Conference dwells on concerns of persons with Down syndrome

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 17

The 1st India International Down Syndrome Conference aimed at creating awareness and support for people with Down syndrome saw an encouraging participation from affected families, caretakers, doctors, researchers and special educators from all over the country in the national Capital.

Down syndrome, the most common autosomal chromosome abnormality in humans, happens to be a condition in which the child sees growth delays, physical as well as cognitive. Such kids have varying degree of intellectual disability and distinct facial features, among things that need to be diagnosed in the early years of life if missed during prenatal screening.

The convention was convened under the aegis of Down Syndrome Federation of India and supported by the National Trust, a body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with “Ekam – Born to belong” signifying the integration of the persons with the disability— a constant demand for them as its theme.

More than 450 delegates, including 80 persons with Down syndrome from across the country, gathered at the conference wherein issues surrounding early intervention, rehabilitative education, social rights, education and employment needs, and the need for the increase in support systems available for people with Down syndrome apart from social awareness were discussed.

Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, founder of DSFI and DSAT, said, “IIDSC 2017 was a great opportunity in creating awareness, acceptance, education, visibility, and medical facilities for people with intellectual challenges. It will definitely help to raise the profile of people with Down syndrome in India and Asia. We hope that our government will help us in creating an inclusive society for persons with Down syndrome and bring in laws to protect their interests.”