City to host conference on Down Syndrome

Almost 30000 children with Down syndrome are born in our country every year

Pune, May 29, 2018: City is hosting first of its kind conference on Down
syndrome, one of the most common genetic birth disorders which is rarely spoken about.

Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI) is organising its 2nd India International Down Syndrome Conference (IIDSC) in Pune between May 31 and June 2, 2018 to create awareness about Down Syndrome scenario in India. Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, Founder, DSFI announced this during a Press Conference held in the city today.
Ramachandran also stressed upon the fact that ‘Down syndrome’ is not a disease but a condition that can be treated with right intervention. She also highlighted that almost 30000 children with Down syndrome are bornin our country every year.
Other experts like Tehnaz Ragi, co-ordinator IIDSC activity room, Shweta Ranka, a leading architect and parent were present at the conference to share the views on Down syndrome.

Mentioning the factors of Down Syndrome, Ramachandran stated that, “While interacting with parents during DSFI initiatives, we came to realise that the day to day stress affects during conception. Also, today we are exposed to various radiations in the form of computers, mobile phones etc. So, taking these points into consideration it is important to conduct an extensive research to figure out if genetic disorders like Down syndrome can occur in children whose parents are in specific occupation like in IT field.”

DSFI is an organization that offers support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families through various Down syndrome Institutions across India. Through IIDSC whose first edition was in Delhi in 2017, DSFI aims to try and spread the message that Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which the person can come into inclusive living with early intervention and care.

This event intends to bring together all stakeholders like educators, health care professionals in the field of Down syndrome to bring about a positive change in the lives of persons with Down syndrome and request the Government to bring in laws to protect their interests in our country. A total of 30 families from Pune will be participating at the conference. Also, 182 parents, 68 children below the age of 10 and 21 children above 10 which will be a mixed group of children with Down syndrome and their siblings will be a part of the event.

Down Syndrome is associated with mild to moderate learning disabilities, developmental delays, characteristic facial features, and low muscle tone in early infancy. Many individuals with Down syndrome have various health issues. Through a series of screenings and tests, Down Syndrome can be detected before and after a baby is born.

Today medical sciences has developed so much that it is possible to find out about genetic aberrations in the womb itself. Yet there are almost 30000 children with Down syndrome born in our country every year. And this number corresponds to the international average of 1 in every 800 live births.

Eminent doctors from Pune will be sharing their expertise and experiences with parents at the IIDSC 2018 event. This includes the like of Dr.Vaman Khadilkar, Dr. Rajiv Sharangpani, Dr. Archana Kadam, Dr.Rajan Joshi, Dr.Koumudi Godbole and Dr. Usha Pratap amongst others. A panel discussion to address medical issues helping parents to understand their wards better will also be conducted during the event. There will be various fun activities like painting, brain gym, dancing and games for all the participants, especially children.

About Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI)
“Down Syndrome Federation of India” (DSFI), an organization that offers support to individuals with Down’s Syndrome and their families through various Down’s Syndrome Institutions across India. DSFI is registered with the Office of the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu under Section 52 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
Established in the year 1984, with 6 children, DSFI today serves innumerable children not only around India, but also the Middle East. DSFI has been working for the cause of all Down syndrome – whether it is individuals with DS, parents or siblings. Hamsafar is a parent support group formed under DSFI to facilitate and empower the families of children with Down syndrome.

About Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, founder of DSFI
Dr. Surekha Ramachandran has been a visionary as far as DS in India is concerned. When Babli Ramachandran, her daughter was diagnosed as a person with DS, she refused to cow down before doctors who gave Babli no hope. Inspired by her struggles, she decided to help more parents like her and more children like Babli to lead as near-normal lives as possible.
Dr. Surekha Ramachandran holds a Ph.D in Cognitive Deficits and Depression in Down Syndrome at University of Madras. She is very passionate about Down Syndrome and the importance of early intervention for people with DS. She has been a trustee of Down Syndrome International from its inception and has been contributing to the awareness of Down Syndrome in India and the globe through various lectures and books.