recognition of her work
Montserrat received recognition for her work in improving the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.
- Creu de Sant Jordi (1992)
- Medal of the Parliament of Catalonia (2006)
- Gold Cross (2008)
In one of her lectures, she said: “In life, what truly matters are values.”
Andy’s dream: a book for history
Her son Andy, who has been living independently since 2000, fulfilled his dream in 2018 by publishing his book: “Ignoring DS: Memoirs and Reflections”.
This book gathers his thoughts and reflections on life with Down syndrome.
Montserrat was able to see her son achieve this milestone. And Andy… is currently preparing volume 2.
Her legacy
Montserrat Trueta, may she rest in peace, passed away in 2018, but her legacy lives on through the FCSD and the ongoing fight for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
In her honor, in 2018 the Human Rights Assembly was renamed Montserrat Trueta Human Rights Assembly (ADHMT).
Today, thanks to what she started, people with disabilities are the role models who lead us and shape the future that in 1984 was only a dream.