World Down Syndrome Congress a great success

Chris Pike of Narrabri and Tim O’Connor of Coonamble recently travelled to Brisbane to attend the 2024 World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane from July 9-12.

The international congress is an action-packed week for people with down syndrome, their families, carers, and medical professionals, researchers and service providers.

The latest research and best practices are showcased throughout the week’s events, as well as hearing the lived experience of Down syndrome from around the world.

The 2024 World Down syndrome day was centred around the theme ‘End the Stereotypes’.

This theme focused on the initiative to integrate people with Down syndrome in all aspects of life and not discriminate against them.

One in every 1100 babies born in Australia has Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, making it the most common cause of intellectual disability.

It’s important for everyone to learn more about this genetic condition, and to know that people with Down syndrome can live healthy, happy and long lives.

Featuring top speakers and self-advocates, a mix of practical workshops and exhibitions, inspiring talks and cutting-edge research, the congress was enjoyed by all with a gala dinner rounding off the week’s activities.

A highlight of the week for Chris and Tim was being seated with CEO of Down Syndrome Australia, Mr Darryl Steff, at the gala dinner evening.

Mr Steff joined Down Syndrome Australia in January 2023 from his role as CEO of Down Syndrome Queensland, where he led the organisation for seven years successfully advocating for the needs of people with Down syndrome.

It was more than 40 years ago, in 1981, that the vision for a more inclusive world for people with Down syndrome was ignited in Mexico City.

Sylvia Escamilla, the founder and president of Fundación John Langdon Down, organised the first World Down Syndrome Congress, bringing together representatives from more than 25 countries.

The congress was a groundbreaking event, providing a platform for people with Down syndrome, their families and advocates to share their stories, learn from each other, and develop strategies for promoting inclusion and full participation in society.

The success of the first World Down Syndrome Congress inspired the organisers to establish an international network to support organisations working to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Jo Mills (Canada), Penny Robertson (Australia) and Sylvia Escamilla (Mexico) began work on forming the constitution of this new organisation, later joined by representatives from Europe and Asia.