Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Science organized a two-day international conference on the theme ‘Best Practices in Education and Training of Persons with Down Syndrome’. The aim of the conference is to provide a platform for special educators and rehabilitation professionals to express their views on research and innovation in the field of education and training for the persons suffering from down syndrome. During the occasion, Ms. Devanshi Joshi, Active Ambassador for the cause of the differently abled and honored with Helen Keller Award, shared her life journey, challenges and achievements.
Speaking on the topic, Dr. Ivan Brown, Vice President, Policy and Education Director of the Academy, SIRG Coordinator, Canada & Executive Member, IASSIDD said “the merger of down syndrome and the capable world is necessary, which will help in recognition of our competence”. The down syndrome is a genetic chromosome 21 disorder that slows physical and intellectual development. It is necessary to encourage people suffering from Down syndrome through teaching and training averred Dr. Brown.
Sharing her views, Dr. Rhonda Faragher, Associate Professor, The University of Queensland, Australia, Trustee, Down syndrome International said “A value-based guide can bring changes in the life of a student with Down syndrome. We have to understand the symptoms and training practices of this genetic disease. Even today, we see a sense of discrimination or inequality with the person of Down syndrome in the world, which is the biggest challenge of the present time. Research and training are being done in the field of Down syndrome by many institutes, new techniques of practice are being developed, therefore we must work together. International cooperation is necessary for this work cannot be done separately” said Dr. Faragher.
Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor Amity University said that the conference will provide a platform for experts, scientists, academics, special educators, researchers, and students working in the field of Down syndrome to express their views and share ideas and be beneficial to all. Discussions and sessions on important topics will be helpful in developing mutual support.
Dr. Himangshu Das, Director, National Institute for the Empowerment of Person with Visual Disabilities, Dehradun said “we have to always remain hopeful by encouraging students. Students with down syndrome are receiving support at various levels. The schemes for the development of entrepreneurship, along with providing reservation in employment, are being operated by the government”. Presently, the development of teaching skills and subject-based special curricular for the students of Down syndrome will have to be promoted. There is also a need for training of teachers and parents along with special teachers. The school should conduct positive programs including multi-disciplinary approach.
During the second day, Mr. Nachiketa Raut, Director NIPMD, Chennai called upon respecting students suffering from Down syndrome and it is necessary to protect their personality. By developing writing, reading, and other skills, we can help a person suffering from Down syndrome or disability with social development.
Major BV Ram Kumar, Director in Charge, NIEPID, Sikandrabad stated that we should adopt a life cycle-based approach in which intellectuals work for the empowerment of persons with disabilities therefore a three way approach should be adopted while helping rehabilitation i.e physical rehabilitation, educational rehabilitation and economic rehabilitation.
During the Programme, Mrs. Pallavi Chauhan, Joint Director, Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences delivered the vote of thanks and while the guests called for a joint participation of trainers, teachers and students
Technical sessions were organized during the programme, wherein Dr Jayanthi Pujari, Director of Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Science gave lecture on "Overview on Down Syndrome". Dr Lorrien Gaunt delivered a lecture on “Person of Down Syndrome" Emerging trends in education and training”.