A hand book on Down Syndrome, meant for parents, special educators, teachers and community based rehabilitation workers, was released by the Holy Cross Service Society here on Wednesday.
The first copy of the handbook, brought out by S.Prabakar Immanuel, Executive Director, Holy Cross Service Society, was released by K.Meena, former vice-chancellor, Bharathidasan University.
The book would be distributed free of cost to parents of children with Down Syndrome.
This book provides details on facts about the syndrome including the life span, cure, the three types, its non-hereditary nature and other related issues.
The book also advocates the need for specialised services focusing on the special needs of children with Down Syndrome rather than dubbing them as “mentally retarded.”
Dr.Meena stressed the need for recognising persons with Down Syndrome as a category of their own as it was different from mental retardation. The teaching methods, approaches of meeting their special needs, communication, social behaviour and learning capabilities are highly individualised for such children.
She also underlined the rights of children with Down Syndrome and suggested the launch of a website and development of a system to train the trainers.
According to a press release from the society, the meet decided to establish a Down Syndrome Society to provide a meeting ground for parents, professionals and other stake holders to promote the rights of children with Down Syndrome.
To receive the book free of cost, parents can contact Holy Cross Service Society, Plot No.3, Ettupattai Compound, Behind Govt. Hospital, Puthur, Trichy-17, or dial 0431 – 2771544.
