Various sessions on scientific developments, research, social inclusion along with and workshops for people with Down syndrome will be held
Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI) is organising the first edition of India International Down Syndrome Conference (IIDSC) at India Habitat Center New Delhi on September 9 and 10, 2017. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment has consented to be the Chief Guest at the event. The aim of this event is to make society more aware of DS, get inclusivity for persons with DS and request the government to bring in laws to protect their interests.
National Trust, a statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, set for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities is also supporting the event.
Reportedly, the event is being represented by over 350 delegates representing not only India, but also countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka etc. They will be attending various sessions on scientific developments, research, social inclusion for people with Down syndrome, ways to make them more independent and workshops. Many international experts in the area of Down syndrome will be sharing their views with us. These experts include Prof Tony Holland, The Health Foundation, Chair In Learning Disabilities, University of Cambridge; Dr Brian Skotko, Board-certified medical geneticist & Co-Director, Down Syndrome Programme, Massachusetts General Hospital; Dr George Capone, Associate professor of paediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Dr Bhavani Sriram, Neonatologist & specialist in Paediatric Medicine, Kinder Clinic, Singapore& consultant to Down syndrome Association, Singapore; Dr S Suresh, Doctor, Chengalpet Medical college.
Other than these keynote speakers, there will be over 40 speakers from both India and abroad who will be focussing on the latest developments, training methodologies, Health aspects, social inclusion and other issues that are relevant for a society like ours.
Running in parallel with this programme for people with Down syndrome to share each others experiences.
A book authored by Dr Surekha Ramachandran, titled Down, but not out-Babli’s story will also be released during the inauguration and the Chief Guest, would be the first recipient of the book.
On the September 8, 2017, the Annual General Meeting of the Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Federation (APDSF) of which India is one of the main members is also being organised. Nearly 11 countries from the Asia Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mongolia, Japan and Singapore will be a part of this event.