The 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) 8/14-8/18

The 11th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) is finally upon us (14-18 August 2012) and for the first time in 2012 you can join us from the comfort of your computer screens by taking part in the WDSC SOCIAL MEDIA PROJECT.

For the duration of the WDSC, we will post minute by minute coverage including quotes from our speakers and presentations, photographs and video which we hope will enable you to feel an integral part of this global event.

TO JOIN US:

• LIKE US on Facebook “World Down Syndrome Congress”
• FOLLOW US on Twitter “@WorldDSCongress”
• SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL on YouTube “wdsc 2012”  

World Down Syndrome Congress Down Syndrome International is committed to organising the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), to be held every 3 years in a different location. The WDSC is a unique opportunity to gather the global community who have an interest in Down syndrome to meet new people, share experience and best practices.


Who Should Attend?
Note that CPD Points will be awarded to Health Care Professionals (exact indication of the numbers of points will be advised as soon as the program is confirmed)

• Individuals with Down syndrome

Families and other direct carers

Researchers, clinicians, therapists, educators, government personnel and other interested persons wanting to learn more about Down syndrome.

 
Why attend?

World Down Syndrome Congress 2012 offers 3 days of plenary and concurrent sessions consisting of presentations from individuals with Down syndrome, professionals in the field of Down syndrome and family members from all over the world representing a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition, it provides a one day of pre-congress Indaba for young adults with Down syndrome, along with an excellent platform for networking, the exchange of ideas and the formation of friendships.

   

For information about Down Syndrome International visit: www.ds-int.org

 

For information about Down Syndrome South Africa visit: www.downsydrome.org.za

 

Self Advocate Sheri Brynard's Accomplishments

From The Star:

During the 17th Annual Hamlet Foundation National Awards Ceremony held last week in Johannesburg, Sheri Brynard of Bloemfontein was awarded the President Award for her achievements and work she does in the field of mentally disabled South Africans.

The Hamlet Foundation was founded in 1954 by a group of parents whose children were exempted from normal schooling and today it runs a school for intellectually disabled children, a residential centre for intellectually disabled adults and a protective workshop for intellectually disabled adult workers. Annually, workers and people in the field of the intellectually disabled throughout South Africa are rewarded at a gala night, which also serves as a fundraiser.

Sheri has Down Syndrome and has excelled academically like no other person with Down Syndrome in South Africa. She received her National N3 Matric certificate and went on to complete her N4 and N5 National Diploma in Educare.

Her papers were set and marked nationally and nobody could help her in any way. She also received the highest prestige award from the SA Downs Association, for academic achievement by a person with Down Syndrome, from Hellen Zille.

Sheri has achieved culturally, by being the first person with Down Syndrome to achieve the highest honour in Provincial and National eisteddfods between normal learners.

She has done 90 motivational talks nationally and internationally. She changes people's perspectives of persons with Down Syndrome. She is the ambassador for all people with Down Syndrome in South Africa and serves on the international Down Syndrome board.

Sheri is the only person with Down Syndrome to have a National Educational Diploma where she can pursue her occupation. She is an assistant teacher at a special school.

She also facilitates the self advocacy movement in the Free State.

She has shown that with determination, a positive attitude and a very strong will, one can overcome many obstacles and still reach those goals you set out to achieve. “My mother and my father always expected me to do my best and they supported and helped me to stay motivated every step of the way,” says Sheri.

Sheri Brynard's Graduation Speech: