Next year, the city will play host to a special event: the 12 World Down Syndrome Congress, scheduled to be held from August 17 to 21. Organised by the Down’s Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu (DSAT), the Congress will see participation of people with Down Syndrome, their families, doctors, researchers and others in the field, from across the world, said Surekha Ramachandran, president, DSAT, at a press meet on Saturday.
One of the highlights of the Congress will be a one-day panchayat – an opportunity for people with Down syndrome to talk about the issues they face and what can be done to resolve them. “There is very little self-advocacy in India. People with Down syndrome hardly ever get the opportunity to air their problems – other people are always speaking for them. That is why we have set aside a day for this,” Ms. Ramachandran said.
Jet Airways is partnering with DSAT for the event, and will offer discounts on tickets to all those who want to visit Chennai to attend the event, said Praveen B. Iyer, senior general manager (revenue optimisation), Jet Airways.
Vanessa dos Santos, president, Down Syndrome International, an umbrella organisation that coordinates the events, said it was very important to focus on developing countries. “There are lots of preconceived notions about the syndrome and not a lot of awareness. At the congress, people with Down syndrome and professionals can get together,” she said.
The World Down Syndrome Congress is a triennial event. The last congress was held in Cape Town in 2012.
