PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME FROM OVER 50 COUNTRIES ‘DEMAND TO BE HEARD’ AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK

New York City, New York – Down Syndrome International will present the 12^th World Down Syndrome Day Conference, taking place at the United Nations on 21^st March 2023, featuring speakers and delegates from 50 countries plus a global online audience.

Down Syndrome International is proud to bring the World Down Syndrome Day Conference 2023 to New York being held in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Down Syndrome Day Conference will feature many people with Down syndrome coming together to create a single voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

The theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2023 is ‘With Us Not For Us’(https://youtu.be/gzYX6QFG8KE). The conference will cover the following areas: understanding the right to legal capacity, good practices in supported decision-making and easy-to-understand communication. This year’s conference will feature the most people with Down syndrome speaking in its history, plus 3 sessions will be moderated by people with Down syndrome.

Keynote speakers include John Cronin, Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer

John's Crazy Socks who will be presenting ‘Effective Communications Benefits Everyone’.

“I am so excited to speak at the United Nations.” John said. “Every day, I want to show the world what people with Down syndrome can do when given the opportunity. My father and I created a business called John’s Crazy Socks. We want to share that good communications with my colleagues with differing abilities are important, but those good communications benefit all employees”. He added “I sometimes need help understanding difficult documents, but it is important that I make decisions about my life”.

Also Kandi Pickard the President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, USA will be speaking about ‘Understanding the right to legal Capacity’.

“NDSS is thrilled to support Down Syndrome International and celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at the United Nations together,” said Kandi Pickard. “It is important we not only advocate here in the U.S., but that we bring individuals and families from across the world together on this important day. Our voices are stronger as one.”

Connie Laurin-Bowie, Executive Director of Inclusion International will also be contributing to the session.

“The right to make decisions about our lives, from small day to day decisions to big things like where to live and if we want to be married, is fundamental to all other human rights.” said Connie. “Without support and recognition of the right to decide, all other rights are denied” she added.

Chaica Al Quaaimi, DSi Ambassador will be presenting Easy to understand communication.

She said

“I feel amazing being at the United Nations, and being part of the World Down Syndrome Day event.

Sam Potterton, Self-Advocate from Down’s Syndrome Association UK will be presenting about supported decision making.

Sam's presentation's message is "to speak up to people about being independent so they can make their own decisions and be able to do this as independently as possible"

Down Syndrome International has organised this event since its inception in 2012 when the theme was ‘Building Our Future’. This year’s theme is ‘With Us Not For Us’ and aims to highlight how supporting people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities to do things for themselves can transform lives.

Andrew Boys Executive Director, Down Syndrome international said

“The World Down Syndrome Day Conference in New York is one of our most eagerly anticipated events. It provides a much-needed platform for people with Down syndrome to advocate about key issues impacting their lives”. Andrew added “This conference is our first in-person event for over 3 years and we had over 150 applicants who wanted to speak. People with Down syndrome have a right to be included in all aspects of society and this conference aims to get this message across loud and clear”.

The conference will be streamed Live on UN Web TV free of charge 10am (EDT) 2pm (GMT)

https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1u11u30cz

About Down Syndrome International (DSi)

Down Syndrome international is an international disabled people's organisation, comprising a membership of individuals and organisations from all over the world, committed to improving quality of life for people with Down syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others. Their advocacy extends across inclusion in employment, education, healthcare and the work of organisations, all of which is driven by people with Down syndrome and their families.

Down Syndrome International https://www.ds-int.org/

World Down Syndrome Day https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

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With Us Not for Us Campaign Video https://youtu.be/gzYX6QFG8KE

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