Celebrating Ability: Investing in and accompanying children and adults with Down syndrome and their families
Thursday, March 21, 2024
1:15-2:30 PM
UNHQ New York, CR 6
Click here for UN Webcast Link.
UN pass required to attend. Please RSVP by March 18th here.
The General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (A/RES/66/149). “In order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day.” This event will bring together persons with Down syndrome and other Down syndrome advocates to highlight the social support that persons with Down syndrome need to thrive and contribute to society.
Knowing and living with a person with Down syndrome is life changing for those who have this privilege. Contrary to widespread misconceptions about persons with disabilities, persons with Down syndrome contribute to their families and society at large. While there is growing awareness of the inherent dignity of persons with Down syndrome, there is still much to be done for a greater understanding of their contribution to societies in every sphere of life, be it spiritually, socially, or economically, especially when they are afforded the social protection they need. A culture of social neglect, eugenic abortion, sub-standard social policies and lack of protection impedes and global acceptance for persons with Down syndrome.
Support and social protection for mothers and families to welcome and care for children with Down syndrome are often insufficient, even though international law enshrines special protections for motherhood and the family. Pregnant women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for their children often receive incomplete and imbalanced information regarding their children’s potential and their own ability to parent a child with special needs. Social policies to help persons with Down syndrome develop and achieve their full potential are necessary and badly needed, both due to lack of resources and disability discrimination.
People with Down syndrome may require specialized health care for conditions that can occur in connection with Down syndrome. They need social integration, education, and job opportunities. Above all, society more broadly, needs to be sensitized to the great gift that persons with Down syndrome are to their mothers, families and society. This event will address gaps and challenges in ensuring an inclusive and welcoming society for all those with Down syndrome.
EVENT SPEAKERS
H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Patricia and Isabella Hass, Parent Advocate and Ambassador, Hearts of Joy International, Self-Advocate
Mark Bradford, Fellow, Word on Fire Institute, and founding president, Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA
Brian Skotko, M.D., M.P.P, Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, U.S. House of Representatives, member of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus and mother of a child with Down syndrome (Invited)
Lauren Costabile, founder, Hearts of Joy International
Frank Stephens, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Board Member, Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee, Public Speaker, and Self-Advocate
EVENT SPONSORS
Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations
Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam)
MODERATOR
Lisa Correnti, Executive Vice President, Center for Family and Human Rights
View online at: https://c-fam.org/event/celebrating-ability/
© 2016 C-Fam (Center for Family & Human Rights).
Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
www.c-fam.org